Building a custom-built bookshelf in MDF

[dusty]

Hello,

I'm planning to start building a built-in bookshelf in MDF. To fasten the shelves, I was thinking of nailing from the sides. So far so good?

The problem arises when shelves are at the same level, I will need two boards in width. My idea is to solve this by using different thicknesses, where I plan to glue 2x10mm as sides and then use 22mm for the shelves.

I'm a complete beginner at this, so my question to you is whether you think this will be a good construction or if I should rethink?

Thanks in advance!

 

[toolman77]

It seems easier to nail or screw in at an angle from underneath instead. With the right angle, you can attach shelf number two without going through the surface. Remember to pre-drill when you're in the "end grain" on MDF. You'll need to fill before painting anyway, so a few extra nails won't make a difference.

 

[aekeberg]

Hello,

I'm planning to start building a built-in bookcase in MDF. To attach the shelves, I was thinking of nailing from the sides. So far so good?

The problem is that when shelves end up on the same level, I need two boards in width. My idea is to solve this by using different thicknesses, where I plan to glue 2x10mm as the sides and then use 22mm for the shelves.

I'm completely new to this, so my question to you is whether you think this will be a good construction or if I should reconsider?

Thanks in advance!

Nailing in MDF, I think, is difficult - nails tend to go askew and crack the board or poke out of the shelf. Better with glue and screws in my opinion. And as mentioned above: pre-drill in end grain, otherwise, there's a high risk of the board splitting.

Regarding the construction, I can recommend making separate shelf sections that are then placed next to each other and attached together. Think Ikea Billy placed next to each other... Then you can easily have shelves at the same height. It's also easy to build each section separately and then put them in place.

The double edge between two sections is covered with a suitable trim. Depending on the style you want, different trims can be chosen - from a simple one with only rounded corners to one with more profile/ornamental details. You also avoid the problem of the 'end grain' on the MDF absorbing more paint. However, that problem still remains on the shelf edges...

If you absolutely want the same thickness in shelves and side panels, you would, just as you thought, have to experiment with different thicknesses in the base material. 10mm thick side material feels spontaneously a bit flimsy, but it of course depends on the height of the shelf and the span of the shelves.

I can also suggest having the boards cut to the correct width at the hardware store. It usually costs around 25 SEK per cut, but with a little planning, not many cuts are needed, and the result is considerably better than what you could achieve yourself (unless you have a well-equipped woodworking shop at home).

 

[dusty]

I think nails in MDF are difficult - I think the nail easily skews and cracks the board or protrudes from the shelf. Better with glue and screws in my opinion. And as mentioned above: pre-drill in the end grain otherwise there's a big risk that the board will split.

Regarding the construction, I can recommend making separate shelf sections that are then placed next to each other and attached to each other. Think Ikea Billy placed next to each other... Then you can easily have shelves at the same height. It's also easy to build each section on its own and then put in place.

The double edge between two sections is covered with a suitable strip. Depending on the style you want, different cover strips can be chosen - from a simple one with only rounded corners to one with more profile/ornamentation. You also avoid the problem where the 'end grain' on the MDF absorbs more paint. However, this problem remains on the shelf ends...

If you absolutely want the same thickness in shelves and sides, you have to experiment with different thicknesses in the starting material. 10mm thick material for the sides feels spontaneously a bit weak but of course depends on the height of the shelf and the span of the shelves.

I can also suggest having the boards cut to the correct width at the hardware store. It usually costs around 25 SEK per cut but with a little planning, not too many cuts are needed and the result is significantly better than what you would achieve yourself (unless you have a well-equipped workshop at home).

Thanks for a great answer. I will probably follow your advice to the letter. Hopefully, I'll return in a month with the final result.

Have a great weekend!

 

[peiseidon]

How did it go?

 

[dusty]

How did it go?

I chickened out and have ordered pre-painted parts from IKEA instead. I'm now building it from IKEA's cover panels and wall cabinets https://www.ikea.com/se/sv/p/metod-vaeggskap-vit-haeggeby-vit-s99366854/

I think I'll manage to get it quite well. Waiting for delivery which will arrive next week.

 

[peiseidon]

 

[dusty]

Now I am done with one side of the door with IKEA's cover panels.

Turned out well and I now hope that the sturdiness is completely okay. I have 3 (6mm) plugs at each shelf + wood glue.

 

[parandersandersson]

Hello!

Nice! What kind of cabinet is at the bottom of the shelf?

Regards,
Pär