On Wed, 08 Sep 2004 18:39:50 GMT, "text.news.ntlworld.com"
wrote:

Can anyone recommend what sort of wood I should use? I plan to paint it
all white,

A mix of MDF, birch ply and biscuit joints. Birch ply for the
uprights and spans, because it has a better stiffness / weight ratio
(MDF gets really heavy, in suitable thicknesses to take the weight of
books). Use an intermediate vertical support, and a strong backboard
attached to the shelves, otherwise you'll see sagging trouble with
books.

A good timber supplier (I recommend Avon Plywood local to me) will cut
it accurately to any size you like. Allowing them a few days to do
this makes them more helpful and more accurate. Usually they charge
some nominal fee, but allow you a few cuts per sheet for free. They
have a nice panel saw for doing it, so they'll be better at it than
you are.

--
Smert' spamionam