Choosing wood for all new interior build...

[boywonder]

If your door panels aren't going to be bowed, 1/8" or 1/4" (I used 1/4" covered with boat decking).....If you need to bend/bow....1/8" is the ticket.

[E-rex]

Most helpful info... thanks!

[86Scotty]

I know this isn't related to the thread particularly since we are discussing higher quality Baltic birch, but I shot these prices and profile views at Lowe's tonight when I walked by. They don't have the 4x8 sheets right now but sometimes they do.

Anyway, notice the (lack of) quality.






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[E-rex]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Anyway, notice the (lack of) quality.

Even before reading the comment, the first thing my eye went to was the pics. I thought 'Wow, look at all the little voids'. Then I also noted the thin face layer.

The edges (and even the face) of cheap Home Depot grade plywood can look like crap, but the b/bb grade Baltic I am considering can have an attractive face, and even a reasonably nice edge, if it is well sanded and beveled.

[86Scotty]

Yep, the 3/4 I've used has some nasty voids too. I've been able to make it work quite nicely and it's what I will continue to use for the price, at $40 or so per 4x8', but it is not the same quality as the good stuff. I'll be buying some 3/4 pretty soon and will add to this thread. In fact, I have lots of scrap now and will try to remember to post some pics.

[BrianW]

I've bought 3/4" oak plywood from Lowes and it was pretty good. But generally, yes, the sheet goods there aren't too good.

[E-rex]

I have found Lowes and Home Depot to be very comparable, though Lowes (at least around me), seems to have slightly better quality lumber. Not a huge difference, but if prices are comparable, I'll go to Lowes first if I have a choice.

[E-rex]

OK, looks like I will be heading thru NY on Monday during the day, so I am hoping to stop and pick up some Baltic Birch at the place in the Bronx (5/8" is 29.25 for a 5x5 B/BB, other thicknesses are roughly comparable).

I have read of some recommending 1/2" (in Baltic) as being adequate for a bed platform. The main part of the platform (for our torsos) will be 54" wide (full size width) and 55" long, with a second (thinner) piece to make up the balance of the length for our lower legs and feet. I am thinking I could go 5/8" unspanned for the main platform, or I might be able to use 1/2" if it is supported in the middle (at about 27" between supports).

As an aside, we are not dainty.. I am 6'3", 200+, and my wife is 5'10". I am open to opinions on thickness choices for the platform..

[86Scotty]

1/2" should be plenty if supported but I'd do more than one support. 2 minimum. I'd do at least one for a 3/4" bed platform that size.


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[larrie]

Totally agree with 86Scotty. You are going to want a couple of supports. There is nothing wors that a sagging bed support.