Laminated Plywood For Cabinets

This will be a quick guide on how to laminate your own cabinets or plywood projects using formica contact cement and a few basic tools i completed this at the techshop in san francisco a great workspace btw.

Laminated plywood for cabinets. Drawer sides should generally be constructed of half inch plywood while the drawer bottom should be made of quarter inch plywood. If the laminate is applied correctly it won t be a problem. We do a lot of commercial work for hospitals that spec laminated plywood cabinets. Thicker plywood panels offer more strength and durability so its best to install those.

The majority of cabinetry relies on a combination of plywood and hardwood solids. Item 12190 model 154783154783. Laminate cabinets are build with medium density laminate a combination of wood byproducts and resin glued together under heat and hydraulic pressure. Acrylic laminated plywood is a popular choice for laminated plywood for cabinets especially for kitchens.

Textured finished laminated plywood has textures on the surface which you can feel with the hand. Wood cabinets are not entirely made with solid wood. Additional detailing can also be added using a cnc machine. Mdf is primarily used for entry level cabinets for face frames and doors.

Cabinet grade plywood often has twice the number of plies better lamination and a smoother finish. Use a strong plywood with a 5 ply minimum on the drawer sides. Mdf can also be used purely for aesthetic purposes. To achieve the solid wood look a paper film is laminated to the mdf.

Laminate over plywood for cabinet boxes. August 8 2008. 15 32 cat ps1 09 square structural douglas fir sheathing application as 4 x 8. Medium density fiberboard mdf most mid range semi custom cabinets are made from a composite fiberboard known as mdf.

A good example of this is wainscoting. Overall plywood the top recommended material for the cabinet box shelving and drawer bottoms. It cuts cleanly with little splintering or damage. Matt finish laminate plywood imparts a matt look to make the office furniture appear stylish.

Mdf is denser than plywood so it s a strong material that is used in many building materials that see high use. Another consideration when using mdf board is when it is compared to plywood. Cabinetmakers report their results using laminate on plywood for cabinet carcases. Cabinet grade plywood tends to be 3 4 inch thick and may be veneered on one side.

Cheaper laminated melamine particleboard drawer sides just aren t as structurally strong which creates potential for callbacks after installation.