Need ideas for bookcase back

[andvari]

I have a project in progress which is to build a set of floor to ceiling bookcases for my media collection - a LOT of CDs, DVDs and BDs. I've purchased some nice quartersawn oak veneer Europly for the shelves and sides and solid oak for edge banding, and some oak veneer ply for the backs. The finish is likely to be Watco oil.

However I'm having second thoughts about the backs being rather plain looking and feel I'd like something more dressy. I'm wondering what suggestions folks might have as to how to make it more interesting without going all the way to something like shiplap.

The bookcases are going into a room with some other mission style furniture.

 

[jacko9]

You might consider building the back in frame and panel style to break up the large plywood look.  I would use 3/4" ply in 3/4" rail and stile frame with a 1/16" reveal around the flush mounted ply panels.

 

[andvari]

Yes, thanks, that is an interesting idea that I hadn't considered. Why I don't know as I have a cabinet in the same room that has a back done that way. Perhaps because the rails and stiles in the cabinet are quite wide.

 

[mouppe]

I have done frame and panel backs for cabinets before and they not my preferred option. The reason is although they look good- and this is debatable for bookcase because it will be hidden behind all the books- it is very hard to get the raised panel depth exactly right. Too proud and the backs of the shelves will not touch the frame and too recessed and there will be a gap between the shelves and the panel. You also have to consider the seasonal movement of the shelves and this can lead to unsightly gaps with a frame and panel back.

Frame and panel backs work best for display cabinets where they can be seen.

For a bookcase a tongue and groove back is very elegant, and you can easily add a bead too. You can mute the vertical aspect of the books by laying the slats horizontally.

Richard.

 

[rdesigns]

You could also use the oak ply you have and add lengthwise V-grooving at random intervals to create the look of solid wood planking.

You could do this with a point-cutting router bit set to the depth that looks best.

 

[nydesign]

The company Grange has some nice backs on their casework.
I copied some pics, there's more samples on their site.
http://www.grange.fr/grange/easysite/grange/us/browse-products/modular-units

 

[andvari]

I'm going to have to look at some other color combinations. I hadn't considered having the back a different color from the case.

 

[jacko9]

Return to your original design statement of matching mission style.  The wood beauty will show through.

 

[honeydoman]

well i would recommend......... oak bead board !  after all the shelves are going to be filled up with stuff so you are not going to see much of it...  i do not think the raised panels would look good.

different color stained does look nice and gives a great contrast just stain all pieces before you put back on.  much easier

 

[monte]

not seeing a picture of the bookcase it's hard to tell the exact "fit"
but one thought may be using copper panels with an etched patina "old penny look"

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I think Roger's on to something there.

You could also cover your plywood back with leather, cork, silk, lots of possibilities.