Posted by RandyT on February 13, 2002 at 11:01:54:
In Reply to: REQ: opinions about strength, workability, weight and pricing of Plywood, Particle Board, and MDF--what's best for my cab? NT posted by rmfx on February 12, 2002 at 01:01:33:
If you have cash to burn, 3/4" MDO (Medium Density Overlay) Plywood is the best you can get. It is essentially a very high grade plywood with perfectly smooth (like MDF) surfaces. Since this material has a "paper-like" lamination, you only have to prime it and paint it with a good enamel for a glass like finish. The major drawback is the cost. About $70 a sheet for 3/4", good both sides. But like I say, it doesn't get any better.
My next vote would go to MDF. This is a very stable, very machinable material that finishes beautifully. It will hold up for many, many years if proper construction methods are used. Like any materials made from particulates, don't even try to screw into the edges (even plywood doesn't handle this well). There is special connection hardware that is designed for this task, and will hold pieces together rock solid (and they stay that way). Proper design and hardware is the key.
As for melamine, let me just say that I personally don't like it. It is simply a cheaply laminated (possibly higher density, I don't know)particle board that suffers from the same problems. Being that the surfaces are sealed, moisture becomes less of an issue, but once it gets inside, expect it to start crumbling. And if you intend to cut shapes from it, unless you re-seal those edges properly (not simple without the proper equipment) moisture will get to it. I have seen too many *broken* pieces of this stuff at the local yard to give me any good feelings about it. It also is only commonly available in white (ick) or black. Other colors can be special ordered, but aren't as cheap. The bottom line on this stuff is that the only real advantage is a pre-finished surface, but if you want to laminate it to give it a different color, what's the point?
As for some of these other particle based boards, I say avoid them like the plague. They are mostly designed for flooring and don't have the "what for" when used in applications where the final product gets any kind of abuse. When laminated with Formica or similar materials, they hold up ok, but I have even seen 1" particle board countertops bow and warp without the proper framework to support them.
These are my observations, your mileage may vary.
RandyT