Shop cabinet doors

Jan 24, 2006 4 Replies

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


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.

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

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

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.

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