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Bathroom Cabinet Materials Questions

5K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  SnowyRiver 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi Guys,

I need to build a bathroom cabinet, and would like to know which is the best material to use for the carcase? I'm thinking some sort of pre-finished plywood, but need recommedations.

I am thinking of using poplar for the doors, as it is a solid wood, and takes paint well, as the cabinet will be painted.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
 
#3 ·
Greetings Dean:

I would go exactly the route you're describing. That's the way I would do it if I was building it, especially with poplar for doors. Painted doors + painted carcase = beautiful cabinet…........ keep on keeping on….
 
#4 ·
So you guys are saying to use poplar for the carcase as well? I was thinking of using plywood, for stability and to keep cost down. But am open to using poplar.
 
#5 ·
I build a bathroom cabinet recently. I used 3/4" MDF for the carcase with glue and pocket screws. Used poplar for the face frame and doors. The whole carcase (and, of course, the doors) is painted white. It is a wall hanging cabinet, so I wasn't worried about standing water. For a floor mounted cabinet, I would use an exterior grade plywood or poplar for the base. My house iss about 30 years old, and all the cabinets are a combination of MDF and plywood. I am getting ready to build new cabinet doors throughout the house, starting with the bathrooms. All the painted doors will be poplar.

Good luck,
 
#6 ·
Dean: No- I"m saying use plywood for the carcase and poplar for the doors. You would have to glue up a lot of poplar for the carcus, and you just cut the sides, bottom, and top from a sheet of 3/4" ply, with a plywood back. Solid doors, and you're ready to paint…..............
One note: I wouldn't use 1/4" for the back….... it's not stout enough to mount to the wall…but that's your choice.
 
#7 ·
Ok, sounds like poplar for the doors and face frame.

Now for the carcase. MDF or plywood? This will be a lower cabinet, and will sit on a frame on the floor. Would MDF work, or should I use plywood? And if plywood, which one? Baltic Birch?

As always, thanks!
 
#8 ·
If you are going to paint it white why not save yourself some trouble and use white melamine for the interior. That way the interior doesn't need finishing. Otherwise stick to what you originally mentioned and do prefinished ply. It's more money but makes a nicer box. I wouldn't use MDF, but that's just me.
 
#9 ·
Dean: I agree with kolwdwrkr: I don't think I would use MDF either, especially in a bathroom. too much humidity and moisture, especially from showers, etc. It might be ok, since you're painting, but I wouldn't chance it. Stick with plywood. I think you'll be better off in the long haul. MDF might swell over time.
 
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