I’m building new kitchen cabinets and am wondering about the doors beneath the sink, which will be 2 doors, each 21″wide. Using frame and raised panel construction, this would put each panel around 16″ wide. I know there is a formula somewhere to calculate the expansion specs for red oak, as to whether it will either contract so much to leave a gap next to the stiles, or expand and force the joint open. My cope and stick bit cuts a 3/8″ deep groove.
If its considered too chancy, I guess my options are to use plywood flat panels (hate to do this because then these doors will not match the other narrower ones) or divide the doors into 2 panels each which might also look odd.
Your help or comments appreciated, as always. Gary
Replies
Gary
I frequently make raised door panels that wide, and wider. You won't have a problem. Make sure you use some sort of cushion, like space balls, in the groove so that the panels don't rattle in the dry season (winter) when they shrink.
Jeff
Hi Gary ,
It is not uncommon for cabinet doors to be up to and around 22" give or take in width , that is what is commonly found and accepted .
With the 3/8" depth as opposed to 1/2" a 1/4" more risk exists . We know the wood will move , we just can't always predict exactly how much . Often I will make the only wide door or doors with a split panel stile in the center . It can actually make for a special look and it can blend in un noticed as well , imo the doors under the sink would look sweet if split .
dusty
Red oak moves approximately 9% on the tangential and 4 1/2% on the radian direction - - that is from green wood to kiln dried. A suggestion - - stain or do whatever finishing to the edges before you do the glue up of the frame. If the finishing is done after and there is wood movement an unfinished line may appear on the panel.
The movement will depend on the seasonal swings in relative humidity, tempered, possibly, by your heating and cooling system.
Without knowing where you live and the climate there, no one can give you useful answer.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
Go to http://www.woodbin.com and then click on "on-line utilities". Then click on the "Shrinkulator". Input the species, range of relative humidity where the kitchen is located and then the width of the panel. The output will be the expansion/contraction of the panel.
Thanks much to all who answered. Gary
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