5/8 Particle underlayment board?

[str1der]

I've been trying to find 5/8 MDF but it's not in my area. I did find 5/8 particle underlayment board. It seems pretty good and has a smooth surface to it. Has anyone used this for a cabinet? Any opinions on this material? Thanks.

[BobA]

Material would probably be OK but isnt it in smaller sizes.  Floor underlay are usually about 4 by 4.

BobA

[Ledbetter]

  I would only use particle board if your going to cover your cab with laminate.
 

[Howard_Casto]

5/8 th is the thickness, not the dimensions


As it's particle board and 5/8 th's that is two steps in the wrong direction.  3/4 inch plywood would probably be better if you can't find mdf.  Either way, you going to have to cover it with something if you don't want a textured finish, but at least with plywood it's sturdy, won't chip and the right width for t-molding.

[str1der]

It's in 4X8 sheets and the sides are as smooth as MDF. I can get 3/4" MDF but I always thought 5/8" was perferable. From the true cabinets I've seen in arcades most of them seem to be 5/8 " particle board. Isn't the Melamine that people refer to a particle board? It doesn't seem as fine as MDF. It just seems  like the 3/4" MDF is an overkill as far as weight goes.

[SNAAAKE]

It's in 4X8 sheets and the sides are as smooth as MDF. I can get 3/4" MDF but I always thought 5/8" was perferable. From the true cabinets I've seen in arcades most of them seem to be 5/8 " particle board. Isn't the Melamine that people refer to a particle board? It doesn't seem as fine as MDF. It just seems  like the 3/4" MDF is an overkill as far as weight goes.

What overkill?  
Most cabinets uses 3/4" wood.Only way I would use 5/8" particle board if I am gonna use laminate.
Trust me...ya dont wanna paint particle board(I am telling you ).
I say just buy some 3/4" mdf and start working !  

[Sprucemoose]

I have used both and would recommend MDF.  It is very heavy, but easy to work with and paint.  

[BobA]

Yes Howard I know 5/8 is thickness.   At the Home Depot near me floor underlay boards are available in 4 by 4 size only.  Sort of half sheet squares.

If it is in 4/8 sheets and you feel it is smooth enough for a paint finish you can probably make do with it.  You will probably have to primer and paint as the surface will absorb paint more then MDF.
If you are looking for a really smooth finish then go MDF

The Melamine sheets are particle board coated with a melamine veneer.

In your first post you didnt say that your could get 3/4 MDF just that your could not get 5/8.   Go with the 3/4 MDF and you will not have to worry about finnish problems.  

BobA

[Lilwolf]

Before buying 5/8's, consider if you will need TMolding and see how much more it will be.  3/4 seems to be the standard for both cabinets AND tmolding... and if 5/8 was a special order, it might end up being much more expensive.

3/4 will be strong enough for you btw.

[FractalWalk]

It's in 4X8 sheets and the sides are as smooth as MDF.

Don't be fooled. To the touch, the smoothness of particle board and MDF seem very similar, but they aren't. Throw a coat of paint on them and you will see what I mean. I don't know if it is due to absorbtion or not, but particle board becomes extremely rough with paint on it. MDF does not.

[str1der]

Ok, thanks guys