Re: Rebuilding a cabinet

Sounds like about what I expected, given my own experiences with
different wood products. I expect I will end up with ply, as I don't
want to build something that is in danger every time it is moved or
anything is moved around it.

Thnx for your insights.

Malcolm Mackenzie wrote:
> Jim,
>
> I feel your pain. Having restored a number of cabinets, both particle
> board and plywood as well as buiding a few from MDF from scratch, I
> have some opinions.
>
> I'm assuming that originality is not your primary concern. Here is
> how I feel about the possible choices:
>
> MDF:
>
> Pros: Cheap, requires very little finishing for a flat surface, cuts
> easily. There are now MDF veneers available that have a thin layer of
> real wood on the outside that can be stained too look like more
> expensive plywood veneer.
>
> Cons: HEAVY, does not hold screws well, deforms easily on edges when
> bumped, splits easily, swells when exposed to moisture
>
> Particle Board:
>
> Pros: Cheap, cuts easily, holds screws relatively well
>
> Cons: HEAVY, Hard to get a smooth surface when painting, breaks easily
> on corners etc, swells when exposed to moisture (including paint if
> you're not careful).
>
> Melamine:
>
> Pros: Don't have to paint it! Otherwise the same as PB.
>
> Cons: Easily scratched, difficult to cut without chipping exterior
> surface, can't use wood glue, textrure can show though applied side
> art. Otherwise same as PB
>
> Plywood (I'm talking about cabinet grade maple or similar, not
> exterior grade):
>
> Pros: Much lighter than any of the other materials, stronger, holds
> screws well, not as fragile on corners, not subject to swelling, glues
> well.
>
> Cons: More expensive, reqires more effort to get a smooth finish.
>
> My own prefference is to use plywood. Once you've tried to move a 4x8
> sheet of PB you'll appreciate plywood. -Malcolm
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Received on Wed Sep 26 15:12:09 2007