Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Aug 30, 2007 12:58am | #1

              KC,

     Maple and Birch are just several that work well for interiors .

           Unless you need more weight , I could see no advantage using MDF core .

                                     dusty

2. 
   Pondfish | Aug 30, 2007 05:51am | #2

   MDf and water don't mix well.  Spills that reach the core will cause the MDF to expand and degrade.

   All that, and it's a lot heavier per sheet to handle, too.  Stick with ply.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
3. 
   brad805 | Aug 30, 2007 11:22pm | #3

   I like Baltic Birch.  Primarily because of the smaller sheet size and ease of handling.  It is a couple of extra dollars, but worth it to me.  Some do not use edging with it either because of the core material and its appearance.  In my area it has become harder to find due to demand.

   I am not a big fan of particle core sheet goods because I find it easy to chip the edges when handling or storing it.  Maybe if I had a helper, my opinion may differ.  Little chips along the edges never look good. 

   My two cents.

4. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 31, 2007 04:26am | #4

   Dear Chris,
   As suggested: Maple, Birch, Baltic all good.

   MDF: Core or otherwise..... Bad

   Best,

   John

1. 
   KelsoChris | Aug 31, 2007 05:12am | #5

   Thanks for the advice you guys. I will probably go with maple ply at this time. I am pretty much in the planning stage at this time and am sorting out the materials and processes involved  before starting something this big.

1. 
   Woodman41 | Aug 31, 2007 05:40pm | #6

   Whatever you go with, do yourself a favor and buy from a commercial sheet goods supplier. The finish ply that HD/Lowes sells is really inferior, not even shop grade in my opinion.Also, there are several grades of MDF cored plywood, there is full MDF core and combined core that has 2 veneer layers of MDF sandwiching a wood core. I just started using combined core and like it quite a bit. For kitchen cabinets it shouldn't matter whether you go with combined core or full core (A grade, to use AA for interior panels would be a waste, A grade for visible sides). I don't know what your design is, face frame or frameless, but melamine for interior panels is a good option. Not only does it increase the visible light in cabinets that don't have lighting but it is easy to keep clean. It's easy to want to build furniture for kitchen cabinetry, but for the person using it (in my house that's me) the kitchen is the ultimate test of function over form.

5. 
   tmaxxx | Sep 01, 2007 05:53am | #7

   I just finised another custom kitchen.  i use prefinished birch available from a hardwood supplier.  here are a few reasons why.

   no sanding and finishing of interiors (dont like wasting hours of labour on the inside).  very durable finish.  comes single and double sided 3/4 and 1/4.  plywood core (screws hold better than mdf or particle board).  looks WAY nicer.

   only very minor drawback.  when glueing something to finished face, you need to sand off finish for glue to bond good.  i use a air grinde with a 1 inch sanding drum on it.  takes about 10 seconds or less per cabinet.  i can explain better if you wish.

   http://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/products/produv.aspx

   as for drawers, i suggest 1/2" baltic with 1/4 bottoms or 5/8 if your using some of the fancy glides.

   best of luck.

   Tmaxxx

   Urban Workshop Ltd

   Vancouver B.C.

   cheers.  Ill buy.

1. 
   Woodman41 | Sep 01, 2007 07:29am | #8

   I forgot about prefinished, a very good suggestion indeed.