Best wood for cubby's

[AJ Jewell]

Hi there,

 

I am building 12"x12"x12" cubby's in a 3x2 arrangement (three wide, two tall). This would be similar to Ikea's cubby's (hopefully you get what I'm trying to explain). One of these on each end of a table top will serve as legs for a crafting table.

 

My original thought was to use 3/4 MDF for all of the boards, but just not sure if that is the best material for it. Obviously, this is a cheap and cheerful piece, so I'm not looking to spend a ton, but I would like it to look nice, paint nice and last.

 

Would plywood be suitable? If so, which kind. We have Spruce Ply here. Should I go with good one side, or both sides?

 

Hopefully I'm making sense. :) Thanks in advance.

[Ken Darga]

AJ,

I’ve made several stackable cubes.

I’ve made them, using ½’’ plywood.  It’s lighter in weight, over ¾’’ stock.

Makes it easier for youngsters to handle.

I’d use ¾’’ if it needs to support more weight, such as books.

Pine, fir or spruce PW is suitable, when painted.  One good face side is adequate.  Put the opposite  side on the interior.

Fill voids with a wood filler, and sand smooth.

Seal the wood with a sanding sealer, and apply a painted enamel finish.

Personally, I wouldn’t make cubes from MDF, unless you'e using the special fasteners, to make rigid joints. 

Pine, fir or spruce, is only pennies more per sq ft over MDF.

I’ve made cubes from particle board, but they didn’t hold up to the youngsters abuse.

Laminated particle board would be a suitable alternate.

[Ken Darga]

AJ,

Just discovered, after walking thru my wifes office, I did make some  cubicles from 3/4'' MDF stock.

They are 12x24's stack-able and with adjustable shelves.  They were made from 3/4 stock, because of their size, and to support the adjustable shelves.

Finished in white enamel paint.

[AJ Jewell]

thanks for the reply.

I think I am going to use plywood, but I have a question...

If I use plywood, my only concern is that it will look like plywood. I know most people say to get good one side and put that on the outside of the frame, but is the inside going to look bad? Can plywood be sanded so it looks smooth once painted? I guess I'm just looking for what other people do. :)

[Ken Darga]

AJ,

Plywood can be used.

Place the ''good side'' on the exposed areas. 

Fill voids with wood filler.

Sand smooth and remove sanding dust.

Apply a sanding sealer.

Add an ''edging'' (edge banding) to the front, to cover the plywood lines.

(Edge banding can be made from sawing thin strips from the plywood and gluing it in place).

Apply final finish.