I am hired to build a wall unit book shelf, 8′ tall by 12′ wide with raised panel cabinet doors on the bottom. The customer wishes to paint it white. I typically build with solid oak and oak plywoods. I am considering using mdf because of all of the positives mdf offers but I am concerned whether or not it will have the same strength solid oak would have when weighted down with a bunch of books. I do not span my shelves further than 24″. What material should I use given the customer is painting the unit? Thank you for your assistance. Jerry
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I prefer to use poplar any place solid wood is called for in painted furniture. It's relatively inexpensive, hard (vs. pine which dents easily), and it takes paint nicely. It also matches nicely with birch plywood, which is my sheetgood of choice for building painted furniture and built-ins.
So my short answer is birch ply with poplar trim.
MDF is a great material for painted furniture but you're right about it not being strong enough to be the sole material for this project. I wouldn't use it for the shelves, but it would be a great material for the frame and panel doors.
Maple is another good choice (both as a hardwood or veneered plywood) but more expensive. Oak is not so great if you want a flat paint coat because it's so porous.
Give this article a read for tips on preventing sag in the bookshelves, and check out this neat tool called the Sagulator to help determine the best width, thickness and length.
Write back if that answer isn't sufficient.
All the Best,
Matt Berger
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