Fitted Cabinets, which material would you use?

[rileytoolworks]

I have to agree with the comments that for me, there are too many cabinets, but it's your room. If you want a timber finish, I'd use veneered blockboard. Trust me - you'll appreciate the weight saving over MDF when installing that many wall units. (I know the misery of back pain - we're old drinking buddies!). Are you going for a modern, clean look, or a more traditional design (with face frames)?

 

[BradNaylor]

I've never used veneered blockboard; mainly because my local suppliers only stock MDF.

I met a bloke at an exhibition once who swore by it for his kitchen cabinets simply so that he could say that his kitchens were built entirely of solid wood!

Now that MDF is getting heavier by the year maybe I should try blockboard.

Cheers
Dan

 

[DangerousDave]

I have to agree with the comments that for me, there are too many cabinets, but it's your room. If you want a timber finish, I'd use veneered blockboard. Trust me - you'll appreciate the weight saving over MDF when installing that many wall units. (I know the misery of back pain - we're old drinking buddies!). Are you going for a modern, clean look, or a more traditional design (with face frames)?

Originally, I wanted a clean bright look, hence painted cabinets. Although seeing some of Jasons stuff, veneered MDF with lipping/face frame might be the way to go. Was watching an episode of Frasier last night and noticed that in their apartment they have nice white MDF type cabinets/shelf units that have a solid wood face frame which is a very nice look. TBH the design is based on necessity more than anything else. We have a lot of stuff (well, SWMBO mostly) and my thinking was the more storage the better. Using sheet material would also mean a quicker job. I think the thing to do is try out a lot of different designs on SU. I'm really starting to hate the original design now :?
Riley, I've seen veneered blockboard doors, but never seen it sold in sheet form. Don't know if my usual supplier stocks it. The weight saving aspect is appealing tho...

 

[Oryxdesign]

I've never used veneered blockboard; mainly because my local suppliers only stock MDF.

I met a bloke at an exhibition once who swore by it for his kitchen cabinets simply so that he could say that his kitchens were built entirely of solid wood!

Now that MDF is getting heavier by the year maybe I should try blockboard.

Cheers
Dan

It isn't anywhere near as stable as MDF, the stuff we used to use had voids too and I don't think that's unusual. The finaspan stuff with a corrigated core looks good though.
Simon

 

[ByronBlack]

Can I ask a stupid question here? I've been tasked to something similar, but on a smaller scale - some boxes for our new bathroom. What is the best way to join MDF for these kind of units?

I've only ever used glued and screwed butt joints, and have break-out and difficulty in alignment - is there a better solution?

 

[Paul Chapman]

is there a better solution?

Biscuits.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Oryxdesign]

I like dominos, pocket hole screws and glue. I likie the pocket hole screws because they bite across the layers rather than into the end of them. Biscuits will work fine but dominos give alignment in two directions rather than one. Carcass screws are ok too after all they only need to work until the glue dries.

 

[ByronBlack]

Would you use a regular glue for MDF such as titebond? Or is there something that is more suitable like a poly glue or something?

 

[Oryxdesign]

I've just tried Titebond because everybody on here seems to rate it but having tried it I'm going back to my regular PVA.

 

[Paul Chapman]

I always use PVA.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Oryxdesign]

Perhaps it would help if you left out some of the perps.

Oak faced MDF

 

[DangerousDave]

Perhaps it would help if you left out some of the perps...

I think you're right. This is what I'm doing with the new design. It'll help thin out the cutting list a bit as well

 

[DangerousDave]

OK, complete radical change of plan. I've dismantled the entertainment unit I made for the study and re-fitted it in the family room. It took a bit of tweaking, but I think it looks ok;

This means I can make something really nice for this space;

Was thinking about what Mike Garnham said earlier in this thread, and it is an opportunity to make something really nice for this space. Don't know what though :roll: My concern now is would a beautiful solid timber unit for this corner look out of place with my melamine faced chipboard creation opposite it... :? Oh, and another thing... the study is now devoid of cabinets and is crying out for a library system...or a nice breakfront cabinet...and possibly a nice writing desk...in quarter sawn oak maybe...

 

[DangerousDave]

OK, finally this is the SU design for that space

Its a radical departure from the original design, which I now hate :x Its definitely a major improvement and I'm glad I did away with all those post office pigeon holes. The material for the new cabinet is 18mm veneered MDF with hardwood lipping. Haven't decided which wood yet. I'll see what I can get hold of. Your thoughts/comments/criticisms on the new design are very welcome I'll post WIP pics once it's done.
Cheers
Dave

 

[ByronBlack]

Is it wise to store wine in a heated room near a radiator and a large window?

 

[Mattty]

Is it wise to store wine in a heated room near a radiator and a large window?

Thats just a nights supply surely.. :lol:

 

[DangerousDave]

Is it wise to store wine in a heated room near a radiator and a large window?

Good point :?

Thats just a nights supply surely..

You're right I was especially chuffed to find a bottle of Jamesons in the Google 3D Wharehouse!!!