Materials and wood thickness for cab?

[shponglefan]

I was wondering what material people typically build their cabs from and what thickness of wood.  I had planned on using 5/8" thick for the sides, since I wanted to laminate both sides.  This would bring the total thickness to 3/4", perfect for 3/4" T-molding.

For the CP, I was thinking 1/2", plus laminate on both sides, plus 1/8" acrylic on top.  Therefore, this would also total 3/4" thick.

For material, I notice HD only has 4x8 MDF and spruce plywood in 5/8" thick (plus particle board, but not going there...).  MDF is on the heavy side, so for the sides I'd to keep things lighter if possible.  Anyone used spruce plywood?  Any other types of plywood that would be more ideal, but not as heavy as MDF?

[versapak]

I built mine out of 3/4" MDF, but would never ever go that route again.

MDF is the messiest pain in the *** to work with.


If I were to build another, it would be plywood all the way. Still 3/4" though, as 3/4" t-molding is the easier to come by standard.

[MaximRecoil]

If you want to combine the advantages of MDF (smooth) with the advantages of plywood (light and strong), use MDO.

[doctorhifi]

MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood is a form of overlaid plywood. What this means is that MDO plywood starts with a core of overlapping veneer, much like traditional veneer core plywood. But instead of having a surface veneer of finished woodgrain, MDO plywood features a surface layer of medium density fiber, much like MDF. 

It's designed to give the high structural integrity, reduced weight, and superior screw-holding ability of a plywood product but with the excellent surface paintability of MDF. 
MDO's skin is tougher (impregnated resin) than MDF, so it resists damage better.

A 3/4" 4x8 sheet of MDF weighs around 90lbs while the same sheet of MDO weighs around 71lbs.

[shponglefan]

Cool, I'll see if any local stores have MDO.  I don't think I saw any at the HDs I went to, but fortunately there are some other stores to visit.  As long as I can get it in 5/8", I'm happy.

[versapak]

Cool, I'll see if any local stores have MDO.  I don't think I saw any at the HDs I went to, but fortunately there are some other stores to visit.  As long as I can get it in 5/8", I'm happy.

If you are using laminate on both sides, then the smooth paintable surface of MDO isn't really a benefit to you at all.

[shponglefan]

If you are using laminate on both sides, then the smooth paintable surface of MDO isn't really a benefit to you at all.

It might make gluing laminate a little easier though, since the surface is so smooth.  That's the one thing I'm not liking about the spruce plywood that I saw, is that it's surface was pretty bumpy.

[Avenger257]

Will you let us know if you are able to find MDO anywhere?  I am building my cab soon and would love to use it but I didn't see it at HD either...

[garnerb350]

Shponglefan, I used 3/4 birch cabinet plywood when i made mine....it was expensive at the time...(48 bucks a sheet...dont know what it is now) but I have to say...I'm glad i did...it was smooth to begin with...took a fine sandpaper and barely hit it...

 For a while i was complemplating MDF/MDO/Plywood...
Plywood became the winner...The ---smurfette--- is heavy,( less than MDF) but it sturdy...In case of a hurricane, you find me hiding in it...

[shponglefan]

Checked out a local RONA and they only had 5/8" in spruce, MDF, and also fir.  However, the fir is only smooth on one side.  Finding birch or oak in 5/8" is proving to be a royal PITA.

[garnerb350]

Bet ya that fir is what they call A/C plywood...Building contractors use it ...it cheap yet ok plywood....
the A side is smooth , and the C side (hence A/C) needs sanding...if its cheap, go for it...justs take more time to sand...which for the inside, you really dont have to have baby butt smooth...