Greetings all,
I am exploring design alternatives for some bedroom cabinet (dresser/bureau/etc.) doors. I’d appreciate some feedback or experience you might like to share.
One thought is to use laminate (Formica or Wilsonart) as the flat panel for shaker style doors. The reason I’m considering laminate is because I’m interested on some of the metallic looks that might work with cherry or walnut. I suppose another alternative is a slab style door, but I’m not inclined toward heavy particleboard doors and plastic edging.
Does anyone have experience with laminate on 1/4” particleboard stock? Also, what material could I use for the inside surface of the panel? More laminate seems wasteful.
I would likely have the panels made up at a local countertop company (if they’ll do 1/4” panels) and I would cut the them to finished dimensions for the frames. The frames would be 3/4” thick rails and stiles. Ideally it would be great if they could bond the laminate to a good baltic birch but I know shops prefer an particle board products.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Dave
Replies
Formica, Arborite is a good material, particle board isn’t. It’s quite easy to glue Formica to Baltic birch or any other substrate. Just have them cut to size and apply contact cement with a roller to both surfaces.
Use the baltic birch. If you don't want plastic laminate on the inside, just paint or stain it.
Vertical grade Formica is cheap, less than $70 for a 4 x 8 sheet, and can be ordered from HD or Lowe's why are you paying someone to make simple panels for you. You can laminate an entire sheet of 1/4" hardboard on both sides then cut the panels to size, you don't even need to edge trim them if you are putting them in frames. All you need is some contact cement, a cheap paint roller and some thin wood strips to keep things from bonding before you are ready.
Thank you all for the responses. I like the idea of using baltic birch or hardboard and doing the glue-up myself. @esch5995, what’s “vertical” grade Formica? The reason I was thinking of using a pro shop do it was because I didn’t know one can order custom laminate patterns from HD or Lowe’s; but I’ll check out those options.
Thanks.
Vertical grade is slightly thinner than the material specifically rated for countertops which are subject to more wear and tear. I will say I use it for shop table tops all the time with no significant downside.
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