How to build a self-contained space...

[OuCy]

Hi there!

I want to build a self-contained space (approx. H= 8ft/ W= 9ft/D= 9ft) from wood. It's not a permanent structure and will need to be taken down after 2 weeks. I'm just wondering what the best, most economical, and easiest-to-use wood is for building such a structure. It has to be strong and sturdy though, as i will be hanging heavy objects such as speakers on the walls inside.

Thanks!

[Mick-Talbot]

MDF

[joko]

is this for a film or theatre set?
id suggest looking into scenic carpenters etc online, you will find detailed instructions of building flats

but yes mdf is good...as long as its weighted and well supported

you can make them with thinner boards as long as there are enough batons across the back to support the screws etc

[OuCy]

Do you think MDF is strong enough? I've used it before and i just find that it tends to bend or even snap quite easily :S

[OuCy]

Hi Joko, could you suggest possible ways of weighting/ supporting MDF? :)

[Mick-Talbot]

you can get 25mm MDF if you are making a box, it will be very strong.

buy 5 or more sheets at B&Q and you get 15 or 20% off.

[jomifl]

OSB is much stronger than MDF and can be obtained in a weatherproof version. Thin boards (9mm) on a frame of studding timber Use coachbolts for the frame and screws to attach the boards. Don't use nails as they ar difficult to dismantle.

[Mick-Talbot]

smartply will look tacky

[OuCy]

So would I build the OSB over the studding timer frame? I will be either painting or wallpapering over the OSB, so it won't be on show!

[Mick-Talbot]

the MDF is more than up to the job, easier to paint or wallpaper and cheaper.

[OuCy]

Ok, i shall present these ideas to my course director. Thanks for all the help!

[AlBags]

Do you know how much one sheet of 25mm MDF will cost you?
It's also dense .. and pretty heavy.

I would use a cheap facing ply from builders merchants .. around 18mm. OK for the time you need for. Use a batten and noggin frame to support everything.

[OuCy]

Plywood was actually my original plan Albags :) Just worried about it weighing a ton during set-up. Although i will have a second person to help.

[Mick-Talbot]

OuCy approach your local B&q they have pots of money set aside to help local projects. You may just get lucky.

ply mm for mm is dearer than MDF, well it is in Yorkshire anyway.

[jomifl]

Is this structure to be used inoors or outside? If you use a timber frame with battens to support suspended loads then you can use the cheapest sheet material availble, even hardboard.

[jomifl]

The frame can be internal or external depending on aesthetics.

[joko]

yes as said you need a sturdy frame behind the board - plywood will do as long an you have sturdy timber battens to actually screw into
http://www.benteague.com/features/flat.pdf

[OuCy]

Thanks Joko, found this guide really helpful!