Cabinets and the best wood choice for the carcass.

[Stephanie H]

I am going to try and new project.  Never made cabinets before.  Researched and You-tubed like crazy.  So many opinions.  Mine are going to be:

1 each= 30"W x 14"D x 38"H

2 each =29"W x 14"D x 38"H

1 floor to ceiling cabinet 18"W x 24"D and the height to be determined. 

Would love some input on wood choice for the carcass only.  I have the doors already sorted out.

These are going to be for a laundry room.  So I don't need highend, but certainly want something nice and durable.

Appreciate your input.

Stephanie

[Matt Parsons]

It all depends on the finish you are looking for (Paint or Stain). I use pretty much baltic birch on on my cabinet carcasses and maple on the face frames and doors with MDF panels if painting.  Oak (in not staining) needs a grain filler or lots of sanding, but the grain will show through.

[Stephanie H]

I have the face frames and doors covered.  Reclaiming old barn wood.  I am also wondering what thickness?  I see 3/4, 5/8, etc.  I plan on staining them, I want the insides to look nice and using melamine for the shelves.

[Glen S]

I would,, and do,, use prefinished 3/4" Birch or Maple ply from Menards. The left over pieces will make nice shelves with some edge banding. I used to poly the inside of my cabinets & it sucks! Thats why I use prefinished.

[Donnie]

3/4" Birch plywood is what I would make the carcass out of myself. It will take stain or paint good and have a good finish. 
The "barn wood" face frame and doors will look great with the carcass and even shelving stained. 
3/4" shelves with a wood edging and stain would look good as well. 

[Dave Johnson]

I don't see a need to go 5/8" on anything unless there isn't going to be support for long runs. 3/4" Baltic Birch or Pine plywood are usually fairly inexpensive to use for builds, they can be stained and matched up with any reclaimed wood you are using. 

Good luck.

Stephanie H said:

I have the face frames and doors covered.  Reclaiming old barn wood.  I am also wondering what thickness?  I see 3/4, 5/8, etc.  I plan on staining them, I want the insides to look nice and using melamine for the shelves.