Shelving Spans

Important reminder: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calculation. But before purchasing materials for any project, please check amounts with your suppliers or contractors.

A few tips: The horizontal distance, or span, between shelving supports is a critical design consideration. If the supports are too far apart, the shelf will eventually sag. (A cleat supporting the rear of the shelf will provide only limited strength; a true shelf support must extend forward so that most of the shelf's width rests on it.) Recommended shelf support spacing depends on the type of shelf material, the width of the shelf, and the size of the load it must carry.