[Dr1757]

I am about to construct a built in book case in a new addition to my house. I have never used MDF before, and would like to know if there are any pitfalls using this stuff for shelves etc.

[ballengerb1]

The biggest pitfall is the stuff will bow over time. It's great for several applications but shelving isn't one of them.

[Dr1757]

Thanks I appreciate the comment

[jack dandy]

I did a built in, in my sons bedroom and used Oak a little more expensive but looks great and will not bow as talked of by ballenger, another advantage of oak it should last a lifetime. Good Luck!

[GLEIGHVAH]

You Can Can Give Mdf Rigidity By Running A 1x2 Oak Pine Or Poplar Across The Face Of The Shelf

[Dr1757]

I have some 1/2" square tubing and could dado a grove in the bottom of the shelf and glass the tube in place where it wouldn't show. What do you guys think about that?

[ballengerb1]

Not so much. How thick is the MDF and how long will your shelf be? Take a piece of that tubing and put it between two saw horses and then put a 40 lbs weight in the center, that deflection is what your shelf can still do.

[Dr1757]

MDF is 3/4 and the span is 30 inches. Thanks for the advice, I'll try the saw-horse test before I commit the time and effort of actually building a shelf.

[glavine]

just spaning 30" id use a clear pine or poplar 1x2, make sure you glue and nail it with 1 1/4 brads

you can always double up the mdf and make it 1 1/2 thick, this will also help.
as for building cabnits in general we use 3/4 birch or oak and mdf for raised panel doors, but that's when its painted, when staining mdf just want work,

I can see why you'd want to use mdf anyway its almost 1/2 the cost of the other 4x8 sheets.

[Dr1757]

Thanks Glavine, I like your suggestion. The last time I built cabinets I used Red Oak but when I priced it this time it's priced out of my market. 3/4 MDF is $21.40 a sheet here so if I can make it work it will be great. Unfortunately Pine is over priced and the quality of the wood is terrible.

[ballengerb1]

Both Glavine and Gleighvah are using good approaches. Clear pine isn't too bad if you rip it yourself. I have bought pre-cut 1x2 oak strips at Menards lumber for under $1 per foot. Pricey but you may only need 3 or 4 pieces and they look good.

[GLEIGHVAH]

just use mdf for the skeleton and face frame it with poplar 1x2[/B]

[glavine]

Its important to use a solid wood for the frame so you can mount doors and drawer hardware, mdf doesn't hold screws well

[Dr1757]

I want to thank everyone that responded to my question, I received many good suggestions and now I'm ready to proceed