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MDF & Its Weight

10 years ago

Hi all!

I picked up some custom cabinets at the Restore. They are unfinished plywood on the sides. They were full overlay and very heavy. 36 x 24.

I took the doors off to add a face frame for my inset doors, and lo! I found the doors and the carcasses are MDF. I'm not sure where the plywood on the side came in, because it must be a veneer. Ironically, it's on the hidden sides, and it's got visible screws that hold the bottom of the box on. So I don't get it.

Anyway, knowing now what I'm working with and the weight of MDF doors, (they're 1/2" w/ some raised detail) what would your recommendation be as far as pocket hole assembly? I'm using my Kreg jig to put the face frame on, but I've not worked with MDF, so I'm uncertain of its strength.

How many pockets should I plan so in the night my cabinet doesn't fall apart and scare the crap out of me? That is my fear.

Thank you for your advice.

Comments (2)

klem1
10 years ago
The frame to carcass joint useing proper screws and spot glued near each pocket will present no problem but mounting hinges on mdf doors in general is not likly to stand the test of time in heavy use..
CEFreeman
Original Author
10 years ago
That's good to hear.
These cabinets won't get a lot of use, and I'm planning full wrap hinges because of my weight fear.

I appreciate the response.
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