I get the whole “function over looks” thing, but I can’t help thinking we sometimes sell ourselves short on the aesthetics front. I mean, yeah, patching drywall is a pain (been there, cursed that), but there’s gotta be a middle ground. I tried using some old barn wood once—looked cool, held up, and didn’t make my living room look like a construction site. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather risk a little extra work than stare at plywood forever… unless you’re into that “industrial chic” vibe, I guess.
I get where you’re coming from—there’s only so long you can stare at a patch job before it starts to bug you. I’ve found that putting in a bit more effort for something that actually looks good pays off in the long run, even if it’s a hassle up front. Barn wood is a solid idea, honestly. It’s not always about perfection, but making the space feel like yours. Sometimes the “industrial chic” thing just feels like an excuse to leave stuff unfinished... but hey, to each their own.
- Totally get what you mean about “industrial chic” sometimes just looking half-done.
- I’ve tried to convince myself a rough patch job was “character,” but honestly, after a few weeks it just bugged me.
- Barn wood’s a cool touch, but man, making sure it’s actually supporting weight the right way is a pain.
- Load distribution always gets me too—measure twice, scratch head three times, fix it once... or twice.
- Not everything needs to be perfect, but if it’s gonna hold up shelves or something heavy, I’d rather overbuild than have my stuff hit the floor.
Load distribution always gets me too—measure twice, scratch head three times, fix it once... or twice.
Honestly, I’m right there with you. I’ve had shelves that looked solid until I actually put books on them—then sag city. Ever tried those metal brackets that run the length of the shelf? They’re not pretty, but they save a lot of headaches. Sometimes I wonder if “overbuilding” is just code for “I don’t trust my math.”
I get what you mean about overbuilding—sometimes I look at what I’ve done and wonder if I’m building a bunker instead of a bookshelf. Those metal brackets do work, but I’ve found if you use thicker plywood or even just add a center support, it helps a ton with sagging. I tried to “trust the math” once, but my math clearly wanted me to have wobbly shelves. Maybe a little overkill isn’t so bad after all...
