Book Shelves

I am ready to finish a set of bookshelves that are made of Red Oak. The top of the bookshelf is solid oak and is attached to a piece of oak veneer
plywood. My question is; can I finish just the exposed top surface of the bookshelf or do I need to remove the solid oak top and finish both the top
and bottom? I am asking this question while thinking about wood movement and what would happen if I applied a finish to just one side of the solid oak top and if it would affect the woods ability to move equally. Thank you in advance for your response to my question.

-Stanton R.

Red Bluff, CA

Our Expert

Wood expands and contracts from summer to winter with changes in the relative humidity. As you've pointed out, it is a good idea to seal both faces of a board when finishing so that they will absorb and release moisture at equal rates. This helps to keep boards flat over the years. My own experience is that when both surfaces are not sealed the board has a much greater tendency to warp.

I suggest that you remove the solid oak top and seal the underside. Shellac works well as a sealer; it dries quickly and is easily sprayed, wiped or brushed.

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