Main > Main Forum
[POLL] - MDF or Plywood
ahofle:
Has MDF changed in the last few years? When I built my cabinet in 03 the MDF I used was quite a bit different from what I see in the hardware store now. My friend just built a control panel out of MDF and it seemed to be softer with much finer fibers in it.
hbm*rais:
I used both.
MDF for the sides, because it's easier to cut the curves and looks really smooth when painted.
Ply for everything else, because it's lighter, cheaper (where I live, at least) and holds screws near the edges better.
Jouster:
I used MDF...mostly because I had never worked with it before and wanted to see what it was like. I liked it...other than the mess it makes when cutting/routing/drilling it was very easy to work with.
I wanted the added weight compared to plywood also...my bartop is not light...but not heavy either. I was afraid that with ply it would be too light.
I'd offer this advice though...pick one and build a cab...if you don't like it...build another cab out of something else...then chalk it up to experience...and get two cabs out of the deal!
Jouster
GAtekwriter:
I purchased 3 sheets of Sandiply (Home Depot). Very smooth sides (but one side is always MUCH more finished than the other) and very flat/straight with zero warping. Not as heavy as MDF and has the pros of wood.
Jim
deadkenndys1105:
MDF is some great stuff but its heavy as all hell. It also leaves more dust than there is snow at the north pole.