5/4 Poplar vs. Plywood for built-ins

10 years ago

Hi everyone,
I would like to build 2 hutches on top of cabinets in my DR. The hutches would be 5' wide x 7' tall and would flank french doors. I'm a begginner, so I have some questions:

1) Each hutch would be divided down the middle w/ a vertical board, making two sets of 30" wide shelves. Can I use 5/4 poplar to construct this? I don't want to face frame, as I'm going for a modern look.

2) Am I being an idiot not to face frame? In past, I've always used a face frame. Am I making this harder than it needs to be? Am I increasing the risk of ugly gaps, etc?

3) The hutch will be painted, so I plan on using butt joints w/ countersunk screws. Any concerns about that?

Thanks!
Temple

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Comment (1)

aidan_m
10 years ago
Use Russian Birch Plywood instead of poplar. It is stronger, costs less, and is dimensionally stable.

To not use a face frame is OK, but understand the function you are eliminating. The sides will be less sturdy. If you do floating shelves, they will have the tendency to slide forward without the face frames holding the sides in place. You also have to plan out the case construction carefully so you don't have doubled up side members.

Poplar will warp if it is not fastened together. A cabinet case made of poplar should be OK, but floating shelves should not be made of poplar. They will not lay flat. That is why I prefer Russian Birch Plywood for what you're doing.
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