If you’ve got a lot of stuff, but not enough space in your closet to keep it organized, adding shelves may be the answer to your storage dilemma. However, deciding what material to use for your closet makeover is important. The material you choose will affect the durability and longevity of your closet for years. Most closet upgrades focus on the design rather than the materials.

There are a wide variety of materials that work well in a custom closet design. Whether you are renovating your existing home or just moved into a new house, choosing the best type of wood for closet shelves is important to build a custom closet that is durable, functional, and attractive.

The Best Wood for Closet Shelves

Several factors will determine the best wood for closet shelves. For example, if you’re using the closet to store cumbersome items that have some weight to them, then thick, dense wood is often the best choice, because it will hold up well over time and is sturdy enough to support heavier items. Here are some other types of wood to consider and why:

Spruce Wood Shelves

Spruce is a softer wood that is usually more affordable than other types of hardwood. Although it is not as strong as other wood options used for closet shelving, it will still support anything you place on it.

Pine Wood Shelves

Pine is another excellent choice, which makes it one of the best woods for shelves in your closet. This softwood is lighter than plywood but still sturdy enough for many closet applications. Pine is also one of the more affordable materials for a closet-building project, which makes it a popular choice. It’s also very easy to paint and stain, making it perfect for those who take a DIY approach to their closet makeover. While lightweight and easy to work with, keep in mind that this type of wood is better suited for storing light to medium-weight objects.

Plywood Shelves

Plywood is often used for replacing old cabinet drawers or starting a project from scratch. It's an extremely versatile and dependable shelving material consisting of layers of wood that criss-cross to enhance the overall strength of the material.

While this material is strong and resistant to sagging and warping (unless it gets soaked with water) it is better suited for use in garages and sheds. If you do decide to use plywood for interior shelving, use plywood labeled as furniture-grade. Plywood that is labeled as B or C-grade is a good choice for closet shelving in your garage.

Cherry Wood Shelves

Cherry wood is a great choice if you are looking to add shelving that is luxurious and offers eye-appeal. Cherry wood is a hardwood, meaning it is heavier than other types of wood and a bit more difficult to work with when it comes to drilling and cutting. However, unlike some other hardwoods, cherry wood is surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle. If you’re looking to add shelving with a rich, warm tone, cherry wood is a great choice. If you are adding shelving to display items in an elegant way, cherry is the way to go. This type of wood is suitable for shelving that will house either light or heavy objects.

Particle Board Shelves

If you’re looking to save some money, particle board is an option you might want to consider. Particle board is easy to cut and assemble. And with the right stain, this engineered wood can look almost identical to more expensive types of wood like cherry. It’s ideal for shelves that will store light to medium-weight objects, but avoid using it for very heavy objects, as it can warp and bend under constant pressure.

Melamine

Melamine isn't wood, but it is a very good choice for closet shelving materials because of its durability. It is made using organic chemical compounds that make it much stronger than wood. Melamine is also referred to as shelf board and is popular because it won’t warp, is heat-resistant, and is less likely to stain. The laminate coat of Melamine wood gives it better resistance to moisture, heat, and even stains. It’s a lightweight material, making it easy to use in a custom closet. If you have a modern living space and want your shelving to look sleek and glossy, melamine is a great choice. We recommend using this material for shelving units that will store light to medium-weight objects.

MDF Shelving

Medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, is a type of sheet product used to build shelving units. It is made of recycled paper waste, but it is not a weak material by any stretch. This material is sold in large sheets that are 4 x 8 feet in size. It is recommended to avoid using it in a span of more than 3 feet to avoid potential sagging. While it is not quite as strong as wood, it is strong enough for shelving that will contain clothing and other lightweight items. MDF is also a lot easier to cut than plywood or particle board.

Laminate Wood Shelving

Many of the shelving units in your home are made from laminate. This material is used to build cabinets, furniture, and other items. Laminate is unique in that it is extremely fire- and moisture-resistant, making it a popular material to use in residential homes. This wood is a type of “imitation” wood in which wooden patterns are printed onto the surface of the material, along with a protective layer on top. The core of laminate wood varies in terms of materials and can be made from plywood, particle board, plastic, or veneer. If you want expensive-looking wood material for your shelving but do not want to break the bank, laminate wood is a great choice for storing light to medium-weight items.

Reasons to Use a Specific Wood for Closet Shelves

A closet with sufficient shelving will provide an organized place for all of your clothes and accessories. However, choosing the right type of wood for your custom closet project depends on what you will be storing. Wood and melamine materials are most commonly used for shelving and compartments in closets. Let’s explore the benefits of each to have a better idea of which one to choose.

Using wood for your shelving provides the following benefits:

• Warp-resistant and holds up well over time.
• Durability - extremely durable for a long time.
• Can support heavy items.
• Versatility - can be used anywhere.
• Woods like cherry offer a classic look and style.

Using melamine materials for your shelving provides these benefits:

• Water and stain-resistant.
• Hold up well over time.
• Supports light to medium-weight items.
• Usually more affordable than wood.
• Lightweight and usually easier to work with
• Scratch- and stain-resistant
• Available in a variety of colors, styles, and finishes.

Organize Your Life with ShelfGenie®

Whether you’re looking to add more space or organize the space you have, adding shelves to the closets in your home can make finding what you need a lot easier. But measuring, cutting, and installing shelves to create your custom closet is no easy task. If you’re looking to organize your space better, there’s no better way to do it than with help from your local ShelfGenie. We take the hassle and stress out of organizing by offering practical storage solutions for every closet and room in your house.

A professional organizer from ShelfGenie will work with you to find the proper storage solutions for your specific needs. We will create beautifully organized spaces for everything you want to store in your closet. As part of the Neighborly family of home service brands, all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, so your satisfaction is guaranteed.

ShelfGenie’s innovative solutions make it easy to organize your space and keep it that way. To learn more, contact us today! Our experts will come to your home for a free, no-obligation design consultation for all your closet system needs!