Wood working question????

[JDY]

What kind of wood would be good for building built-in-looking shelves for a study? Any suggestions?

 

[Lynn CC]

That depends on what you want to do with the wood, stain it or paint it?

 

[JDY]

I'm not sure....

I'll probably stain it, but then again I might paint it.

 

[piratesmate]

If you're talking about the type of wood . . .

I usually use pine because it's cheaper. It's also much easier to work with than oak, which is very hard. Try to get wood that has few knots & is flat. Sometimes the wood is VERY bowed - not good for shelves. Look down the length of the board as well as across the width. Also, try to get wood that isn't terribly "green" - meaning full of sap. The stronger the smell, the more sap usually. I've already gotten some that almost felt "wet". It's best to leave it sit for a bit before starting your project if you aren't sure it's well seasoned (dry.) If you make your shelves while the wood is still wet, it may bow even though you've painted or stained & varnished.

I hope this helps.

Deb

 

[Lynn CC]

Poplar is fairly inexpensive, yet very durable for built-ins...if your going to have them painted. We used it and painted it white, I love the look!

As far as wood to stain there are a wide price range of woods you could use, depending on what your budget is.