Blogs

Solid wood is rarely used for cabinet panels. This is because solid wood tends to warp when moisture levels change frequently, as is the case in kitchens and bathrooms.

Engineered wood, particle board, furniture-grade flakeboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood are more stable than solid wood, and are used in the majority of cabinets produced today.

All have excellent reputations for durability and screw-holding power, particularly plywood. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) can be formed into door and drawer heads and other decorative features.

Furniture-grade flakeboard offers a stronger alternative than the less expensive particleboard. All will provide years of satisfactory service, provided they have been properly installed.

Today's particle board is manufactured to be high density, low in formaldehyde and can be used for cabinet interiors as long as all exposed parts are covered (with melamine, vinyl, veneer, etc.)

In addition to the panel being more stable than wood, the best and most interesting logs are usually sliced into veneer because certain cuts from the tree are structurally unsound when cut into lumber.

Veneer is also environmentally kind. Veneer is not cut from the log but sliced with a knife (like a loaf of bread) into 1/32" leaves or sheets. Every one inch thick board produces 32 sheets of veneer.

Sawing timber in to one inch thick boards also produces the equivalent of 8 sheets of veneer, in wasted sawdust where the saw blade makes its cut.

When it is necessary to use two or more pieces (leaves) of veneer on the same surface, the leaves are aligned at the cut edge. Using different alignments can create almost limitless and unique visual effects.