Guide to Wooden Shelves
Wooden shelves look good in almost any setting, and they can complement multiple design schemes from contemporary to classic, depending on how they are used. Wood has been used for thousands of years, so it is a proven and time tested material that can be used for any kind of furniture. It is very durable, aesthetically flexible, and brings a sense of style and value to the area.
Benefits of Wood Shelves
People have been using wood for as long as there have been trees, although many other materials have been invented; wood is still the most popular material. It is much easier to alter and more versatile than other materials like plastic and metal. Plastic is cheaper than wood but it is quite weak and can snap easily. Over time, plastic will also become discolored and brittle. Metal is much stronger than plastic or wood, but it can make the surroundings look industrial and lack warmth. Wood is stronger than plastic and better looking than metal, making it the best choice of material.
If you grow tired of the way your shelves are looking, you can simply drill, cut, paint, or stain them into a new style and color. There a limitless possibilities with wood, which is why it has such a timeless appeal. It is also extremely cost effective, because no material looks nearly as good as wood does for its price. There is a host of unknown materials and products on the market with unproven reliability, but most people know that wood shelving is reliable and will go the distance. Even older wood can be salvaged and refurnished to make it look as good as new.
Individuals who need to set up shelving themselves often find that wood is much easier to work with compared to glass or metal. Glass is very fragile and will break if it is dropped or positioned at the wrong angle. Metal can be very heavy, making it dangerous to use without the help of a few people. First time DIY workers will find that wooden wall shelves are one of the easiest projects to start with. They will give you a lot of experience to start working with other materials as well.
Shelving for Trade Shows
Wooden shelving units are often used for trade show because of their design allows them to quickly be assembled and disassembled. Most shelves are fastened to the wall with brackets, but wooden book shelves can also be used to display whatever products are being showcased. Adjustable shelves are always supported with brackets, these supports are inexpensive and much easier to install than wood supports. The shelf bracket and standard is one of the most popular shelf supports. In is neat in appearance and easy to install, making it very convenient for trade shows. All you need to fasten these shelves is a set of wrenches or a screwdriver. Some brackets do not require any screws or bolts, instead they use thick rubber or wood plugs to hold up the surface.
When arranging products on your shelves, make sure the items are not too heavy for the shelves to handle. Items that have a lot of weight should be placed on the sides or directly under the brackets or supports. Placing heavy items in the middle will cause the center to sag, permanently ruining your shelf.
Wood Shelf Care
Wood is a very durable material, but it is still subject to wear. If wood is not taken care of properly, it can rot, discolor, or get eaten by termites. After you have constructed or purchased your shelf set, you will need to regularly care for it to make sure it lasts a long time.
Even though moisture is good for trees, it is the biggest cause of wood problems for shelves. Thin wood is especially vulnerable to this problem and some shelves can rot in a matter of days. Installing shelves in wet places or near radiators cause it to soak up moisture and begin rotting. Small amounts of water will cause wood to bow and crack, rendering it unusable. Once these problems happen, the shelves are almost impossible to fix. Throughout the summer, use an air conditioner to lessen the humidity level.
Too much heat can also create problems for wood. Avoid having your shelves in the sun unless there is no other option. If wood is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, it will wear out the protective coating and become discolored.
Wooden shelves should be polished and cleaned periodically to maintain its pristine form. There are many products available for polishing wood, so you should use specialized cleaners instead of soap and water. Old wood will often have blemish areas that need to be sanded and refurbished to protect it and improve its look.