I'm building a large bookshelf that will go against one wall in my living room. I'm planning to use plywood for the structure, paired with solid wood trim that will be painted. Initially, I was set on using 23/32" cabinet grade pine plywood, but now I'm wondering if I should opt for true 3/4" hardwood plywood instead. Does it really make a difference in the end? I don't want to overthink this but also want to ensure the bookshelf stands the test of time.
2 Answers
You mentioned the term 'cabinet grade' alongside 'pine,' which might be a bit contradictory. While pine can be strong—most houses are built with it—it doesn't hold up as well to scratches and dings. What type of paint were you thinking of using? I've had bad luck with softwood plywood veneers and certain paints that caused them to crack, so I'd recommend checking that out.
Thickness isn't going to be an issue; you're not really losing strength with that slight difference. Just keep in mind that if you're planning to cut dados for shelf supports, you might have to get a bit creative with your router bits since most are designed for 3/4". Either way, both options should work fine for your build, but if you can, just grab a sheet of pine, try it out, and see how it performs when you paint it.
I was thinking of using Sherwin Williams Emerald urethane, since it’s supposed to handle wear better and not feel sticky over time.