Get matched with top cabinet makers in Port Lavaca, TX

Yes, sanding cabinets before you stain them helps the new stain better adhere to the surface. If you’re adding a darker stain to previously stained wood, you only have to sand them lightly enough to remove any finish and rough up the wood to improve adhesion. On the other hand, if you’re trying to stain wood that is a darker color or that has paint on it, you need to sand down to the original wood, or the color will show through the new stain.

For most purposes, you should go with wood that’s at least 3/4-inch thick for DIY closet shelves. This is the standard thickness for solid wood or MDF shelving and should be able to hold a good amount of weight (around 80 pounds for MDF and 130 pounds for plywood). If you’re storing tools, camera equipment, or other heavier items, you can go up to 1 1/4-inch thickness for maximum strength and durability.

If you’re on a tight budget, the least expensive material you can buy for DIY closet shelves is chipboard, a.k.a. particle board. This inexpensive material is made from a pulp of sawdust, resin, and glue that’s pressed together under high temperature and pressure. As you can imagine, it’s not very sturdy and might buckle under your blue jean collection, so you should only use it if you’re storing very light items. 

It’s not usually a problem, although you may want to check the specifics of your cabinets first. A wall of kitchen cabinets can support about 600 pounds, including what’s inside and anything resting on top. Keep that limit in mind when adding DIY shelves or décor to the tops of cabinets. If you are installing a new row of full cabinets, they’ll typically have their own support mechanisms and the added weight will be minimal.