Hi All,

I’ve been building a low-profile (meaning longer than high) cherry bookcase from Woodsmith plans. It called for all of the carcase, as well as the top, to be built from a single sheet of 3/4″ cherry CVP, then edged with cherry hardwood to create the look of an all-hardwood bookcase.

My problem is, I made a mistake (really!) that’s left me without sufficient ply to make the top. Originally, the top would have had a tongue all around to accept the grooved cherry edging. The top is designed to slightly overhang all 4 sides.

I do have a piece of brazilian cherry, which would look just great, that I could substitute for the CVP top. It’s a finished (S4S) piece that’s been laying in my wood storage area (slightly cooler than the shop) for over a year – no discernable warping or cupping.

My question is, of these three alternatives, which is best?

• Use the Brazilian cherry without any edging
• • Glue and screw
  • Screws only to allow for lateral (front to back) wood movement;
• Use the brazilian cherry with the same tonge-and-groove construction to help deal with wood movement;
• Spring for another sheet of cherry CVP to replace my wasted top.

Naturally, I don’t want to spend extra money if I don’t have to, and I think the brazilian cherry would look beautiful, with or without the cherry edging. But I also don’t want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish.

I’d appreciate any advice you’d care to offer. FYI, the plan comes from Woodsmith issue 155, “Low Cherry Bookcase.”

Thanks in advance,