How to Keep Particle Board Shelving From Sagging
Most families own many books, pictures, knick-knacks and other personal belongings. Displaying these items often requires shelving units. Hardwood shelves and bookcases can be expensive. Particle board is constructed of pressed, recycled wood. It's a less costly alternative to solid hardwood. The downside to using particle board shelving is its tendency to sag under weight. Preplanning can reduce the likelihood of sagging. Reinforced particle board shelving is still far less expensive than solid wood. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Wood molding
- Wood saw
- Fine grit sand paper
- Wood glue
- Finishing nails
- Wood stain
- Paint
- Sponge brush
Instructions
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Remove the shelves from the bookcase. Measure the length of the shelf and transfer the measurement to a piece of wood molding in the same thickness as the shelf.
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2
Cut the wood molding with a wood saw and lightly sand the edges smooth. Stain or paint the molding to the desired color. Allow the stain or paint to dry completely before proceeding.
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3
Lay a thin bead of wood glue along the shelf edge, adhere the wood molding to the glue and secure the molding with finishing nails. Set the shelves in the bookcase.
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Tips & Warnings
Hardwood molding works best.
This process can be used on freestanding or floating shelves as well.
Molding can be painted or stained in a coordinating or contrasting color.
Display heavier items at the ends of the shelves and lighter items in the middle.
Be sure to stain the molding before gluing; wood glue prevents the wood from accepting stain.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
