Plywood, 1/4" or 1/2" ????? Newbie Needs Help!

[CoachOnTheRoad]

I'm doing a simple conversion on a 2005 Chevy Uplander MiniVan with the help of my awesome son-in-law. We're getting ready to build the bed and some simple storage/shelving, similar to what Bob built in the Astro Mini-Van, (under Van Conversions in the menu) and I'm stuck on the plywood purchase! 

#1. I'm purchasing formaldehyde-free plywood that I found at a local Home Depot.

#2. My son-in-law thinks 1/4 inch is thick enough, from the van builds I've researched I haven't found one that uses 1/4 inch. 

#3. The plywood I'm looking at is PureBond Birch Plywood which only comes in 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4!"

Price is a factor, I'm building on a limited budget and fixed income. The 3/4" is 50 bucks a pop.

I'm leaning toward the 1/2" for the bed and the storage cabinets/shelving. It coms in a little cheaper at 40$ for a 4x8. We did some measurements yesterday and I'll need 3.

Could use some advice on the 1/4" vs 1/2" decision.   :huh: . 

Thanks!

 

[ArtW]

I'd go with 1/2" for the raised sleeping platform, 1/4" might be fin for shelves, depending what you want to put on them

 

[BradKW]

1/4" won't take a screw if trying to attach something to it, and would need support every 12" or less. It has it's uses, but 1/2" is safer bet...

 

[CoachOnTheRoad]

1/4" won't take a screw if trying to attach something to it, and would need support every 12" or less. It has it's uses, but 1/2" is safer bet...

Good point. Thanks, I know nothing about carpentry!

 

[makenmend]

This is 3 sheets of 1/2'' Baltic Birch ply from HD and a $30.00 Kreg pocket screw tool (Lowes)

           

 

[CoachOnTheRoad]

Sweet, thanks! That helps! Looking at your build I think we'll have enough.

 

[CoachOnTheRoad]

Thanks for all the help everyone! Just ordered the 1/2" plywood and will be starting the build next Tuesday, working around my Son-in-law's work schedule.

Thanks!

 

[steamjam1]

Thats all I used on my first van. 1/2 sanded plywood and some redwood 2x2. It was strong enough for me, the G/F to sleep on. No problems.

 

[introverting]

I don't have any experience converting a van or using plywood in a vehicle, but my vote would be for 1/2 inch.

 

[djkeev]

Know that plywood comes in various grades.

In general, the less the cost, the crappier the product.

I've seen 3 ply 1/2" that is warped, and worthless!

Opt for a higher quality 5 ply ptoduct, a cabinet grade, maybe even with a birch top layer...... more expensive yes..... but a far far far superior product!

Dave

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I mix and match thicknesses when I build. Just as an example, for a typical kitchen cabinet I'll use 3/4" for the top and bottom and 1/2" for the sides. Then 1/4" for the back with a 3/4" nailing strip. Using the 3/4" for the tops and bottoms gives me a lot of meat to screw the 1/2" sides too. (I also dado the sides into the tops and bottoms but that's getting into advanced stuff you don't need to worry about on a vehicle build) You end up with a very strong and lightweight cabinet this way. Then a solid wood 3/4" face frame really stiffens it up.

 

[user 37446]

The consensus is 1/2" for all the reasons stated.  You'd have to use additional cross-member 2x2 framing to stiffen the plywood if you used 1/4".  

I'm presuming that you are going to build a bed frame out of 2x2 material for the legs, side rails and the center support under the 1/2" plywood. Glue and screw if you can, or use plywood gusseting for additional rigidity. 

Some people build the frame with 2x4" top rails (long pieces) as a 2x4" won't deflect as much as a 2x"2 and you have more surface area for the 2x2" legs and 2x2" center supports to hold to. 

The 1/2" plywood that goes under your choice of mattress material can either be screwed into the 2x2" (this will give more rigidity and also can be removed for disassembly).

Make sure you raise the platform high enough for storage underneath as well as comfort for getting in and out of.  

Hope that didn't confuse anything. Google "van bed frame" and you get 66,500,000 results... really, but lots of helpful pictures.