My homebuilder built custom sink and tub surrounds consisting of plywood boxes covered by panels of glued up 4/4 cumaru. Against my protestations, he simply finish nailed the panels to the plywood. In little time, of course, the panels split. I’d like to preserve the modern look of the cabinets as I repair this problem, so my question is “how can the wood panels be secured adequately to the plywood boxes while allowing normal wood movement?”. (I can email you photos if that would help).
By the way, my builder concluded that the problem was glue failure due to the nature of the “exotic” wood and is inclined just to re-glue the joints and nail ‘er up again (more nails this time). This never would have happened if we’d used oak, he maintains. This, from a very good, experienced builder. Thanks.
Replies
Just goes to show ya, a builder is not necessarily a cabinet maker.
The only ways I know of to fasten solid wood to ply is to attach the solid around the perimeter with molding, like a frame & panel setup, or to attach the solid panels with screws from behind, using elongated holes so the panels/screws can move as the wood expands & shrinks.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Your builders "experience" doesn't include much cabinetry!! Rigidly attaching solid wood to plywood is a bad idea under any circumstances and is worse in a bathroom environment (warm, moist, air is your enemy! - lol)
The surrounds need to be built so the solid wood can "float", and everything needs to be finished to provide maximum resistance to moisture.
If you have access to the backside you could always use slotted holes in the plywood boxes... If not you could try some slotted screw behind trim from the front...
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