Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 17:17:04 -0400
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>, WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>
From: "Mike B." <omni at omniphile.com>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: Book shelves and cases
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>

At 12:17 PM 10/20/2005 -0700, Michael Nelson wrote:

>I just priced a basic 6-foot high by 4-foot wide bookcase
>with eight shelves set 8 inches apart for paperback books.
>Nine 1" x 6" x 4' pine boards for the horizonial pieces and
>three 1" x 6" x 6' pine boards -- two for the sides with
>one in back to prevent the shelves from sagging.  At the
>current prices at Lowes, one pine bookcase would cost
>about $90 if you already had the tools you would need.

I suspect the cost of wood is behind the revival of the style of case
consisting of several narrow boards for the verticals.  Rather than 2 side
boards you can rip one into enough parts for both sides.  You might get
more using dowels between a couple of 1x2 solid wood sides...that's the
sort of construction the folding one I got from Staples uses.  Looks nice,
uses less wood.

Plywood or MDF for the shelves is also common, even if you put a "nose" on
it from solid wood for stiffness and appearance, then either veneer or
paint them.   Hardboard or thin plywood for the back panel works well and
costs less than more boards too.

-- Mike B.
--

"Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavour of life, take big bites.
 Moderation is for monks."
                                        -- Lazarus Long