Want to put some shelves into an alcove- what's the best timber/wood to use?

[SwedishEdith]

Want book shelves of uniform width. Will be painted so doesn't need to be fancy oak. What will be strong enough not to bend and bow but still look nice? Pine? Thick plywood with a wooden edging? Something else?

Thanks

Ply is suitable, with an edging, but mdf is probably cheaper and very stable. I have some shelves made out of very thick mdf which are 2.4m wide and they don't sag with books on.

Thank you. Will see what price joiner will quote for mdf (wonder why he didn't mention it?)

I agree that mdf is your best bet, I have also used it for alcover shelves for a stereo system and it worked well.