Grain direction in cabinet backs?

[jonny round boy]

I'm about to start building birch ply cabinets for a kitchen, and I'm just laying all the components out in sketchup to optimise sheets. Trouble is, I can't decide which way to orient the grain on the cabinet backs. I was going to have horizontal grain throughout, but for certain units maybe vertical would be better.

So my question is, how do YOU do it?

All horizontal, all vertical, a combination of both? One way for base cabs, one way for wall cabs?

Or, do you just run the grain parallel to the longer edge, irrespective?

Queue many conflicting opinions below..... [big grin]

 

[festooltim]

I always liked vertical grain. Even if it got painted. Just doesn't look right to me horizontal.

 

[mastercabman]

Vertical ,but in some base cabinets you can get away with horizontal if you're not going to see it,like drawer base.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I also go for vertical, it just looks better imho.

 

[deepcreek]

Vertical 99% of the time.

 

[peter halle]

Normally I would do all vertical.  But being realistic most base cabinets get so filled with stuff that the backs aren't usually visible.  The uppers usually are less full and the backs are more visible.  I would have to say that it might be worth seeing if the yield changes if you mix it up.

Of course you might not have a choice if your cabinets are built over 48" wide.

Peter

 

[Paul G]

For paint I'm pragmatic and save material, uppers same direction, bases whatever direction.

If grain is showing its always vertical

 

[jonny round boy]

Thanks guys, that's more of a concensus than I thought I'd get!

Vertical it is then. I've played around with the layout & it doesn't make much difference in terms of the material.

 

[semenza]

Vertical ,but in some base cabinets you can get away with horizontal if you're not going to see it,like drawer base.

What he said.

Seth

 

[jmbfestool]

What's been said. Vertical but if u wanna save on material waist then if u can get away with it go
Horizontal like draw units

 

[GPowers]

After you have decided to go vertical, there is step two...if your ply has a cathedral grain pattern, you need to decide cathedral up or down? I like it up.

 

[Brice Burrell]

After you have decided to go vertical, there is step two...if your ply has a cathedral grain pattern, you need to decide cathedral up or down? I like it up.

That's an easy one, it points up. 

I always had my doubts about you Greg, but if you have the good sense to pick cathedral up maybe you aren't so bad after all. [poke] [big grin] [big grin] 

 

[tjbnwi]

Vertical.

Order a few sheets with opposing grain, it makes the decision easy.

Tom

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Vert.