Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

MDF or Birch PLY

Options
  • 28-03-2014 11:53am
    #1
    buttie
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭


    Howye,

    I'm new to the boards (and to carpentry!) and was just enquiring what the best route is for alcove shelves. I was thinking of fixing 2 side panels of either 3/4 MDF or birch ply and attaching shelves with pocket screws and a cleat at the back of each shelf and finishing off with a red deal 2X1 face frame.

    I suppose the question im asking is which way would be the best?. The MDF is cheaper but I have concerns with the chemical emmissions. Also, if I do go mdf, should I go with 1" side panels or is 3/4 enough?

    Any help greatly appreciated.
    Tagged:


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    woodturner
    Registered Users Posts: 879 ✭✭✭woodturner


    If you are going to put on a face frame you won't see the thickness of the side panels anyway. Depending on the width of the unit 25mm shelves would eliminate sagging and be ample for the side panels. If you need any more advice just drop me a PM.
    buttie wrote: »
    Howye,

    I'm new to the boards (and to carpentry!) and was just enquiring what the best route is for alcove shelves. I was thinking of fixing 2 side panels of either 3/4 MDF or birch ply and attaching shelves with pocket screws and a cleat at the back of each shelf and finishing off with a red deal 2X1 face frame.

    I suppose the question im asking is which way would be the best?. The MDF is cheaper but I have concerns with the chemical emmissions. Also, if I do go mdf, should I go with 1" side panels or is 3/4 enough?

    Any help greatly appreciated.


  • Options
    #3
    woodturner
    Registered Users Posts: 879 ✭✭✭woodturner


    If you are going to put on a face frame you won't see the thickness of the side panels anyway. Depending on the width of the unit 25mm shelves would eliminate sagging and be ample for the side panels. If you need any more advice just drop me a PM.
    buttie wrote: »
    Howye,

    I'm new to the boards (and to carpentry!) and was just enquiring what the best route is for alcove shelves. I was thinking of fixing 2 side panels of either 3/4 MDF or birch ply and attaching shelves with pocket screws and a cleat at the back of each shelf and finishing off with a red deal 2X1 face frame.

    I suppose the question im asking is which way would be the best?. The MDF is cheaper but I have concerns with the chemical emmissions. Also, if I do go mdf, should I go with 1" side panels or is 3/4 enough?

    Any help greatly appreciated.


Advertisement