I want to build a freestanding, low bookcase that will also be a bench for people to sit on. I plan to have a cushion made for the top. Basically I want it to look like a window seat, but not be built in (because of the placement of vents I don't want to do a build in). It will be about 6' long, and seat hight (18-20 inches high) and maybe 15" deep. I will probably use plywood and a face frame type design.
So my question is, will this work with normal book case construction techniques -- i.e., dados for the top and bottom and a screwed on plywood back to provide rigidity. Or do I need something stronger to withstand the weight of a person. I would probably put a vertical support every 2 feet.
Also, do you think this will be tippy? In my experience bookcases tend to be tippy, but then they are 5+ ft tall and this will be very short.
Thanks for any help and ideas.
--Dave