Bookcases

I'm thinking of building a set of bookcases with the carcases made from 18mm mr mdf, but not sure of the material to use for the shelves. I was hoping for a 800mm span and a depth of 200mm. These shelves would need to be adjustable probably set on pins. The books on the shelves would be childrens books so not that heavy (encyclopedias etc) but am worried that they might sag.

Is 18mm birch plywood preferable to 25mm mdf. Or would the 18mm ply be ok if reinforced edges are set to the rear and front of the shelves. The 25mm mdf will look to beefy I think.

Could any one give me some help, thanks

childrens books are just as heavy as adult books of the same size lol you just need more to fill the shelve

the way i do it is to use 9x1" planed that comes out at 8 5/8ths about 219mm cut the shelves back to 210mm

the top overhangs by 22mm so i add a bit off 22mm to the back
the 2 sides mark as a pair where the shelve go
assemble with dowels or butt and screw joined
assemble sides top and bottom shelve to make a oblong
bottom shelve above skirting height to allow scribing tight to wall
rebate out the back 9x9mm for txg cladding
insert and affix the intermediate shelves

nail and glue the tounge and groove into the back joining any offcut on the shelve backs

if you shelves are greater than 5ft make in 2 sections with the the top section 3 inches shallower

take your biggest books make the first shelve that height
reduce the distance between the shelve as you go up

a typical arrangement would be 1x13" 1x10" 1x9" 1x8"

Thanks Big All, when you say 9x1 planed are you talking about pine? Also it depends on the size and number of pages of the childrens books doesn't it as to the weight..........

doh just realised you already said this...................oops

makitaman said:

Thanks Big All, when you say 9x1 planed are you talking about pine? .

Click to expand...

yes pine any other wood costs the earth [theres a pun there somwhere ]