For the usual panel of experts:

I am going to make coopered doors (dim ~5″x12″ each) for a cabinet.  It will be frame & panel, and I am going to veneer the panel.  Regarding the panel substrate, I am thinking of glueing up strips of poplar together to get the cup.  Then glue 3/16″ veneer to the face and back.  I am using poplar for the simple reason that it will be relatively easy to shape and fair after the glue up.

But I am concerned about the different expansion rates between the poplar substrate and the maple veneer.  I think I might be able to get away with it considering the panel will only be 5″ wide (& ~1/4″ thick), and the maple veneer with be 3/16″ thick, and all grains will be running parrallel.

Anyone with any experience with this?

Thanks.