Alcove shelves mdf or ply?

buttie

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.

recipio

There is a lot to think about. See www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm.
A cleat at the back won't stop the front edge from sagging - you need to use two cleats with material up to 3/4". The eye is very sensitive to even a little amount of sag and I presume you will have heavy loads like books etc ?
I avoid MDF for shelving altogether although it doesn't emit gasses to my knowledge.I would favour blockboard ( yes -its still available )
and your overall construction plan is fine.
With a 2x1 faceframe there will be considerable overlap if using 3/4" uprights and that is an aesthetic consideration.Have a play with materials on the sagulator site.

recipio

PS, by 'cleat' I'm assuming you mean a piece of solid wood attached to the underside of the entire shelf edges to stiffen it ?