Built-in back

[williamchall]

So, I'm working on built-ins for my wife's sister and her family. There is a large center piece flanked by two bookcase sized pieces. The center upper piece is wider than 48", so I'll need more than two piece of ply to make up the back. Do you think it would be better to cut two pieces the same size leaving me a seam along the center of the cabinet, or should I have one 48" wide piece in the center with two smaller pieces flanking that giving me two seams left and right?

Basically, I'm building something similar to this:

http://fabrizioconst..._built_in_3.jpg

[Beechwood Chip]

Or, make several pieces for a tongue-and-groove or bead-board look. Just pointing out other options.

How high is the center portion? If it's less than 48", you could run the plywood sideways.

[simeond]

What is the height? If less then 48", then just run plywood lengthwise. That is, if you're painting it and grain direction doesn't matter.

[areynoldsre]

I'd run the plywood sideways if you're going to paint. If the grain and seams will show that I'd do it so the seams line up with the doors below. In this picture I'd do it in thirds so the plywood seams are in line with the lines from the doors below.

[JMadson Custom Wood]

I have to assume because you're asking that this will be stained. If you're painting, the seams would be easy enough to just hide. Options in order of cost (in my opinion)

1 Two pieces of book matched ply with the seam in the middle . The seem will look like it belongs

2 Get plywood with the grain running in the opposite direction, you can fit one piece across (assuming the section is under 48" tall)

3 I like someone else's suggestion of three pieces to match the doors below (or whatever configuration of doors you have)

4 the lesser cost plus plywoods already have veneers that look like sections. If your edges are really clean,you should be able to connect any number of pieces of ply and not be able to see the actual seams.

5 cheapest option, use painted mdf and make it match the walls in the room. It will look like there's no back at all. I like this option when the built-in makes the room look like it's all wood.

[williamchall]

Hmmm. Good ideas all. I am painting, so I think I'll try to hide the seam down the center. less waste with what I have on hand. I'll keep some of those other options on hand for my next build.

[reforzar]

I say run the piece horizontal. It seems like the design in that picture did that and made a top piece to use up the space. You could always put a shelf 4 feet up from the tv space to help support the ply.