Dear Tim: I just put a deposit on some unique metal storage shelves at an architectural salvage business. This metal monstrosity used to hold auto parts. Without anything in the unit, it weighs ...

Mine were wide, somewhat heavy shelves, so I wanted beefier hanging boards. Take your time with this cut—you want it as even as possible so the two pieces fit back together seamlessly.

The expansive storage capacity of each shelf—1,500 pounds—is the same both stacked and unstacked and stands out as the most heavy-duty of any shelving units on this list.