Choosing the Right Timber for Indoor and Outdoor Projects
A simple pine bookshelf is a good first timber project. You only need a saw, a drill, a spirit level and some wood glue. Buy planed pine from Sterkhout Timber so the edges are straight.Mark your cuts clearly and sand every edge before you assemble. Pre-drill the screw holes to stop the wood from splitting.
Fit a back panel to keep the frame square. Fix the shelf to the wall with two brackets so it cannot tip. Finish with a coat of clear varnish or paint to protect the wood from the dry Limpopo air.
Choosing your boards
Pick straight boards with few knots and check them by sighting along the edge. Pine is light, affordable and easy to cut with hand tools. For a shelf that will carry heavy books, use boards at least 18 mm thick. Treated timber is better for damp rooms or outdoor use, and we can cut boards to length in store if you bring your measurements.
Measure twice and cut once. A tight, square joint matters more than fancy tools, and a little patience at the start saves you a lot of sanding and fixing later.
Glue and screw every joint for a strong frame. Clamp the pieces while the glue sets, ideally overnight. Check for square by measuring both diagonals of the frame, which should match. If they do not, nudge the frame until they do before the glue dries. Wipe off any squeezed out glue with a damp cloth so the varnish takes evenly later on.
Finish and protect your shelf
Sand lightly with fine paper, wipe off the dust and apply two thin coats of varnish or paint. Let each coat dry fully before the next. Spitskop Paints has colours that suit most rooms.
Mark and level before drilling
Check the wall for pipes and cables first. Use a spirit level to mark your holes, then pick the right plug for brick or drywall. Drill slowly and keep the dust low.
Brick walls need a masonry bit and a solid wall plug, while drywall needs a cavity fixing that spreads the load. Always match the fixing to the weight of the item. Heavy shelves should go into brick or a stud, never into plain drywall. Ask in store if you are unsure and we will show you the right pack.
