material for slab doors

[mrFinpgh]

I'm going to be doing some kitchen doors and drawer fronts in walnut, and I was wondering what folks think is the better material for slab doors:  plywood or mdf?  Nothing should be wider than 27" in this case.

Also, what are folks paying for Walnut ply these days?  I've got one shop quoting me over 170/sheet for PS A1, while I'm seeing $130ish elsewhere. 

Thanks,
Adam

 

[bertv]

That price difference may reflect the quality of the veneers. And/or the execution style (mirrored, whatever). I would try to have a look at the stuff in person.

 

[mrFinpgh]

That's a good point.

I got a quote of $125/sheet from another local distributor.  So now I have two local places I can go look at.

Ultimately, it's not going to add up to a big difference in cost but I like to avoid overpaying where possible.

I also inquired about some interesting wood grained Panolam, just to explore my options.  Prices on that seem very reasonable, but anything special means buying a full unit.  I can't imagine using up 40 sheets of Melamine any time soon.

-Adam

 

[slalom]

I used solid poplar for the core of my doors, the edges in maple and a thick maple veneer on my slab doors. As the poplar is cut in 2 inch strips with the grain perpendicular to the width of the door they have been very stable.

I used Lee Valley 2002GF glue, similar to Titebond III.

The doors are heavy, with a solid feel. I used three heavy stainless steel hinges on each.

 

[Bob Wolfe]

My kitchen is all slab doors, wood grain Panolam, "hard rock maple"pattern, 10 plus years, no major issues but the odd nick is now visable, super easy to clean.

Get a local shop to order them for you is you can't purchase less than 40 sheets, their markup likely not too bad.