Grain - Horizontal or Vertical

[Litch]

Hi all

I very rarely post , but read often. I am just about to embark on building some cabinets for my bathroom in American White Oak. I have the wood (180x19mm). I am going to cut it to length on the mft. The depth of the cabinets is going to be around 350/360mm. Ideal for two boards dominoed together running horizontally. I intend on running it horizontally on the drawer front, but what about the sides?. The side are going to be approx 480 wide by 350mm deep. It would be easier if I cut the wood to run horizontal on the sides too but is this the correct thing to do. ?Any comment would be appreciated.

 

[tiralie]

It would be easier if I cut the wood to run horizontal on the sides too but is this the correct thing to do ?

I would run the sides horizontal. Unless this is a traditional design (doesn't sound like it) there isn't really a "correct" thing to do.

Any comment would be appreciated.

I think it looks better, particularly on frame-less cabinets when the grain continues around the cabinet. If you are clear coating it even more so. It's a, design (subjective) choice.
Tim

 

[bertv]

With doors in place I would follow the grain of the doors, eg horizontal on the sides.
Open cabinet or glass doors? Let the grain go ‘round’ all sides: eg vertical on the sides.

 

[tjbnwi]

Vertical, the end grain is what would be against the sides.

Tom

 

[Litch]

Thanks Guys for the input. I just wasn't too sure and these comments have made my mind up. Its not a traditional cabinet, so I will run the grain horizontal on the front and the sides. It is going to be clear coated so I think that will be the best option. I should post some pictures when finished

 

[roblg3]

It is usual to run grains vertically on the sides, cathedrals pointing up.  It's your cabinet, so do whatever you like.  Just be aware that "traditional" cabinetry is not horizontal.  There are no "RULES" no matter what people tell you.  There are guidelines that most people follow to keep a standard.  Guys like frank lloyd wright, Stickley and anyone who bucked the system of tradition are the ones who had vision to see and do things differently.  So called experts will tell you you did it wrong, just tell them you designed it that way on purpose.  If it's YOUR design, no one can tell you that you've done it wrong if it came out the way you wanted and is functional that way.

 

[Litch]

Thanks Rob. I have made up the sides and they look really good. Just got to put it all together now. I will post some pictures when finished

 

[Holmz]

Litch - Where in Perth do you get the wood?

 

[Litch]

I got it from Austim in Lansdale. Link is www.austim.com.au

They have a reasonably wide selection. Service was good. I got them to dress it which is so much easier than trying to DIY.

The test sample I have prepared looks great