This project produced several troubles. 
1. Was trying to color match a product on a different wood medium from the original.
2. The area where the built in was to be installed had a large amount of natural light. Meaning that all the cabinet door finish needs to be basically flawless. 
3. With so many doors my math needs to be absolutely perfect. Even using european hinges if your doors and shaker framing is out even a little you can see it across all the horizontal and vertical lines.

Even using MDF this a supriaingly difficult project. Maybe even more so than using solid wood.  Mdf is generally tossed away as low quality and entry level.  You have to remember that it can’t be planed, it’s difficult to sand. Doesn’t like water based paints, shows every saw cut if you’re not careful. Not to mention you can’t screw into it, the wrong kind of glue swells it. Etc, etc.

So why use it? Well theres a number of reasons…. it’s cheap, light. And if you know how it works, or rather doesn’t, it can be a great cost effective way to build a good quality cabinet. 

I ended up with a very happy client and a product I’m proud to share. Mdf or solid wood. Take your time, learn the product you’re using and you will always end up with the best quality possible. 

Launch Gallery