Closet Materials and why did I choose them?
I’ve been asked this question about a thousand times so I thought a special post was in order! Why did I build half my master closet out of MDF and the other half out of Plywood?
First, MDF is my first choice of material for painted cabinets. It’s smooth and straight and doesn’t warp (unless you get it wet) and paints beautifully. But, IT IS STINKIN’ HEAVY! I had to lift and carry all the pieces of MDF and then after I built the cabinets, I had to lift the cabinet up to stand it on end. That was too much. So, after building the first half of my closet, my back MADE me make a change. 🙂
(The reason I didn’t switch after just a few cabinets is because I cut the pieces for ALL the cabinets on the first side at one time before I started building.)
The plywood I chose, I would not recommend and will never use for any nice cabinets again. Workshop, fine. House, no! It was cheap and smooth on one side so I got it but some of the sheets were warped which I didn’t realize until after I had them home and was cutting them so I just pushed forward but it was a pain!
It’s Sanded Plywood…which is Pine…which is soft. It’s got a smooth knot free veneer on one side and the other side is knotty and rough which didn’t matter in this situation as none of the outsides are visible in the end.
Plywood is MUCH lighter than MDF so it’s a good choice for LARGE cabinets. I usually choose a cabinet grade plywood like Birch which has a nice, hard, smooth veneer on both sides. Birch Plywood is about $45 per sheet so it’s esssspensive! Which is why I went with the Sanded Ply!
So that’s why I switched from MDF to Plywood halfway through the closet. And, if you didn’t see all my status update photos, you would be none the wiser!
View the closet here.
Ok, so I’m nearing building my first thing. I want to make some open bookshelves like: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40047675/
The sizing is going to be different though, probably closer to 50″w x 90″h with the weight vs ease of use, which would you use for that project?
Ok girl wow! If it were summer and there were flies around, my mouth would be filled to the brim. I just had it hanging open the whole time I was watching your video. So your husband has to find it either sexy or intimidating that you can do what you do! Wow, you keep going girl and how about you swing on into Iowa and whip me up one of those, please!
Megan
Haha. Well…he thinks it’s cool. 🙂
Hmmm, I’ve never been to Iowa!
I have to say that I “LOVE” tools, but have really never felt confident in using them without guidance. Until I found you!! Now, who needs the husband? I re-did my bedroom while he was in Los Angeles for the bowl game, and used a whole bunch of fun tools!! Thanks Sandra!!
Sweet! So awesome to be so empowered!
Sandra thank you for the run down on wood choices, I have yet to build a piece with MDF because I’m deathly afraid of the weight issue but your smoothness comments are making me think otherwise. And I agree about the birch versus sanded cabinet grade, it’s all in the price.
For smaller pieces, MDF is the BOMB! Is that term even used anymore? LOL Paints BEAUTIFULLY anyway.
you deserve a medal!
Your closet remodel is amazing. I know it’s been a few years but would you sharing the flooring you used (material and color, please)
Those floors were something the builder chose and we found a match at Home Depot. 3/4″ red oak -I think the color was Gun Stock but I don’t remember the brand.