Replies

1. 
   GregoryPaolini | Jun 11, 2009 02:02pm | #1

   I've come across all sorts of sheetgoods which should fit your requirements - Even at homecenters, you can find quite a few variations.   Your local lumber/cabinetmaking suppler should be able to provide you with a lot of options.

   I'm surprised you wouldn't look at the MDF since it's a paint job.  I did a bathroom several years ago which had 6'6" tall beadboard running the perimeter, and I did that whole job with MDF (in a humid bathroom).  A good paint job before hand sealed it, and I've had no issues at all with the job.

   http://www.gregorypaolini.com/CabinetPage/bathcabgallery1/bathcabgallery1.htm

   What helps me with painting MDF, is to first prime it with shellac based primer.  It seals the MDF and stiffens all that "fuzz", so sanding is a cinch, and susequent coats apply very nice. 

   If you did want to use solid wood, then go with poplar - It's inexpensive, stable, and takes paint well.

   Hope this helps

    

    

   Gregory Paolini

   http://www.GregoryPaolini.com

2. 
   oldusty | Jun 11, 2009 04:52pm | #2

      Hi cb,

              When you say beaded panels do you mean bead board panels ?

          Or an applied bead around frame edge ?

      For a paint grade panels of most any type MDF is a superior product then any solid wood, there are no grain raising issues with MDF.

     You can buy the sheet stock beaded in mdf , I have made my own bead board for paint grade and chose mdf to use .

     A Sears type molding head on the TS will produce the pattern you desire if you don't like whats available.

     The thing about using solid wood for the panel and then cutting beads is the thickness of the panel may need to be greater then say 1/4".

     You can make a raised panel but use the back side as the front ,the extra thickness will allow you to cut beads without losing the integrity of the panels.

         good luck     dusty

       an mdf frame & panel painted vanity

    

   
3. 
   YesMaam27577 | Jun 11, 2009 10:51pm | #3

   Use an oil-based primer, or a coat of shellac, and the grain-raising will not happen.

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
4. 
   Barrie2777 | Jun 12, 2009 05:15am | #4

   I have used pine, maple and MDF in painted cabinets with no real preference for any one of them. All work well and give great results. It depends mostly on you and what the client wants to pay for. Maple will take more bumps and bangs than pine.

   
5. 
   boilerbay | Jun 12, 2009 05:06pm | #5

   What Dusty said.
   Boiler

6. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 13, 2009 04:44am | #6

   MDF is great stuff (except for the dust!) but no worse than some Panga-Panga I have.

   If it is sealed, Especially the edges, it will last.

   However, nobody mentioned not to put the MDF directly on the floor surface. I have made several cabinets of MDF and never had a problem except for one where the  'feet' of the cabinet (the edge) of the MDF and it 'wicked' up water. I had to take it out and cut out the swelling MDF and fitted white oak (painted). I 'THOUGHT' I had sealed the floor contact parts with plastic resin glue but something happened? I know the MDF sucked up a bunch of that glue!

7. 
   cowtown | Jun 15, 2009 10:01am | #7

   your local cabinet door manufacturer can crank these out by the hunnerds.

    

   If you stop and think about it, maybe conjure up a jig or two in yer imagination, youtwo can do xactly the same thing. and maybe even better

   I could give you step by step directions on how to do it simply, but it is so ridiculously simple that I just gotta say "figure this one out fewr yerself"

   I think the excercise will serve you in good stead down the road.

   The solution involves a tad of  simple math, some visualization. and some jig fabrication.

   Ya know, if yer quoting cabinet jobs and cannot figure this one out within twenty minutes, it's time to ramp up yer conceptualization skills a tad.

    

   OTOH, if you have invested the twenty minutes of effort and still cannot figure out how to do this, just get back to me and I'll help you. along the way.

   Eric in Calgary

    

8. 
   mr_kramer | Jun 17, 2009 06:45pm | #8

   All of my tools form an allergic reaction to MDF. I have gotten into more trouble using that crap as soon as they mop the floor, have an appliance overflow or have humidity issues. I know, I know. It's cheaper and we're gonna paint it. It's still crap. Be creative with the different trims and moldings out there that are made of wood. Sell your customer on quality. MDF is for apartments and low grade tract homes.