[gizzygone]

I'm going to be installing some built in shelving in my basement for liquor bottle storage.

I plan on making the cabinet with glue and pocket screws: but I'm curious what kind of wood would be stronger? Furniture grade plywood? Or solid lumber?

And also, what thickness should I be looking for? 1/2"? 3/4"? 1"?

 

[ZZZZZ]

How big are the shelves/cabinet going to be?

Is this just routine storage, or more of a showcase?

Is low cost a concern?

 

[gizzygone]

How big are the shelves/cabinet going to be?

Is this just routine storage, or more of a showcase?

Is low cost a concern?

They'll be about 8" by 2'. Cost isn't a concern...

I may make a second one with 6"x36" shelves, which will be more on display for others to see

 

[ZZZZZ]

Well, you could use some solid hardwood: oak, maple, cherry... whatever you can get locally. Whatever suits your tastes and compliments the other wood in the room.

3/4" would be plenty strong, with hardwood pocket screws. 3/4" is more readily available, including the big box stores. But usually you'll find nicer (and more expensive) wood at a woodworker's shop.

 

[gizzygone]

Does either (solid or ply) have any benefits when it comes to strength or resistance to warping?

 

[de-nagorg]

Plywood is normally stronger and more warp resistant due to the plies being at perpendicular angles.

The major problem with plywood is that the joinery is a bit weak, but with the proper hardware and plans you can overcome that.

ED

 

[ZZZZZ]

With plywood, you'll need to deal with the exposed edges. Usually a face frame or veneer edging. Not a problem, but there will be several extra steps and time compared to using solid wood.

 

[1acre]

It will also look better, IMO, with a face frame. If using solid wood, aesthetically, you'll at least want to roundover an edge. My main concern with using solid wood is warping and twisting, especially if purchased at a big box store. They just ram those things thru the machine without it being dry or letting it relax a bit.

Personally, I'm in love with laminated sheet goods such as melamine. Properly designed, the shelf won't sag. You can also get the same veneer over ply. No staining or finishing, very durable and easy to clean. finish off with a face frame.

 

[gizzygone]

It will also look better, IMO, with a face frame. If using solid wood, aesthetically, you'll at least want to roundover an edge. My main concern with using solid wood is warping and twisting, especially if purchased at a big box store. They just ram those things thru the machine without it being dry or letting it relax a bit.

Personally, I'm in love with laminated sheet goods such as melamine. Properly designed, the shelf won't sag. You can also get the same veneer over ply. No staining or finishing, very durable and easy to clean. finish off with a face frame.

I'm in a time crunch, as the drywall contractor should be by this week, so I think I'm going with the plywood... I'll leave a 1/2" extension, and then finish with a solid wood frame over the drywall covering the end grain of the ply.

I wasn't sure if one material was stronger than the other. Melamine, I'm thinking, may be too saggy when it comes to shelving at that length, so I think furniture grade ply is the way to go here now!