MDF For Storage Cabinets

[rick7938]

Need some opinions on my storage cabinets for my little workshop.

Space in my dinky workshop is at a premium. I am wanting to construct storage cabinets that are 4' wide X 4 ' high X 1' deep that is divided into either 1'X1' storage cubicles or 1'X2' cubicles. They will have a 1/4" plywood or 1/2" MDF back and 3/4" MDF doors to keep out the dust. They will be used to store light-weight stuff like routers, bits, drills, etc. If I paint them with latex paint to keep them from absorbing moisture, don't you think that MDF will be strong enough with the short spans to work OK for this project?

Cost is an issue, and I just can't swing for 3/4" plywood.

Thanks for any input.

 

[DaveO]

MDF should have no problem with a span of 2' on a shelf depth of 1'. Painting the MDF well with prevent any problems, many, many cabinets are constructed with MDF.
You also might consider using Melamine, that would keep you from having to paint and it is very easy to clean. I think it costs about the same a MDF, but is a lot lighter to work with, and less dusty.
My .02, Dave

 

[rick7938]

Thanks, Dave.

I hadn't thought about Melamine. I would save a whole lot of finishing and be much easier to clean.

 

[DaveO]

The only drawback with Melamine is jointery. Get some Confirmat screws from McFeelys and some Ro-glue from Woodcraft and everything will glue and screw together nicely.
Dave

 

[frigator]

Routing MDF is a dusty affair, something I try to avoid if possible. Only one feet deep, doesnt sound like you would really need that much ply, how about the using BC ply instead of cabinet grade. Still not cheap though, 26$ a sheet... Cutting Melamine can be tricky if you dont have a scoring blade tablesaw, chip out can be a problem if you blade is not super sharp.

 

[Travis Porter]

If you do go with the melamine, I would get some white edge banding. Personally, I would go with the melamine as Dave suggests over the MDF. You have to seal and prime the edges of MDF if you are going to paint it.

Problem I have with melamine is finding it. My 2 local BORG home centers don't carry it in 4x8 sheets, only in the 16" x 96".

 

[DaveO]

I have always found 4 x 8' melamine at Home Depot. They also carry the iron-on edge banding.
Dave

 

[DavidF]

What's the thickness on that melamine Dave?

 

[DaveO]

Nominal 3/4"

Dave

 

[Ray Martin]

Routing MDF is a dusty affair, something I try to avoid if possible. Only one feet deep, doesnt sound like you would really need that much ply, how about the using BC ply instead of cabinet grade. Still not cheap though, 26$ a sheet... Cutting Melamine can be tricky if you dont have a scoring blade tablesaw, chip out can be a problem if you blade is not super sharp.

I use a lot of melamine for shelving in bedroom and halway closets and for kitchen pantries. I've had some luck keeping the cuts clean by scoring the cut line with a utility knife (with a fresh blade). The trick is to get the circular saw right on that scored cut line. Since the material I use is for shelves, it's always 12" and I can use a large speed square for a guide to keep my cut straight.

Ray

 

[Travis Porter]

OK, I went to my local HD and could not find 4x8 sheets. Where do they stash it? I looked all through the plywood section and all I could find was the shelving type stuff.

 

[DaveO]

My HD doesn't keep it with the sheet goods stock and lumber. It is in the back left hand corner. That is the HD in Garner off Timber Dr. and also the one in north Raleigh off Crapital Bvd. It's probably an act of futility, but maybe there is someone working there that might know what Melamine is and where it's kept and you could ask them :eusa_thin
Dave

 

[D L Ames]

Travis, I have seen it stored on the bottom shelf below the rest of the shelving boards.

D L

 

[sapwood]

OK, I went to my local HD and could not find 4x8 sheets. Where do they stash it? I looked all through the plywood section and all I could find was the shelving type stuff.

Travis, it's all part of heinous plot :-( HD and Lowes frequently stock different sizes of MDF, melamine, and even 2x6s and 2x8s. Drives me crazy going from one to the other to find the sheet stock or boards in the size I want :BangHead::BangHead:

Sapwood

 

[DaveO]

Yea, sometimes their 2 x 6's are only 1½ x 5½, bastards:lol: :lol: :lol:

Dave