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Long time lurker - first time poster
Was looking to purchase a shelving unit for the garage and noticed a price drop on this popular shelf
ATL from my research
Pinnacle 1830 x 1200 x 540mm Black Gloss 5 Tier Adjustable Shelving Unit $99 + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ Bunnings
870
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Indeed - Don't do it!!! MDF IS THE SPAWN OF THE DEVIL!!
(or at least paint it - if you don't intend to paint - don't buy)
Why? I can google it but wanna hear from experts.
Basically indoor air pollution from VOC emissions.
I'm not an expert but it is 100% real. It's hard to calculate the harm because it depends on a lot of things. How sealed or exposed the material is, how much of it you have, size of the space (the room) and airflow in the room.
I work with materials including MDF. This isn't going to kill anyone but it isn't something you want to be exposed to long term. Keep it in the garage or out of living areas.
For only a little more, you can find all metal garage storage shelves (the heavier duty style) in your city. There's heaps of resellers in every city.
The last one I bought was from rackings.com.au, the unit closest in size to this post is $148 (180Hx120Lx60D cm Shelving-T1218). For vic/nsw. Not exactly the same thing but worth spending just a little more for.
@FiveDarrah: Also depends on where (and how) it is made. Whether it meets emission standards (e.g. CARB Phase 2 compliant)…
@Tiggrrrrr: Good point, there are different grades.
I use MDF and plywood with low VOCs/formaldehyde. It's more expensive so you can assume most MDF/ply is not of this grade.
@FiveDarrah: I'm pretty sure these are sourced from China.
"While historically some imported Chinese MDF had high formaldehyde content, domestic manufacturers are now producing low-emission boards to meet new national standards, like GB/T 39600-2021, and demand for sustainable materials."
So who knows
@FiveDarrah: I have these shelves, wondered wtf MDF was when I saw it in the instructions. I am in an apartment building and mine are downstairs in my storage room. Do you think there's any risk if I rarely go in there?
@bleeder: No risk. The pollution inside an underground carpark is far worse.
These things are only risks if you are exposed to them for a prolonged time. If its in a very small and closed off storage unit, that would be ideal conditions for buildup but it's still not significant since you aren't living in the same space.
What I would consider worst case scenario (where harm may be possible): lots of exposed MDF or engineered wood furniture in a small room, with poor airflow and with the occupant sleeping and working in the same room. And also doing this for a long time.
And in that worst case scenario, just having better airflow could 'fix' the problem. Again i'm not an expert but what we know is offgassing and release of VOCs happens, and that these are bad for us. The missing piece is figuring out the dose we are getting.
@FiveDarrah: Thanks, this is good to know.
I'm aware of VOCs as I'm into 3D printing, I didn't realise that wood shit on my shelves could give them off though!
@bleeder: Medium Density Fibreboard. LDF is chipboard. HDF is used for fancy speakers and some heavy benchtops etc
*Or fiberboardAka board made up by glueing together little bits of wood. Particleboard is also a thing
Similar to materials used in future such as couches which people use daily and are situated in their living space.
I paid $149 for 5 of these earlier this year. Then bought another 3 at $109 only a fortnight ago :(
They work well. Would certainly recommend at $99. Good post!
They do not work well - they do not last, sag, go mouldy and have hazardous dust you are bringing into your home.
I've had 6 and thrown all the shelves out now and had to stuff around with improvisations.
Take everything off and paint the shelves asap to seal it, and don't load too heavy (or rig up extra supports).
Sounds like a you problem lol
Well no - You've been living under a rock - general consensus on OzB is these MDF shelves are no good.
Especially in Queensland - OP is from Brisbane. Brisbane Humidity will kill bare MDF unless it is in sealed up A/C area that dehumidifies the space …. which is not a garage.
I know several other people with the same issue in my area.
When I tossed mine out they were somewhere between the two of these - I just about needed a hazmat suit to get rid of the stuff -https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/comments/yzcptw/extens…
https://www.reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/1jmx8a8/best_way_…
@MrFrugalSpend: LOL your story needs more dragons mate!
I am in Brisbane….. have had these in sheds (albeit sheds that dont leak and have whirly birds on them) but also in my garage with cars constantly coming in wet. guess what… zero issues.. but I also know better than to let them get rained on or leaked onto… coz… I aint a dodo
@quikstix: Yeah, my ones in the garage have warped, but no mould.
The one I put in the shed was a nightmare underneath. But surprising.
I've moved most of my 400mm shelves to write racks, and if the 540 have issues I'll just cut some ply down to replace them. Easy.@quikstix: I had neither of those things (not rain nor leaked on etc), my brother who had the same in a new house also had neither rain nor leaked on, both went mouldy.
I guess it depends on your orientation and location too - both our garages face the east.My guess is - like a couple of mind didn't - They don't go mouldy if you have them extensively covered in stuff as they don't get the opportunity?
They are total sh!t.
@MrFrugalSpend: Im not saying it wont happen, Im just wowed as I've legit never had it in over 10yrs in 3 different houses. Multiple mates have them too and nada. I however wouldn't install them again after having bought the rack it 1000kg setup with wire shelves.
I defo agree though painting MDF is the best way to keep MDF fit for purpose! Try not use spray paint coz it soaks it allll up and becomes a tad $$$
I've had three of these for eight years in my shed and another one in my garage and I have had none of these issues. Perhaps those experiencing problems are exposing their shelving to the weather or spills. I would buy again if I had room for more.
What paint do you recommend
I would also like to know
Next time your at bunnings goto the paint section and look for the bargain bin where they have off colour paint cans going for half price. Just don't buy a 14ltr bucket. Paint the MDF shelves to seal them against any moisture. Any paint will do, interior/exterior.
@Blitzfx: You probably could with a few coats - but it would be easier to brush edges and roll this volume both sides of a bunch of MDF shelves I'd guess.
I had the MDF shelves in a garage that had a humidity problem ( Sydney) and ended up with the bottom shelves covered in mould. I was using a dehumidifier in the garage to stop the problem until I calculated what it was costing to run and realized that the pay back period from upgrading to all metal shelves wasnt that long.
yes some of mine had green patch spores of mould and it came off really easy as dust on everything - super nasty.
I'd love to see evidence of these sagging claims of a 600x540mm @ 9mm MDF board supported on all 4 edges, sagging.
Then I'd move to be given a scientific explanation on how mdf is the cause of mole spores being generated to begin with..
Sponges do not create water, but if placed in a steam room, will hold water.
Not sure if I took any photos of mine when I threw them out - some were easy sagged down 4cm or so, but also mouldy so the moisture probably had something to do with it. As for that - see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbMNUtN5N9E
https://www.reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/1jmx8a8/best_way_…
https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/comments/yzcptw/extens…
https://www.reddit.com/r/DIYUK/comments/17xlq8n/found_this_i…Here's the AI answer (sorry about the USA spelling for mould and fibres etc):
MDF is susceptible to mold because it is an organic, cellulose-based material that provides a food source for mold, and its spongy, porous nature readily absorbs moisture, which is necessary for mold to grow and thrive. When MDF absorbs water, its fibers expand and create gaps, allowing moisture to penetrate the board and promoting mold growth both on the surface and within the material itself.
Why MDF is vulnerable to mold
Cellulose as a food source:
MDF is made from wood fibers, which are rich in cellulose. Mold is a fungus that feeds on organic matter, making MDF a nutritious "food" for it to grow on.
Moisture absorption:
MDF is a highly absorbent material that readily takes in moisture, similar to a sponge. Water content over 18% is typically required for fungal attack, and MDF's ability to soak up water quickly creates the ideal conditions for mold to develop.
Internal moisture and expansion:
When exposed to water, the compressed fibers within MDF begin to expand. This expansion creates gaps between the fibers and the layers of the board, trapping moisture and creating dark, damp spaces within the MDF that are perfect for mold to grow in.
Porosity:
The semi-porous nature of MDF and the presence of glue contribute to moisture absorption, allowing water and mold to penetrate deep into the board, not just on the surface.
The problem is extremely exaggerated. Been said multiple times: buy off-cuts thicker MDF (or even painted) from Bunnings for only ONE dollar each and cut them to size.
Was still $109 yesterday. Almost bought one.
Also Montgomery
They were Montgomery, and I do prefer them out of the two… They're about… $10 more solid in their steel gauge
Great first post. Top shelf stuff.
a Pinnacle post, even
Same price for power pass holders.
Decent post mate.
That said, if you're not in a rush to get shelving, I'd wait for the metal shelf ones to go on sale instead. Much better product, can either use as is, or put timber atop in sections if needed. Won't have to deal with the perils of mdf unlike this product.They went on sale for $99 last year, some legend posted it.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-1830-x-1500-x-540mm-4-t…Didn't take long someone to suggest a product more than double the price because 'its better', like, who would have thunk it.
@nikoris read my post you goose. The better product I linked goes on sale for a similar price. EG https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/834729
Last sale was 2-3 years ago if I remember correctly. The waiting game is too pricey.
@bcYield yeah, March last year. That's what I said though re waiting. If you're able to be patient and don't have a burning need, no harm in waiting for thy better one to go on a similar sale.
If you need now, this one is workable.
Seeing your deal inspired me to make a new deal for the better quality all metal shelving units. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/922278
Adding my voice to all the others suggesting you pay a bit more for metal shelves. If you’re going to go the effort of painting the shelves, which in my and many others’ opinion is the bare minimum, do a quick calculation on how much your time is worth and it would be hard not to just go straight to metal shelves.
I'm on the look out for some shelving to display lego and these have been quite tempting due to the 540mm depth and cost. Most regular shelves, such as from Ikea or other furniture shops, just don't have that depth which led me to looking at garage/shed style shelving even though it might not be the most appealing for indoor use.
Anybody recommend them for this purpose or have any alternate suggestions?
They'll be fine. I'd just paint the MDF. Not because they'll sag with the weight of Lego, they just don't look great.
IKEA PAX shelves do! They're 580mm deep.
Noted but they seem more like heavy wardrobe type structure whereas I would prefer more open shelves. Plus likely a lot more costly.
Imho these Pinnacle‘s are best for hardware storage like the shed/garage etc IKEA PAX are meant for indoor use. You should check out displays on IG or Reddit for how people use the PAX system for their LEGO. IKEA IVAR is the closest you’d come to indoor room shelving that looks like this.
I bought a Pinnacle 6-tier shelf from Bunnings back in July to display my Lego (it’s 1.5m long, perfect size). The IKEA options didn’t work for me.
Problem is, the MDF boards still stink even after more than a month of airing them out on the balcony. Because of that, my Lego display project is on hold. I’m worried about the VOCs (formaldehyde etc.) since it’ll be in my bedroom.
From what I’ve read, painting or sealing might be the best fix — has anyone tried this?
Bought a few at $144 each last year. $99 is absolutely a bargain. Will grab some. Thanks OP
I have Bunnings MDF shelving that is in perfect condition and is 20 years old. Been in the garage the whole time. Admittedly Canberra, which is not humid
Ozbargainers are weird creatures. This is cheap as chips and they still complaint, i think they just want to show off that 'i know better'. People been having these in their garages for years with no isses
I have a weird garage setting.
I need shelves with various width 1400mm, 1700mm (1680mm actual size) and 1600mm due to stub/beam wall.Can the footer of these shelves be adjust about 24 higher from the ground (due to stem wall) and other two from on the floor)?
Do you mean can the bottom shelf be set higher? Yes it can
not just the shelf but the two back legs higher from ground and two front on the ground.
You can just put the shelf in a higher hole on the front to the back. But the smallest increment you could to is about 35mm as that's the distance between holes. It also means the posts at the back will sit higher than the front too in case that's an issue unless you angle grind the post shorter.
Why pay $99? I've sold some that I was given.. it was a slow sale even at $20. So I'd have to recommend marketplace etc rather than Bunnings
Love my metal racks. $250 or so because I got them in black rather than blue or orange, but if you're not fussed on colour you could save about $50. Totally worth it.
Could not find that $20 shelve on the marketplace otherwise I'd get 10 to lay around my garden.
If you’re worried about the MDF bowing, chances are you’ve bought more than one set and haven’t used all the shelves. Just double up the MDF where you have concerns. I have 4 or 5 sets of these without issue. $99 is a great deal, thanks OP.
I have these shelves, didn't know it bowed. Lucky I kept the spare shelves then. People above mentioned VOCs though, which I'm now worried about. It's in my apartment building storage area I rarely go in though…
I got the Heavy Duty metal Pinnacle shelves in my shed and absolutely love them. I would never even consider putting MDF ones in there. YMMV
Don’t buy them, I have the three shelve version when on sale at Bunnings, the MDF sagged under its own weight. The three shelve version doesn’t have any support under it because it’s narrower.
They no longer sell them at Bunnings, should say something about that product.
Got it for 40 bucks at my local estate auction house, now thats the price it should be
Is the difference between this and metal ones only the MDF part?
How does it compare with https://www.bunnings.com.au/montgomery-1830-x-910-x-410mm-5-…
I'm thinking to buy two $49 or this $99. Any suggestions?
Thinking same thing. These ones aren't as deep. But you get 2 and more total length for same price. Perhaps flimsy but the Bunnings reviews seem generally favourable
I have both in my garage. Unless I particularly needed the extra depth I'd go montgomery every time.
I think I have one of these in my garage ATM as dimensions are same. Apart from the slightly sagging MDF I agree about depth. I also checked top and bottom and no mould.
Great shelf for first post!
I think somebody will be complaining about MDF below.