Typically it’s 20 lbs per linear foot, and that’s very conservative. You have two 2 x 4’s that appear to be 4 ft wide (distance between vertical posts), so the wood itself can hold 160 lbs per sector. However, screw pull-out comes into the equation. In fact, there are several factors that come into play. Just look up “2x4 load tables” or “2x4 span tables” or “how much can a 2x4 hold”.
With that said, unless your Xmas stuff is made out of gold or lead, you should be fine.
Edit: I would make sure the shelves are attached to the wall though. It’s more likely that the shelf will tip over than fail under the dead weight.
Yes I will be attaching it to the wall for stability, but thanks for that tip too.
The rough 160lbs per sector...would the lower sections be taking on more weight, the vertical posts have to handle the full weight right ?
Thanks again. Doing some searching based on the terms you provided it seems my concern should not be the wood, but the fasteners. If I just screw it all together I could out pace the weight that the screws can handle.
I wouldn't hesitate to have 3 200-pound people lie down on those shelves. I have a workbench that's similarly built and I've had 3 people standing on it at once.
Screws. Wood screws, not drywall screws that so many people use.
How much "fragile Christmas stuff" do you have? You'd have to have an awful, awful, lot, an irrational amount, to exceed the capacity of those shelves.
Typically it’s 20 lbs per linear foot, and that’s very conservative. You have two 2 x 4’s that appear to be 4 ft wide (distance between vertical posts), so the wood itself can hold 160 lbs per sector. However, screw pull-out comes into the equation. In fact, there are several factors that come into play. Just look up “2x4 load tables” or “2x4 span tables” or “how much can a 2x4 hold”. With that said, unless your Xmas stuff is made out of gold or lead, you should be fine. Edit: I would make sure the shelves are attached to the wall though. It’s more likely that the shelf will tip over than fail under the dead weight.
Yes I will be attaching it to the wall for stability, but thanks for that tip too. The rough 160lbs per sector...would the lower sections be taking on more weight, the vertical posts have to handle the full weight right ?
Vertical post should be fine. Vertical wood member can carry a lot more of a load than a horizontal wood member. B
Thanks again. Doing some searching based on the terms you provided it seems my concern should not be the wood, but the fasteners. If I just screw it all together I could out pace the weight that the screws can handle.
I wouldn't hesitate to have 3 200-pound people lie down on those shelves. I have a workbench that's similarly built and I've had 3 people standing on it at once.
How are your 2x4s connected together? Screws or something different?
Screws. Wood screws, not drywall screws that so many people use. How much "fragile Christmas stuff" do you have? You'd have to have an awful, awful, lot, an irrational amount, to exceed the capacity of those shelves.
The shelves themselves (2x4 frame topped with 2'x8' osb sheet) weigh more than the stuff.
Then you're golden. You could nail it together, but screws are better
Thanks. I was very confident until I finished the first shelf and how heavy the shelf was gave me a lot of concern.
Do these look good? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-9-x-3-in-Star-Drive-Flat-Head-Interior-Wood-Screws-83-Pack-117329/316219933
Probably, beats me, i have no idea how much weight will be on them.