Shelf Help

[netbrad]

I bought a house back in April that had some pre-existing shelving that I am trying to make use of (upper right of picture, best one I have):

There are 3 brackets 32 inches apart with a 2x8 sheet of 3/8" OSB on top. The OSB is not attached to the brackets. There are 3 shelves total. I want to put plastic bins full of Christmas ornaments and other seasonal stuff on the shelving.

I was going to shorten the OSB to 7 feet long and attach them through the brackets with screws. Is the 3/8" OSB going to be strong enough or should I get a thicker panel? I was also going to screw in a strip of 1x1 along the top edge of the OSB so stuff doesn't slide off if it gets bumped.

 

[JC23]

I would think if you put anything metal or heavy up there, it won't be strong enuf. It should be OK for what you have planned, tho. You might want to go with a thicker plywood if you add to the load. And watch for the middle to sag if the brackets are too far apart.

The ledge idea is a good one, too.

 

[ADaughen]

A 1x1 will stiffen it up some.

For Christmas ornaments, it should be ok. 3/8" is pretty thin for anything else. I have 1/2" in the attic on 24" centers and it bows enough that I don't put my full weight on it.