Particle Board Yea or Nay?

[Brian]

I'm planning on building a closet organization unit for my kids using particle board.  Will the pocket hole screws hold in particle board?  Should I try MDF?  Maybe I'd get a better hold with MDF. 

Thanks

[gary england]

My first project was a toy box for my daughter made from particle board.

The Kreg Jig did just fine with it and it is holding up just fine to my daughters abuse.

make sure to use the coarse thread screws and if you strip the holes just places wooden toothpicks in the hole with a little wood glue and it will be as good as new.

As far as I know the only bad thing about particle board is that it hates water so no wet enviroments for unprotected particle board.

If looks are important I would go with either plywood or  boards it gives you more finishing options than just paint.

Hope this helps some good luck with your project.

[steve kidd]

just my opinion and you know how those are but i would use plywood. much stronger and dosent cost much more. here in ohio i can get blondewood, its plywood good both sides 3/4 inch is about 40 bucks at lowes. paints and stains nice.

[Geoff Simpson]

Particle board is meh...MDF i've never been a fan of, at least not for anything that might take any kind of use or abuse...although i have friends that love it.  If you do choose to use either of them, use the course thread screws

I agree with the Plywood side of the team.  If you're concerned about the unfinished edge, you can sand it completely smooth with some wood filler (or spackle) and 220 grit (assuming you're going to paint it).  Alternatley, grab a cloeths iron and some veneer edging.  It's super easy and cleans it up perfectly. Pick up a sheet of 1/2" or 3/4" spf plywood at your local blue or orange box. 

My 2 cents

[Dan Thompson]

Brian, sorry for the late post. I just returned from helping my son do a complete remodel of his basement. Take it from an experienced (30+ yrs.) remodeling contractor and father of two sons, DO NOT USE ANYTHING BUT PLYWOOD OR SOLID WOOD FOR ANY project. Particle board and MDF were designed for commercial cabinet builders to reduce material costs, their products rarely survive more than a couple of years without problems.

I built some storage closets with plywood for my boys 25 yrs ago and they are still in excellent condition.

Why do a project using the right materials when you can do it twice?

Just my opinion.

[Steve Osterday]

I'm curious, anyone want to provide the answer? What is the weight of one square foot of each product, i.e., MDF, PB, Ply? Use cabinet grade ply for that test. 3/4 inch nominal thickness.

Thanks.

[David Dean]

I got it 1.5 or is that right.
Steve Osterday said:

I'm curious, anyone want to provide the answer? What is the weight of one square foot of each product, i.e., MDF, PB, Ply? Use cabinet grade ply for that test. 3/4 inch nominal thickness.

Thanks.

[Steve Osterday]

Huh? It wasn't a test. Just curiosity.

David Dean said:

I got it 1.5 or is that right.
Steve Osterday said:

I'm curious, anyone want to provide the answer? What is the weight of one square foot of each product, i.e., MDF, PB, Ply? Use cabinet grade ply for that test. 3/4 inch nominal thickness.

Thanks.

[David Baulch]

MDF would be my choice. Particle board is a bit too "iffy." Most ready-to-assemble pieces I have seen are 7/16" and not that sturdy - unless you brace the heck out of them. However, doing it yourself, using 3/4" MDF, "glue-and-screw", and install it in the closet using the studs in the walls, I believe MDF would do just fine. I have used it before with no problems. Even found some 1.25" thick I made over into a new top for my radial arm saw. Good sealer and a small coat of wax made it usable for many, many years. OTOH, I would have preferred using plywood for any of it, as others have stated. BTW, I have used the MDF but also covered it with Formica, like you would with a counter top. Really "popped" viewed in the playroom, but that's what the people wanted.

[Ralph Sarc]

I love MDF! I use Gorilla glue, clamps and my nailer when building with MDF. It’s strong, paints really well and I’ve made several book shelves, a desk and a few other projects with it.  I also used it as a bench top on my HO model railroad! It’s fantastic stuff!

[Bob Mayfield]

I played it safe and bought screws made for particle board.  They seem to grip and hold well.  I decided not to use pocket holes but this is just base for cabinetry in the shop.  No need to look beautiful.  MDf would probably be your best bet if you don't want expensive plywood.

[Ken Darga]

Bob,

I've found fir or pine plywood, less expensive than MDF.

Bob Mayfield said:

I played it safe and bought screws made for particle board.  They seem to grip and hold well.  I decided not to use pocket holes but this is just base for cabinetry in the shop.  No need to look beautiful.  MDf would probably be your best bet if you don't want expensive plywood.

[Jens Jensen]

http://www.hooddistribution.com/resources/product_weights.html

Steve Osterday said:

I'm curious, anyone want to provide the answer? What is the weight of one square foot of each product, i.e., MDF, PB, Ply? Use cabinet grade ply for that test. 3/4 inch nominal thickness.

Thanks.