? Material/spacing for French Cleats ?

[soj]

I have made/used French Cleats before and used 3/4" plywood for both halves of the cleats.

I have also seen 1X4s (3/4" dressed) used. I am wondering about something less expensive than 3/4" plywood. Any opinions on using MDF, OSB or particle board? Anything else come to mind? I really don't think particle board would be suitable. I know premade metal cleats are available but haven't looked into any yet.

These are going on a new shop wall so vertical spacing ideas are welcome also.

Any help will be appreciated, TIA.

 

[matt_i]

A 1x4 @ 8' is less than $5 at a box store....screws could potentially cost more if you get #10 torx drives to hit studs.

 

[PCustoms]

Mdf, particle board etc is very likely to fail as there is minimal strength across such a narrow cross section.

Plywood or 1x4

 

[gahrajmahal]

How about pallet wood? It is usually free, just requires labor.

 

[ynned]

I used firring strips, and they're supporting some pretty heavy lumber.

 

[vavet]

I used 3/4” MDF. I don’t have a lot of weight on it, but I’ve had no issues in about 4 years.

 

[nadogail]

I used nominal 1" lumber for a large cabinet.