10-29-2024, 10:23 AM
(10-29-2024, 10:06 AM)davco Wrote: The original doors in this older kitchen seem to have veneers on each face of the door with ~3/32" thick veneers on each side over some substrate, maybe MDF? All stained with a darker cherry stain, the veneers and face frames look like actual cherry.
Was thinking of mimicking this solution, to gain greater stability. Thoughts?
That's the classic solution. MDF and particle board are very flat and stable. They are the two most common substrates for veneered work in non-structural applications. I do a lot of veneer work. I typically use MDF or Baltic birch plywood for the core, wrap the edges with 3/4" solid stock, and then veneer that with 1/16 - 3/32" shop sawn veneer. After the panel has cured, I trim all the edges back about 1/4, or whatever is needed to bring it to final dimensions. Done well, it looks like solid wood, but is far more stable. Clearly, it's a lot more work, however.
You'll hear folks say MDF and particle board are poor choices for applications where they might get wet. My comment is they are encased in solid wood and finished. I've never had an issue in 25 years using this approach in both kitchens and bathrooms. For hinge pockets with MDF, I insert or inlay a solid wood piece in the MDF where the hinges will go.
John