I have been building walnut cabinets for my kitchen. Full inset doors, frame and panel construction. I also built an island from birch plywood covered with walnut panels (rail and stile construction). I like the contrasting wood when looking inside the island. I am now considering making all the lower base cabinents from birch plywood with walnut face frames and doors to save some money. You would see the birch only when the opening the doors. All top cabinents would be made from walnut plywood cases. Not sure if this is an “acceptable” look, or should I drop the big bucks ($107 per sheet) on walnut plywood everywhere.
SJ
Replies
Save your money for what shows. The only time I need the inside to match the outside is with glass doors or open units. Woodworkers have been using lower grade materials for non visible uses since way back. You won't even notice the difference when all your stuff is in the cabinets.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Hi SJ ,
It is fine to use the Birch , I have been using Birch or Maple interiors for ever regardless of the face material . It is nice and bright and clean looking , I usually do not stain the interior unless behind glass doors in which case using all Walnut in your case looks best in that area finished the same as the faces .
It would go un appreciated to have Walnut inside a drawer stack cabinet for instance , you certainly can use the same inside as out if you want but it is not mandatory .
dusty
Thanks for your quick responses as I am in the shop working today and need the "external validation"so I can get going. I forgot to mention that 2 large pantry's will need walnut plywood one one side of the carcass that will be seen...but then the other side, top, bottom and back would be birch---this OK too?
SJ
Try the prefinished birch plywood. Saves time and the finish is better than what most of us can apply in the shop.
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