Where to get materials for building a set of tall bookcases

[text.news.ntlworld.com]

Hello all,

I've got a plan to build some tall bookcases (double-door cupboard at the bottom - 4 shelves on top) and I've drawn myself a plan, and made all the measurements, planned all the joints and bought all the tools - all I need to do know is get hold of some suitable material for making it out of. I even bought a couple of furniture building books to help me along the way.

Can anyone recommend what sort of wood I should use? I plan to paint it all white, so aren't really concerned with the grain or stain.

Also - if I approach a timber merchant - will they but the wood up into the right sizes for me? Or even just sizes that I can fit into my car?

Look foward to any advice proferred...

Many thanks, Neil.

[Andy Dingley]

A mix of MDF, birch ply and biscuit joints. Birch ply for the uprights and spans, because it has a better stiffness / weight ratio (MDF gets really heavy, in suitable thicknesses to take the weight of books). Use an intermediate vertical support, and a strong backboard attached to the shelves, otherwise you'll see sagging trouble with books.

A good timber supplier (I recommend Avon Plywood local to me) will cut it accurately to any size you like. Allowing them a few days to do this makes them more helpful and more accurate. Usually they charge some nominal fee, but allow you a few cuts per sheet for free. They have a nice panel saw for doing it, so they'll be better at it than you are.

[kafkaian]

IS that Stratford side of the Avon? Would do for me too

Actually, just checked them out on the web. BRISTO

-- kafkaian