what's the best wood for a bookshelf??

Question

-------

Answer 1

It depends on the unsupported length of a shelf that you want. Hard woods can span greater distances than soft woods or plywoods without intermediate support. Some Hardwoods like maple can span greater distances than other hardwoods, like Balsa. It also depends on the look that you want for the unit, Do you want a Mission or Craftsman style book case, if so go with White Oak or Mahogany. Do you want something more traditional, like Chippendale, if so use something like cherry. The choice of wood depends on many factors, some of them mutually exclusive, you must spend some time researching what woods are traditionally used in whatever style you are trying to build and then pick the one from that list you develop that appeals most to you for its color, grain, figure, chatoyance, and stability.

Notes:
Any wood that you buy from a reputable dealer will NOT have termites in it. And, any wood that is properly finished will not attract termites because they cannot get to the wood through the finish that you have applied.

Hardwoods and softwoods are classified not by the characteristics of the lumber but rather by the botanical nature of the living organism. Hardwoods bear fruits, while Softwoods bear cones. Hardwoods include things like Maples, Cherries, Apples, all of the 100's of Oaks, Ashes, Ebonies, etc. Softwoods include things like Pines, Firs, Redwood, etc.

Answer 2

I just came across a site with over 16,000 downloadable woodworking plans at:
http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans


Here is an honest review


If you want to start a woodworking project, you need all the necessary information, including schematics, blueprints, materials lists, dimensions etc. That is where TedsWoodworking comes in. The plans are clearly drawn and there're step-by-step explainations of how the plan should be done and put together.

There are several other sites whose collection of plans have the dimensions totally wrong without any indication of parts lists, material lists or the tools needed. If you're one of those people who have bought plans like this in the past, TedsWoodworking will change your perception.

In Ted's Woodworking you will get everything you need:
-Diagrams which are detailed with a full set of dimensions
-Step -by-step instructions how to start your project
-The necessary materials for that particular project
-All the woodworking tools you will need

If you are a beginner or have done some woodworking you will find these plans easy-to-follow as the instructions are very clearly written. The woodworking plans are straightforward so they are not complicated at all. Even if you are a total newcomer to woodworking you will simply be able to master all the techniques that are needed and the woodworking skills very quickly by following the concise and clear instructions.

Another thing which is so great about these woodworking plans is that there have been some videos included and there are some to guide you in how to build benches home furniture dog houses bird feeders sheds and much much more.

There is also a lifetime member acess included in the package and you get these extras for no cost to you as they are free with no additional charges at all! This alone is worth the entire price for TedsWoodworking.

Ted Mcgrath is a very dedicated and experienced woodworker who knows what he is talking about when it comes to woodworking and DIY projects s he has been a woodworker for many many years.

Cons
There is only one drawback that we could find and that being with 16,000 woodworking plans you are bound to get some which look a little disorganized but that is understandable as it is very difficult to place all these plans into their proper categories. Secondly, it might take you a little longer to do the downloads on because of the size of them. But the members area include an option to upgrade to the DVD so you can save time on downloading.

Bottom line:
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.Here's the bottom line: If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you SHOULD use, it's something that you would be insane not to.


Check the site: http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

2

Answer 5

A hardwood is normally best because it will resist denting and scratching and will not tend to bow as much. However with the right bracing you can prevent most any softwood from bowing also.

It mainly will depend on the look that you want to give the wood. Maple, pine, beech, poplar, sasaphras, or white oak will give you a nice bright color. Poplar sometimes will give a little bit of a green hue. Red oak will have a slight red tint to it compared to white oak. Scottish pine will give a little more of a brownish traditional look. Tiger Maple is really beautiful due to the grain in it and so is zebra wood. Mohagany or walnut will give you deep dark rich colors. Cherry will give you a nice colonial look or a nice deep reddish look. There is even one wood that is like a natural purplish color (it's very expensive). There are other woods you can use but these are common ones used in furniture making. Ash is also used a good bit. Dont ever used pressed wood it will bow. That is what your cheap bookshelf kits are made out of. Plywood will hold up. You can also get plywood with different kind of veneers to them so they look like the real wood but only the top veneer is used to get the color/look you want. That can do away with some of the expense finding a really good board with no knots in it. Although sometimes with some kinds of pine you want knots in it for the look.

Answer 6

Aside from recommending hardwood rather than a soft wood (like pine) so that scratches and other damage is much less likely, the choice is based purely on aesthetics and cost. Oak is quite grainy with cathedral peaks and an "open" grain -- wood stain will look different on the grains than elsewhere on the wood; maple has a subtle grain pattern with no cathedral peaks and is usually quite plain; birch tends to have some cathedral peaks but is subtler than oak; ash looks much like oak but with a paler natural colour; walnut, although gorgeous is more expensive, as are mahogany and dark cherry... Good luck.

Answer 7

If you are a beginner or have done some woodworking you will find these plans easy-to-follow as the instructions are very clearly written https://tr.im/GuideToWoodworking

The woodworking plans are straightforward so they are not complicated at all. Even if you are a total newcomer to woodworking you will simply be able to master all the techniques that are needed and the woodworking skills very quickly by following the concise and clear instructions.

Another thing which is so great about these woodworking plans is that there have been some videos included and there are some to guide you in how to build benches home furniture dog houses bird feeders sheds and much much more.

Answer 8

I work for a furniture manufacturer. We use mahogany, maple and ash wood to make bookcases.

You shouldn't have to worry about termites or other insects getting your books if you are going to be keeping this in your house.

If your house has termites then you have bigger problems than your bookcase!!

The BEST wood depends on what you want it to look like when you are finished, and what will look best in the room you are putting it in.

Mahogany has a smooth grain, and a reddish tint to it. Maple is a white clear wood with smooth grain that will take any finish beautifully.
Ash is like oak in that it has a deep grain. We use ash because it is the opinion of our managers that it is stronger than oak.

Good luck and have fun!!

Answer 9

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/WoodworkingProjects
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 10

Best Wood For Bookshelves