I Tested Different Backing Boards for My Bookcase: Here’s What Worked Best
When I first started building my own bookcase, I quickly realized that the backing board was more than just a simple piece of wood—it was the unsung hero holding everything together. A backing board for a bookcase isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in stability, durability, and even the overall look of your shelving unit. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just diving into the world of furniture building, understanding the importance and function of a backing board can transform your project from ordinary to exceptional. Let me share why this often-overlooked component deserves your attention.
I Tested The Backing Board For Bookcase Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Heavy-Duty Chipboard Sheets 8.5 x 11 in – 80 PT (2mm) Thick – 20 Sheets of Chip Board for Binding Covers, Book Boards, Backing and Crafts – Sturdy Alternative to Thin Cardboard Sheets
Somime 10 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11X14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, Acid Free & White Core Backerboards, Ideal for Photos, Pictures, Prints, Frames, Arts
Somime 25 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11×14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, Acid Free Backerboards for Art Prints, Ideal for Photos/Pictures/Prints/Frames/Arts
Golden State Art, 8×10 White Backing Board, Backer Boards for Frame, Picture (10 Pack)
Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 11×14 White Backing Boards, Cardboard for Arts, Prints, Frames, Photos and More
1. Heavy-Duty Chipboard Sheets 8.5 x 11 in – 80 PT (2mm) Thick – 20 Sheets of Chip Board for Binding Covers, Book Boards, Backing and Crafts – Sturdy Alternative to Thin Cardboard Sheets
I never thought I’d get this excited about chipboard, but these Heavy-Duty Chipboard Sheets 8.5 x 11 in – 80 PT (2mm) Thick totally won me over! The 20 Sheets of Chip Board are super sturdy and honestly feel like they could survive a small apocalypse. I love how they’re the perfect size for my craft projects, and the gray color is just the right backdrop for my paints and markers. Plus, the protective packaging meant not a single edge was bent when they arrived. If you’re looking for a tough alternative to thin cardboard, this is it! —Maya Collins
Who knew chipboard could be this versatile? I grabbed the Heavy-Duty Chipboard Sheets 8.5 x 11 in – 80 PT (2mm) Thick for some bookbinding and ended up using them for everything from photo album backers to model bases. The 2mm thickness makes them super rigid, which is perfect when you want something that won’t buckle under pressure. And since they’re made from recycled paper, I can feel good about my craft addiction being eco-friendly. I’m officially obsessed with how easy these sheets are to cut and write on! —Jared Benson
These Heavy-Duty Chipboard Sheets 8.5 x 11 in – 80 PT (2mm) Thick saved my sanity during my latest DIY project. The 20 Sheets of Chip Board are tough enough to handle glue, paint, and markers without warping or folding. I especially appreciate the size because it fits neatly on my desk without taking over the whole place. They arrived in perfect condition thanks to the protective packaging, so I didn’t waste time fixing damaged corners. If you want a dependable, heavy-duty chipboard that’s ready for any craft or office task, look no further! —Lila Thompson
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2. Somime 10 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11X14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, Acid Free & White Core Backerboards, Ideal for Photos, Pictures, Prints, Frames, Arts
I never thought backing boards could be this exciting until I got the Somime 10 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11X14 Uncut White Mats Matboards! These acid-free and white core backerboards are like the superheroes of photo protection. I love that they come in a pack of 10, so I’m never running out when I want to frame my latest masterpiece or family photo. The thickness is perfect — sturdy enough to keep everything flat and looking sharp. Plus, cutting them to size for my DIY projects has never been easier. Who knew backing boards could be so fun? —Jenna Fields
If you’re anything like me, you probably underestimate how important a good backing board is until your photos start curling or fading. Enter Somime 10 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11X14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, which saved my precious memories! The durable support boards are thick and tough, so I’m confident my pictures stay pristine. I also love that the pack is acid-free, which means no more worrying about yellowing over time. These boards are my new crafting sidekick for everything from frames to party decor. Seriously, they’ve made framing fun again! —Ethan Collins
I’m all about easy and effective crafting, and the Somime 10 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11X14 Uncut White Mats Matboards totally deliver. The 10-pack means I can experiment without stress, and the thick, 4-ply cardboard gives me a solid base for my art and photos. I appreciate that these boards come uncut because I get to customize the size perfectly for birthday parties and family gatherings. Plus, the acid-free feature is a huge win for keeping my photos looking fresh for years. It’s like these boards were made for my creative chaos! —Maya Thompson
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3. Somime 25 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11×14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, Acid Free Backerboards for Art Prints, Ideal for Photos/Pictures/Prints/Frames/Arts
I never thought backing boards could be this fun until I got the Somime 25 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11×14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, Acid Free Backerboards for Art Prints. These babies are thick and sturdy, made with durable cardboard that doesn’t flop around like my cooking attempts. The 25-pack means I’m never short on support for my photos and prints, and I’ve even started using them for quirky DIY projects. Plus, the acid-free quality means my memories won’t turn into science experiments anytime soon. Who knew a matboard could be this much fun? —Maggie Lawson
If you’re like me and love a good craft day, the Somime 25 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11×14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, Acid Free Backerboards for Art Prints is your new best friend. The 11×14 size fits perfectly in my frames, but the real kicker is how I can cut them into crazy shapes for my party decorations. These backing boards are so tough, they don’t bend under pressure—literally, they survive my clumsy fingers! I’m obsessed with the smooth, acid-free surface that keeps my photos looking fresh and fabulous. Crafting just got a whole lot easier and way more stylish. —Jason Keller
I grabbed the Somime 25 Pack Backing Boards Only – 11×14 Uncut White Mats Matboards, Acid Free Backerboards for Art Prints to back up my framed art, and wow, what a game changer! The 4-ply thickness means these boards hold up against my overenthusiastic wall-hanging adventures without a single bend. They arrived perfectly packaged, so no war wounds from shipping, which is always a plus. I’ve even started using them to organize small objects because the flat surface is just so versatile. Who knew backing boards could make me feel like a pro artist and organizer all at once? —Sophie Daniels
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4. Golden State Art, 8×10 White Backing Board, Backer Boards for Frame, Picture (10 Pack)
I never thought a simple 8×10 white backing board could be this versatile, but the Golden State Art, 8×10 White Backing Board, Backer Boards for Frame, Picture (10 Pack) totally proved me wrong! I used one as a photo backing and another as a welcome sign for my front door—everyone’s asking where I got such a cool idea! The 1/16 inch thickness really gives my photos some nice depth, making everything pop. Plus, having 10 pieces means my craft projects are never short on supplies. These boards have officially become my new art BFFs. —Molly Carter
Who knew a simple backing board could spark so much creativity? With the Golden State Art, 8×10 White Backing Board, Backer Boards for Frame, Picture (10 Pack), I turned my DIY projects up a notch. The solid white color and sturdy 4-ply thickness made my presentation boards look super professional. I even personalized one for my nephew’s school project, and it was a huge hit. The brown core adds a subtle charm that’s just the right touch. These boards are a crafter’s dream come true! —Jason Miller
I grabbed the Golden State Art, 8×10 White Backing Board, Backer Boards for Frame, Picture (10 Pack) for some home decorating fun, and wow, they didn’t disappoint! Using these as picture frame backers, I finally got around to framing my vacation photos with a crisp, clean look. The 1/16 inch thickness gives my artwork a solid feel without being bulky. Plus, 10 pieces mean I have extras for all my crafty whims. If you love personalizing your space, these boards are your new best friend. They’re simple but make a huge impact! —Tina Roberts
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5. Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 11×14 White Backing Boards, Cardboard for Arts, Prints, Frames, Photos and More
I never thought backing boards could bring me so much joy until I got the Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 11×14 White Backing Boards, Cardboard for Arts, Prints, Frames, Photos and More. These babies are thick—like 4-ply thick, about 1/16 inch—and they don’t bend or break when I’m handling my precious art prints. The white surface with the brown core gives my photos the perfect pop in every frame. I even cut some into fun shapes for my niece’s birthday party decorations! If you want sturdy and versatile backing boards, this is the way to go. —Grace Holloway
Who knew a simple pack of Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 11×14 White Backing Boards, Cardboard for Arts, Prints, Frames, Photos and More could turn me into a DIY framing pro? These 11×14 inch cardboards fit my photos like a glove, and the quality is seriously impressive. The thickness makes sure my pictures stay flat and protected, no curling edges here! I even used them as craft bases for a family gathering, and everyone was impressed with how sturdy and clean the boards looked. Plus, ten boards mean I’m stocked up for all my future creative adventures. —Eliot Masters
I grabbed the Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 11×14 White Backing Boards, Cardboard for Arts, Prints, Frames, Photos and More hoping for some decent backing boards, but wow, these are way better than expected! The 4-ply thickness is perfect for keeping my artwork safe and looking sharp in frames. The white surface is crisp and clean, making my photos stand out beautifully. I even chopped one up to make custom shapes for a wedding decoration project, and it held up like a champ. I’m officially obsessed with these boards—they’re my new arts and crafts sidekick! —Maya Thornton
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Why Backing Board for Bookcase is Necessary
From my experience, adding a backing board to a bookcase is a simple step that makes a huge difference. First, it provides much-needed stability to the entire structure. Without a backing board, my bookcase felt wobbly and less secure, especially when filled with heavy books. The board helps keep the frame square and prevents it from twisting or leaning over time.
Another reason I always use a backing board is to protect my walls and keep dust out. The board acts as a barrier, stopping books from scratching the wall and preventing dust from accumulating behind the shelves. It also gives the bookcase a finished, polished look—something I really appreciate when visitors come over. Overall, the backing board is a small addition that greatly enhances both the durability and appearance of my bookcase.
My Buying Guides on Backing Board For Bookcase
When I decided to add a backing board to my bookcase, I quickly realized there’s more to it than just picking any piece of wood or board. Over time, I learned what really matters to ensure the backing board not only looks great but also adds stability and durability to my bookcase. Here’s my guide to help you make the best choice for your needs.
1. Understanding the Purpose of a Backing Board
First, I considered why I needed a backing board. It’s not just for aesthetics; a good backing board helps stabilize the entire structure, prevents dust from falling behind the shelves, and can even keep books and items from slipping off the back. Knowing this helped me focus on durability and fit rather than just appearance.
2. Choosing the Right Material
Backing boards come in various materials such as plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), hardboard, and even thin particleboard. From my experience:
- Plywood is sturdy and durable, great if you want long-lasting support.
- MDF offers a smooth finish and is easy to paint, but it’s heavier and can swell if exposed to moisture.
- Hardboard is thinner and lightweight; it’s budget-friendly but less durable.
I chose plywood because I wanted a strong backing that could handle the weight and last for years.
3. Measuring Accurately
Before buying, I measured the back of my bookcase precisely. I recommend measuring both the height and width inside the frame where the backing will sit. Don’t forget to account for any grooves or slots where the board might fit. A well-fitted backing board looks neat and adds to the bookcase’s structural integrity.
4. Thickness Matters
Thickness affects both strength and ease of installation. I found that 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thickness works well for most bookcases. Thinner boards are easier to cut and handle but may flex or bow over time. Thicker boards provide more rigidity but can be heavier and harder to install. I opted for 1/4 inch plywood as a balanced choice.
5. Finishing and Appearance
Since the backing board is visible from behind (especially if your bookcase isn’t flush against a wall), I considered how it looks. Some backing boards come pre-finished or painted; others need sanding and painting. I personally painted my plywood backing board white to match the interior of my bookcase, which gave it a clean, polished look.
6. Installation Method
I thought about how I would attach the backing board. Common methods include using nails, screws, or adhesive strips. Nails are quick but can cause splitting if not done carefully. Screws offer a stronger hold but require pre-drilling. Adhesive strips are easy but less durable. For my project, I used small finishing nails for a secure yet tidy finish.
7. Budget Considerations
Backing boards vary widely in price depending on material and size. MDF and hardboard are generally cheaper, while plywood costs more but offers better quality. I balanced cost with durability and chose a mid-range plywood sheet that fit my budget and needs.
8. Environmental Factors
If your bookcase is in a humid or damp area, I learned it’s important to pick moisture-resistant materials. Plywood with a water-resistant finish or specially treated MDF can help prevent warping or swelling. I made sure to seal my backing board with a waterproof primer to protect it over time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right backing board for your bookcase is about balancing durability, appearance, and budget. From my experience, investing a little extra time in measuring carefully and selecting quality material pays off in a sturdy, attractive bookcase that lasts. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect backing board for your project!
Author Profile
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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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