Book shelves

[CharlieT]

I need to build some book shelves for my wife. She literally has a truck load of books. She retired from teaching due to health reasons when we move her books we had the bed of my full size truck level full front to back plus some. Now I need shelves. 44" wide and 60" tall is what I want to build. I can fit three side by side along one wall one between two windows and one between two door ways. I'd like to build them all the same size to just to simplify the project. My question is will 1x12 pine hold up as shelves? Do I need to put in a block to help suport the ends? whats your ideas?

[GRIMJIM]

I would put a "stiffener" at least on the front of the shelf (preferably on the back also). At 44" long they will sag, probably not right away but over time. It will also look better I think to have a nice 2" or so piece of pine instead of just the edge of the board.

Are they adjustable? With shelf pins? If you are putting in fixed shelves and not dadoing them I would put in blocks on the ends for support. Cut them a little smaller than your stiffener and they will disappear behind it.

[Zulu]

If you are going to put the stiffner on the front and sides of the shelf, you can use plywood instead of pine for the shelf and save some money.  Then face it with the strips of pine and never see the edge.
I agree with GRIMJIM,  at 44" they are going to sag for sure.
Zulu

[CharlieT]

Great ideas guys thanks. Sounds like you can picture what I'm wanting them to turn out like.