Newbie needs help please

If it is an option in your area, maybe MDO plywood would be a possibility. I haven’t used it myself, but Matt over at Matt’s Basement Workshop just finished a painted project with it, and really liked it. He has a video series about it here:

http://mattsbasementworkshop.com/471-shelves-and-drawers-pt-1/

Worth a watch.

I know one thing – the latest issue of fine woodworking has an article on plywood. I don’t have it handy but maybe you should check it out! It’s a good read…

-- Greg - Vancouver, BC

I agree I’ve used MDO it’s a very stable and tough product ,it’s what many sign makers use for exterior signs and it takes paint very well.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

MDO is very good on exterior projects I am sure it will kick a budget fast into the no go file. Often in my homes I built I didnt like the refrigerator shelf product ( mine term… the coated wire shelving) If you are doing built in shelving I used MDF material and it worked well with routering the edges and then I set back every time you change directions so you never come flush at any joint. Only issue is you need to pay alot of attention to the nailing. The product volcanos with nails. So you need to resand all nails holes and then fill and sand. If you do the proper prep and paint the material, white for a closet it works great. Use a mid grade sheen, flat will kill you on wear and tear

-- Steve Groeneweg, http//www.UltimateCarver.com

I have never liked the way that painted plywood looks. It is easy to use, though.

-- Wood-Mizer LT15

Since I am not in the US, I cannot help you with product selection. But since you are new here, you may not be aware that Lumberjocks has a sister-site called “HomeRefurbers”. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page, there is a box with a series of links there. You could also ask this same question there to get even more feedback.

Good luck.

-- I may have lost my marbles, but I still have my love of woodworking