I'm planning to build new cabinets for my kitchen and I have some questions about the materials I should use. Since I'll be painting both the inside and outside, I'm not too worried about aesthetics, but I want to make sure the cabinets are sturdy. Is it possible to save money by using lower-grade plywood for some of the panels? I'm curious if the preference for cabinet-grade plywood is mainly for looks or also for structural integrity. Additionally, I've only ever sourced lumber from Lowe's or Home Depot. How can I find a reputable lumber yard nearby? There are a few independent lumber suppliers in the St. Charles, MO area, but I'm unsure how to determine if they carry quality materials. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
I recommend going for birch plywood. It may cost more upfront, but you'll spend much less time filling and sanding compared to cheaper options, even if you're painting them.
If you're painting the cabinets completely, you might want to look into using MRMDF instead of plywood. Around my area, I would check builders' merchants instead of just hardwood dealers.
MRMDF has great paint adhesion and will save you lots of hassle in the long run!