Shop cabinet doors

[Dukes909]

Is 1/2" ply overkill for the (flat) panels of some shop cabinet doors? I am making these cabinets for practice mainly (and storage of course).

Cheers! Duke

[Mike Marlow]

That depends on how long you want to stand on them before they break. If you're just going to put them up like normal doors, then 1/4" is plenty sufficient. 1/2" would certainly be overkill.

[Frank Boettcher]

Yes. The flat panels float (or should) and do not provide much additional strength. The frame provides the strength. Mine are all

1/4" and have held up fine.

Frank

[Leuf]

Plus if the frame is 3/4" thick a 1/2" groove doesn't leave enough material. Then you end up having to rabbet all the edges of the panels.

-Leuf

[Phisherman]

Usually 1/4" ply is adequate to keep dust and dirt out. Using 1/2" ply works just as well, but this will add weight to your hinges and/or may cause the door to sag.