Jim K wrote:
On Nov 15, 10:48 am, Stephen wrote:
Hello,

I am thinking of making a book case or should I say shelf unit, as I
may use it for cds and dvds too.

Based on my experience of this house, the walls appear to be 8'x4'
plasterboard that is only supported by 1.5"x1.5" wood at the edges,
yes that's right, 4' centres! The plasterboard seems to be re
enforced by splashing some plaster on the inside of the wall and
pressing cardboard squares into it, to give the appearance of
something resembling an egg box with square holes.

As the studs are very insubstantial and few and far between, I don't
think screwing to the wall is a good idea. Though I could demolish
and rebuild the wall, I think a free standing unit might be a
quicker and cleaner way to do things.

If I use melamine faced chip because it's cheap and readily
available, unless you have a better idea?

What's the best way to fix the sides to the shelves? Would you just
butt them together or should I be routing/mitering bits out?

IIRC chipboard likes coarse screws like those used in plasterboard,
so I could just screw through the sides. I am not too worried about
having screws on show. I could always tidy them up with caps.

Or would you do something more elegant with hidden dowels?

Is there a magic method to make sure hole and shelf line up or is it
just a case of measuring twice, drilling once?

Thanks in advance,
Stephen.

Chipboard shelving unit?!
I'd just buy a fllat pack from a shed/ikea - it may look ****e but at
least you'll not have spent hours as well as £s getting there...

Jim is spot on. If you look at a basic 'Billy' bookcase from IKEA 200cm
high, 40cm wide, 28cm deep at a cost of £19.

Two pieces of funiture board from Wickes will make the sides, top & bottom -
no shelves or back or fittings & will cost you £15!


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk