I am going to be building some workshop cabinets. I have read in a Proulx book that he makes his frameless shop cabinets out of MDF. The issue is that I have an outside garage and even though the cabinets won’t be getting wet, it does get damp (humid) out there in the spring and summer.
If I am going to be hanging the cabinets on the the wall, I will screw strips into the wall and attach the cabinets to that. If I am putting them on the floor, they will not be in direct contact with the floor. I will either build a base out of PT wood or put the cabinets on non-wooden legs.
The issues: With these precautions, will the MDF hold up or shall I go with plywood.
Should I build a framed cabinet (like in Norm’s shop on www.newyankee.com) or will the frameless be good enough so I am not rebuilding for a while?
Regards,
Chuck
Replies
I use MDF for utility grade base cabs and ply for hanging cabs. Never had any problems.
I have no problem with MDF for tool cabinets - I'd rather save the good wood for furniture - just seal them well and they will be remain pretty durable. Make sure the French cleats on the wall are hardwood and attached solidly - the cabinets will be heavy.
Are you attaching doors and, if so, what type of hinges will you use?
Regards from Perth
Derek
For my base cabinets, I decided I needed a bit more strength than particle board or MDF but I did not want to pay for plywood. I used waferboard (subfloor) material. Not much to look at but nearly as strong as plywood. I put solid wood edging on it. For the hanging cabinets, I used plywood.
Jim
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