Joining Right Angle Shelves

21 years ago

I would like to join two right angle shelves that are part of a kitchen cabinet. They would be made of 3/4" particleboard and need to support a lot of weight. One is 24" and one is 12", and they are 12" deep. They would be supported now on the short ends only, with pegs in holes on the cabinet sides. I can add additional pegs along the long sides, but I need to support them where they come together. What is the best way of doing this, that also would look the best? Thanks much!

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Comments (4)

Jon1270
21 years ago
If I'm picturing this right, the shape you're going for could be described as a 24" square with a 12" square removed from one corner of it, right? Are you making this from scratch or modifying existing shelves? If you're making a new part then I'd just cut it from one piece of particleboard so there was no joint. If you're trying to join parts that you've already got then biscuits would be a good choice... don't know if you've got the equipment for that.
williamnotbill
21 years ago
'Particleboard' and 'a lot of weight' would make me nervous if it was my shelf, particleboard is not particularly strong. Is there a reason you cannot use plywood?

I agree with Jon, make it from one piece if possible.
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talley_sue_nyc
21 years ago
how much weight is "a lot of weight"?

In a kitchen cabinet, it's not THAT much! Lots of cabinet makers make easy-reach cabinets w/ L-shaped shelves out of MDF.

And even if you have a cabinet that COMES w/ those shelves, you can have NEW one-piece L-shaped shelves made for not a lot of money. Probably anybody w/ a table saw can do it (maybe even somebody w/ a circular saw).

One-piece L-shaped shelves would certainly look much better!

if the shelf is inside the cabinet, you can just paint it if you use plywood (you can put a veneer edgebanding on plywood to cover the raw edge so it looks nice; that's what cabinet makers do.)

how much of this are you planning to do yourself, and how much are you trying to figure is possible for a contractor to do for you?
tom999
21 years ago
There are huge differences in "Particle board" What you find at home centers is not the same as used by cabinetmakers. Not only can the material differ, the density of the board will differ substancially. Some PB from home centers is 15 lbs density, while industrial board is 45 lb density. I would second what others have said, make it from one piece. A Thermofused melamine on Industrial particle board would work great, or, MDF or plywood (hopefully a hardwood so it finishes better). If its two pieces, put the shelf holdes at the ends and also on the long side near the ends of each "shelf". Biscuts would work or you can use "mending plates". They are flat metal that you would screw to the underside of each shelf to reinforce the joint.