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9 replies
12k views
9 replies
Will MDF shelves withstand cold storage?
After reorganizing the garage, I've ended up with a couple of storage shelves that would be great in the cold storage (uninsulated). These are Biltema's storage shelves in galvanized steel with MDF shelves.
Can the MDF shelves handle the moisture that might occur if they are untreated, or will the shelves soften/bend over time? Or do I need to start a painting project if the shelves are going to be there?
I haven't measured, but I've never felt that it gets wet/damp in the storage. There’s no active ventilation, but it’s not sealed at the eaves, so I assume the moisture level follows the weather and seasons.
Can the MDF shelves handle the moisture that might occur if they are untreated, or will the shelves soften/bend over time? Or do I need to start a painting project if the shelves are going to be there?
I haven't measured, but I've never felt that it gets wet/damp in the storage. There’s no active ventilation, but it’s not sealed at the eaves, so I assume the moisture level follows the weather and seasons.
Rickard.
Member
· Riktiga Norrland
· 7 419 posts
Rickard.
Member
- Riktiga Norrland
- 7,419 posts
Mdf regardless of treatment does not like to be anywhere you are not comfortable in just underwear.
I personally think that råspont makes good shelf material in cold spaces. The narrowest, thinnest, and cheapest (95x17 perhaps?) often works well with some cross support.
I personally think that råspont makes good shelf material in cold spaces. The narrowest, thinnest, and cheapest (95x17 perhaps?) often works well with some cross support.
The words "MDF" and "moisture" do not go well in the same sentence. I don't know any building and construction material that is so extremely sensitive to moisture. And no, painting it is not enough. The slightest microscopic imperfection in the paint layer—a small "scratch" is enough—and the MDF will swell up like rust blooms on an old Alfasud. In a damp environment, solid wood or plywood is preferable, or even better, inorganic materials such as (powder-coated) metal.
Member
· Västerbottens län
· 18 048 posts
But Biltema does sell solid wood shelves (glued board).
Much better than MDF
Protte
Much better than MDF
Protte
I don't know what your garage looks like, but I have installed a wall with "Elfa profiles" (could be another brand as well) and as already mentioned, raw wood 5.3m long and 3-4 layers. You can vary the width and then plane/saw off the tongue and tidy up the front edge.
Grundstött
· Halland
· 28 345 posts
It's steel profiles that support the shelves on all sides, so for the surface itself, masonite/MDF is probably sufficient.
That's how they are sold.
PS
If you need more, they are surely super cheap at Harald N now, as they are closing down the stores in Sweden:
https://www.harald-nyborg.se/2-pack-stalhylla.html
That's how they are sold.
PS
If you need more, they are surely super cheap at Harald N now, as they are closing down the stores in Sweden:
https://www.harald-nyborg.se/2-pack-stalhylla.html
Rickard.
Member
· Riktiga Norrland
· 7 419 posts
Rickard.
Member
- Riktiga Norrland
- 7,419 posts
Most likely, if you want that shelf and are prepared to maybe replace the MDF, then just go for it and try. But definitely don't spend any time treating it.M M_H said:
An old thread, but I can confirm that these shelves sag in cold storage and also mold easily. The 175kg shelf (galvanized sheet metal) handles the environment worse than the 275kg shelf with painted sheet metal. I should probably replace the shelves with formplyfa so you can have some oily things on them too.
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