Hey everyone! After years of putting up with book piles in my living room, I've finally decided to ditch my dream of built-in bookshelves and go with twin-slot shelving to get my books off the floor. I'm planning to space the uprights about 23 inches apart, and I need to know what wood you all recommend for the shelves. I'm expecting to store a lot of hardcovers, and I want the shelves to be about 7 inches deep. Would 3/4 inch pine be sturdy enough, or should I consider going for a hardwood instead? My budget is pretty tight, but I don't want to skimp on quality. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
4 Answers
You know, if you're building them yourself, you can avoid sagging by using uprights. I built some out of standard 1x6 pine using plastic connectors, super quick and cost-effective. Just remember, not all pine is created equal—like southern yellow pine is actually tougher than some hardwoods!
Honestly, if you're not overly concerned with aesthetics, you can make shelves from just about anything cheap. For adjustable shelves, adding more uprights can help prevent sagging, and you could use standard 1x material. It's all about balancing what looks good and what fits your budget. Start with cheaper materials to practice, then invest in better wood once you're more comfortable!
You might want to think about a cost-effective twist like an IKEA hack! You can often make them look like built-ins without breaking the bank. Just something to consider!
I'd go for hardwoods like poplar or maple for durability. But if you're on a budget, a 3/4 sheet of imported birch plywood could be a great alternative. Check out a local lumber supplier instead of a big box store for better quality and pricing. You could edge the plywood with hardwood for a nice touch too!
Thanks for the tip! I like the idea of using birch plywood with hardwood edging. I’m in the UK, but I think I can find a good local supplier. Would you advise adding edging to the back for extra strength, or just stick with the front?
Yeah, I thought about doing a Billy hack, but it might mean a lot of wasted space with my measurements. Still, some hacks look really clever!