Selecting non-durable floating shelves can be both a hassle and a costly endeavor. If you pick the wrong type of wood, you risk sagging, warping, or even complete collapse of the shelves.
You don’t want to risk your safety with shoddy shelving, so I’m here to recommend the best wood for floating shelves that guarantee durability and integrity.
Importance of Choosing the Right Wood Type for Your Floating Shelf
Floating shelves are a popular choice for homeowners and interior designers alike for extra storage space or display space, thanks to their minimalist and modern aesthetic.
However, selecting the right type of wood for your floating shelves is crucial to their functionality and longevity. Choosing the wrong wood can cause the shelves to collapse under the weight of your items, which not only looks unsightly but also poses a safety hazard.
Top 11 Wood Choices for a Floating Shelf
#1: Walnut
Walnut wood is highly resilient and robust, possessing a 1010 lbf on the Janka hardness scale. Walnut is capable of supporting objects that weigh over 50 lbs, and its comparatively light weight makes it manageable for DIY shelf installation.
Moreover, the wood has a straight grain and varies in color from yellow on the outer layer to dark brown on the inner portion.
Pros
- It has excellent workability
- It is capable of being painted with ease
- It is resistant to both shrinking and swelling
- The wood is known for its high level of strength and durability
Cons
- Walnut wood may come at a premium due to its rarity.
- It displays a color variation that spans from dark to light.
#2: Alder
Although not the strongest hardwood, alder wood is resistant to bending and bowing, and is easy to glue and machine. It also stains evenly and beautifully, with a rustic, reddish pink hue grain and attractive knots.
These natural features make alder wood the best wood for both modern decor and rustic applications, as well as common carpentry projects such as furniture, shelving, and cabinetry.
The abundant availability of this particular wood type adds to its sustainability and environmentally conscious appeal.
Pros
- It is a lightweight and porous material
- It has low density compared to other hardwoods
- Cost-effective material
- Resistant to rot and decay
- Low levels of resin and other impurities
Cons
- Prone to dents and scratches over time
- Poor moisture resistance and humidity
- Lower strength-to-weight ratio
#3: White Oak
Its remarkable hardness makes it a desirable option for various applications such as furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and of course, shelving for extra storage space.
Moreover, white oak is naturally resistant to decay and the elements, making this wood an ideal choice for outdoor spaces, kitchens, and bathroom shelves.
With its charming character and beautiful staining capabilities, it can be used in almost any area. It is no wonder that white oak is the best wood choice for customers time and time again.
Pros
- It is durable and strong.
- It is resistant to decay and insect damage
- The wood's surface takes finishes and stains well
- It has natural resistance to warping and cracking
- White oak is very abundant and widely available from wood sellers
- Due to its high availability, it is a cost-effective option for manufacturing shelves on a larger scale.
Cons
- It can be expensive
- It can be difficult to work with
- White oak can have a high tannin content, which could cause discoloration or staining over time and if the shelves are exposed to moisture or other environmental factors.
#4: Red Oak
Red oak wood is a versatile and robust hardwood with a 290lbf Janka hardness rating. Despite being lighter in weight than white oak, this type of wood is capable of bearing a reasonable amount of weight, specifically up to 35 lbs, when utilized for a floating shelf.
Red oak is known for its ability to polish without bloating and absorb stains. Compared to white oak, red oak is easier to work with and has a higher propensity for staining. Thus, it is an excellent choice for the best wood for shelving projects, as it is easy to cut, handle, and finish.
Pros
- It is scratch-resistant.
- Is is resistant to warping
- The wood is simple to manipulate
- It is robust and long-lasting
Cons
- It has inadequate resistance to moisture
- It is costlier compared to other choices of solid wood
- Red oak darkens upon exposure to moisture
#5: Maple
Maple is a sturdy type of wood with a rating of 1450 lbf on the Janka hardness scale. This makes it one of the strongest wood options in the market.
Its wood grain is straight, and it has a white color with reddish-brown undertones. Compared to other hardwoods, maple is an affordable option.
Because of its remarkable strength and durability, maple can resist scratches and dents. It is the best wood choice among woodworkers for making furniture and flooring, as well as floating shelves.
However, maple can be challenging to work with, but with the help of machinery tools, it can be easily manipulated. It also takes stains very well. When used for shelves, maple can hold up to a moderate weight capacity of 50 lbs per stud that attaches to the bracket.
Pros
- Maple is receptive to absorbing stains
- It is less pricey compared to other types of hardwood
- The wood is robust and long-lasting
Cons
- It can be difficult to manipulate using manual tools
- The wood has minimal grain variation, which some people may not find visually appealing
#6: Mahogany
This is a heavy hardwood that has a hardness rating that ranges from 800-900lbf. Despite its hardness, mahogany is easy to work with using tools, and it is highly receptive to staining and polishing.
This makes it an excellent option for displaying heavier objects. Because of this, I often recommend mahogany as the top choice for crafting floating bookshelves that can support a substantial weight, with a storage capacity exceeding 65 lbs for each individual shelf. Additionally, it’s one of my preferred wood types for constructing bed frames.
Pros
- It is moderately hard
- It has an attractive color and grain pattern
- It is resistant to dents and scratches
- The wood has a high-weight capacity
- It is robust and long-lasting
Cons
- The wood itself is heavy
- Its availability is relatively restricted compared to other wood varieties
- Mahogany is a costly option
#7: Koa
Koa is highly regarded for its resilience and durability, boasting a Janka hardness rating of 1220lbf. It is also known for its strength and longevity.
This hardwood’s natural beauty and interlocking wood grain are remarkable, making it unnecessary to add a stain that would obscure its unique appeal.
Its exceptional strength and relatively low weight make this wood ideal for shelving. Moreover, Koa’s moisture and weather-resistant properties add to its overall durability, making it one of the best wood for floating shelves.
Pros
- You don't need to stain it
- It is unlikely to warp
- It is resistant to moisture and humidity
- The wood is long-lasting
- It is lightweight and easy to handle
- It is sturdy and durable
Cons
- It is costlier than other hardwoods mentioned
- It is difficult to manipulate due to its weight
#8: Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is a widely used softwood with a hardness rating of 660 lbf on the Janka scale. It is sufficiently strong and a durable and versatile material for creating floating shelves that can perform exceptionally in any room.
While staining can be challenging due to its uneven texture and porous structure, Douglas fir takes stains well. Thanks to its high strength rating among softwoods, Douglas fir is a popular choice for exterior and interior floating shelves among DIY enthusiasts and woodworkers.
Pros
- Douglas fir is widely available due to its short growth period
- It is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood
- It is lightweight and easy to manipulate
- It has exceptional strength in relation to its weight
Cons
- It can be challenging to stain uniformly
- It can be susceptible to showing signs of wear and tear over time
- It is prone to denting and scratching
- It is less dense than hardwoods
#9: Cherry
Cherry is one of those wood types that embody with beauty and strength. This hardwood is available in various colors, including reddish-brown hues, yellow, white, and dark brown.
Cherry wood is highly malleable and can be easily carved, making it a preferred choice of material for skilled carpenters who wish to create exquisite and durable cabinets and floating shelves. Moreover, staining cherry wood is easy.
Pros
- Cherry is very easy to use when crafting or constructing
- The grain pattern of this wood is stunning and intricate
- It is durable and strong
Cons
- It has a tendency to visibly collect dust and dirt
- For cabinetry, it can be a bit expensive
- It is prone to moisture damage
#10: Pine
Pine wood is a type of softwood with a 870 lbf rating on the Janka hardness scale. It has uneven grains, and its color is generally light with yellow and brown undertones.
Due to its moderate strength and lightweight nature, pine is easy to carve. It is commonly used by woodworkers for creating furniture and is particularly suitable for floating shelves for home decor.
When properly finished, pine can be protected and preserved for an extended period of time. Pine wood floating shelves are capable of supporting up to 50 lbs weight capacity for each bracket that is attached to a stud and may require iron reinforcement for added support.
Pros
- It is more cost-effective than other hardwoods
- It has the right durability and lightness for shelving
- It is easy to use when crafting or building
Cons
- It is prone to denting and scratching
- It tends to absorb more paint than other wood surfaces.
#11: Plywood
Plywood is a cost-effective alternative to solid wood shelves, as it is an engineered wood composed of thin layers of various wood species held together.
This lightweight material is versatile and straightforward to work with, making it an ideal wood for a wide range of applications, such as furniture and floating shelves. After completing your project, you can add a waterproof coating or stain to enhance its appearance.
Among the different types of plywood, cabinet-grade plywood is commonly used by professional carpenters for making wood shelves and cabinets. It is known for its durability and strength, and its ability to hold objects weighing capable up to 50 lbs of weight.
Pros
- It is adaptable and simple to handle
- It doesn't easily bend or warp
- It is one of the cheapest wood options you can find
- Plywood can be easily found in stores
Cons
- Its surface may peel if not adequately stained
- It is vulnerable to moisture and insects if not shielded
- It is not as long-lasting as authentic wood
Buying Considerations to Know
Color and Appearance
When selecting wood for floating shelves, color is a paramount factor you should take into consideration. Make sure that the shelf’s color harmonizes seamlessly with the home’s overall color scheme.
Length
Determining the appropriate length of floating shelves will depend on their intended placement and use, such as holding books, musical instruments, or plants. Also, to ensure accuracy, it is vital to measure the wall space where the floating shelves will be installed.
Thickness
The thickness of the wood for the floating wood shelves is important to ensure its stability when supporting heavy items. Ideally, a thickness of two inches would be appropriate to prevent the shelf from tipping over or breaking under load.
Weight Capacity
When constructing floating shelves, the total weight they can support is primarily determined by the load-bearing capacity of the chosen wood. It is, therefore, essential to carefully select the best wood for floating shelves based on the items you’ll stack on the surface.
Durability
I suggest opting for wood types that can release and absorb water. Choosing warp-resistant hardwoods that can endure various chemicals and conditions will guarantee your floating shelves’ longevity.
Bracket Selection
I recommend selecting brackets four inches smaller than the length of the shelf and half an inch thinner than the thickness of the shelf. This will help to ensure that the brackets remain hidden and don’t detract from the floating effect of the shelf.
To create the illusion of a floating shelf, the brackets supporting the shelf must be hidden from view. Once you have determined the dimensions of your shelf, the next step is to choose the appropriate brackets.
Solid vs. Engineered Wood
Solid wood refers to a piece of wood that is made entirely out of a single piece of natural or real wood, whereas engineered wood is made by combining layers of wood shavings or wood fibers with adhesives.
Solid wood for floating shelves can offer a traditional, authentic look and is known for its durability and strength. However, it can also be more expensive and prone to warping or cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity.
On the other hand, engineered wood for floating shelves can be a more cost-effective option that offers greater stability and resistance to warping or cracking. It is also available in a wider range of finishes and can be made to look like various wood types.
FAQ
How do you install a floating shelf?
Begin by locating the wall studs and selecting an appropriate wall space. If the shelf is intended to hold weighty items, I recommend you install it directly into the stud.
Afterward, drill the bracket holes, level them, and secure the iron brackets with screws. Finally, place the shelf on the brackets and securely screw it underneath.
What should I display on my wooden shelves?
You can showcase a variety of decorative items, such as vases, books, or plants [1]. This way, you enhance the aesthetic appeal of a floating shelf while elevating the overall existing decor of your home. For modern, classic, or contemporary design, look for wood with straight edges.
How high should I install my shelf?
The height at which you should install your shelf depends on several factors, such as the purpose of the shelf and the items you plan to place on it. However, as a general guideline, I recommend installing floating shelves at the height of around 60-65 inches from the floor.
Is whitewood also a recommended wood for floating shelves?
These woods are relatively soft and not as strong wood for shelves as some hardwoods. As a result, they may not be the best choice for most floating shelves that need to support a lot of weight.
However, if you want to use this wood for building shelves, you can only put lightweight objects.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best wood for floating shelves depends on your individual preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your project.
However, by considering the pros and cons of different wood types and following best practices for shelf installation, you can create beautiful and functional floating shelves that enhance the look and feel of your space.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
