Replies

1. 
   wdwerker | Feb 11, 2012 12:16pm | #1

   plywood frames?

   If I was going to attempt this I would only use 3/4 baltic birch ply, it comes in 5 x 5 sheets.  Most plywood these days has a poor quality to the core. A lot of the affordable sheets are imported and the core can de- laminate or it will warp.  Some of the domestic plywood is ok but usually costs more and has nice face veneers which you don't need if you are going to paint it.  I think the work needed to cover the edges and assemble the frames would make this idea unfeasible . A soild wood frame with a 1/4 ply panel would be a great choice.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Feb 11, 2012 12:17pm | #2

   painted doors

   Using plywood for the entire (flat) door is common within more "economical" construction, but not in the manner you are thinking. For frame and panel construction, solid wood is better for the frame, but thin (1/4") ply can be used for the panel. The grade and source of the ply also makes a big difference in the quality and durability of the finished cabinet.

   The new issue of FWW has a nice overview of the different grades of plywood: furniture grade, cabinet grade, and multiply being the "top" three grades. The article, however, skips over construction grade (what is usually available at home improvement centers) entirely.