Shelving

Particleboard and MDF is widely used in shelving applications because of predictable mechanical and physical properties, smooth wear resistant surface and wide range of sheet sizes and thicknesses. The term "Shelving" covers a wide range of applications from industrial storage systems to retail and display shelving and even work benches. These cases share the common requirement that design considerations should be applied to individual cases to ensure satisfactory performance of the shelving.

All three types of Particleboard and both types of MDF are suitable for industrial and commercial shelving. Standard and MR Particleboard and MDF have a fine surface designed for all decorative treatments such as wood veneers, low pressure melamine and high pressure laminates. These finishes are likely to be important in commercial applications. Particleboard flooring is not suitable for such decorative treatments. MR and flooring types are stronger and stiffer than standard Particleboard thus allowing higher loads or longer spans.

Safe Load Tables for Particleboard and MDF shelving are given in the Structural Shelving Design Manual.