Many people ask, "where can I find wood shelves for metal brackets?" Choosing the right wood shelves is just as important as selecting high-quality brackets. Whether you're creating floating shelves for a kitchen, open shelving for a living room, or sturdy storage for a workspace, the type of wood you choose will impact the look and durability of the shelving system .There are many options available and we’ve outlined some of the most common wood shelf sources along with some of the pros and cons for each so you can find the perfect match for your Cascade Iron Co. metal brackets.
1. Dimensional Lumber:
If you're looking for affordable DIY wood shelves, dimensional lumber is one of the most accessible and budget-friendly choices. Available at major hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and local lumber yards, this is the go-to option for many of our customers.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly – One of the most affordable shelving options
- Easy to find – Available at most hardware stores
- Custom length – Stores often cut the boards for free
- Variety of species – Pine is common, but other options are available
- Nominal dimensions – Easy to match with our Lumber Size Chart
Cons:
- Requires sanding and finishing for a polished look
- Limited wood species selection at big-box stores
- Lumber dimensions can be confusing
2. Finished Shelves (Pre-Made & Ready to Install):
For a hassle-free shelving option, pre-finished shelves are a great solution. These include solid wood, laminated wood, or butcher block and are available online and in hardware stores.
Pros:
- No sanding or staining required – Ready to install
- Available in different wood species and stain colors
- Easy to purchase from retailers and online stores
Cons:
- Often sold in irregular sizes, which can limit bracket options
- Can be more expensive than unfinished lumber
- Limited size availability
Where to Find Finished Shelves:
- Sustainable Northwest Wood - finished and custom shelving all responsibly sourced
- Hurd & Honey Shelves – High-quality, handcrafted shelves
- Rejuvenation White Oak Shelving – Beautiful, modern options
- Butcher Block Shelves – Great for thick, durable shelving
3. Live Edge & Reclaimed Wood Shelves:
For a rustic, natural, or vintage look, salvaged, live edge, or reclaimed wood shelves are a stunning option. These unique wood slabs can be found at local salvage yards, lumber mills, and architectural salvage stores.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable – Repurposed wood with character
- One-of-a-kind look – Unique wood grain, knots, and edges
- Can be budget-friendly (depending on the source)
Cons:
- Often irregular in size, requiring L-brackets for best support
- Some reclaimed wood can be expensive
May need extra prep work (sanding, sealing, or refinishing)
Where to Find Reclaimed or Live Edge Wood Shelves:
- Long Leaf Lumber - salvage wood shelves and shipping across US
4. Custom Wood Shelves:
If you have a unique space or specific shelf dimensions, hiring a woodworker or carpenter to create custom floating shelves is a great solution. This is ideal for custom kitchen shelving, office storage, or unique home projects.
Pros:
- Tailored to your exact needs – Perfect fit for any space
- Professional finish – High-quality craftsmanship
- Designed for strength – Carpenters can install shelves with our brackets
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Finding a skilled woodworker can be challenging
- Custom orders may have long wait times
Our friends at Sustainable Northwest Wood also offer custom shelving options.
Summary: Choosing the Right Wood Shelves
There are wood shelf options for every budget and DIY skill level:
- Budget-friendly and DIY: Dimensional lumber from Home Depot or Lowe’s
- Easy and ready to install: Pre-made finished shelves
- Rustic and unique: Live edge or reclaimed wood shelves
- High-end and custom fit: Handcrafted shelves by a woodworker
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect wood shelves for your Cascade Iron Co. metal shelf brackets! Shop our brackets to complete your shelving project today.
