I am currently planning my closet interiors. I don’t like the look of the popular white foil and melanie systems. I would prefer to have them built in MDF and have them painted white.
What thickness of MDF should I specify?
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Thanks
Replies
All of the sheet goods made from wood chips or sawdust will sag quite easily over time. If your shelves will not be adjustable, the best thing is to have the sides and back let into dados (grooves) in the sides and back of the cabinets. The front edge should be trimmed in hardwood about 3/4" thick and 1-1/2" high to keep it from drooping. Spans should be short, 2 or 3 feet at the most.
Veneer plywood would sag much less, and the edges can be trimmed and the whole thing painted.
I'd recommend using a cabinetmaker with some knowledge and experience in this type of work.
Have you checked out The Container Store's ELKA line? It's very nice and usually goes on sale in January. (I'm remodeling a new house and plan to buy it all then!)
I agree with the other posted comment in terms of MDF for this use - that is it sags and needs special fasterners that won't pull out. I too would investigate some prebuilt systems. IKEA also has a nice system that is much less expensive to buy than the typical cabinet maker could build it for. Wood shelves, drawers etc (not wire).
Just a thought - it also can give you great ideas even if you decide to go custom.