Carpentry and Woodworking - Built In Bookshelves

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Jerry Kay
07-11-04, 07:16 PM
[B]I plan on building a row of bookshelves against a long well in an unused room. I wonder if it is necessary to put a backing on the shelves or just let the wall behind be the backing. I don't think a backing would make them any more sturdy. If it is really necessary I was thinking of 1/4 hardboard. Thanks in advance for any advise.
Jerry

Dave_D1945
07-11-04, 07:43 PM
I put a back on all my cabinets/bookcases to help hold the unit square. Even a 1/4" thick hardboard or plywood adds an incredible amount of stiffness and they don't 'rack'.
whales
07-12-04, 11:02 AM
I built a similar "built in" shelving and cabinet unit in our office. I did put a backing on it, but this was really only for the purpose of staining it the same as I did the other wood. In my case, the backing was not necessary for support. This is because I created small 2x4 box frames that were attached to the ceiling and floor. Everything was then attached to them, so the unit is extremely sturdy.