Plywood for the Back of a Mission Chest?

I’d go with the plywood. Even if nobody ever sees the back you will always know it’s there.

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

There’s no reason other than cost and weight to NOT use the QS white oak, unless someday the chest may end up in the middle of a room, rather than backed up against a wall. If you want to keep that option open, then definitely use it for the back, but make sure that you aren’t showing ugly plywood edges. Otherwise, got with 1/4” oak plywood for the back. Either way, make sure that the good face is out. I only make a point of saying that because when we build bookcases or other open cabinetry, we put the backpiece’s good face on the inside, since folks can see that.

Oh, there is one other reason you may not want to use the QS for the back. Other pieces that may go with the chest. Having ply from the same sheet will give a subtley more consistent look, and if you’re using stains, the stain application will be more consistent between the pieces. (of course, if you wait two years between building the pieces, you may not remember how the stain “worked” the first time….)

-- I'm happier than a tornado in a trailer park! Grace & Peace.

I concur with the others. Use the good stuff on the back. You never know if it will end up as a room divider.

It’s gonna be a family heirloom; you don’t want your great-great-great grandchildren thinking poorly of you, do you?

Thanks for the supportive feedback. I’m going with the good stuff in the back :)

What did the old masters use for the back of their chests?