On 7/6/2010 12:34 PM, LdB wrote:
I've made raised panel doors out of wood. Standard rail and style frame
routed with a profile to hold the raised panel in place. The raised
panels are made slightly smaller that the rail and style frame opening.
Small rubber barrels are put in the slots of the frame to cushion the
panel and keep it in place. I assume this is done to compensate for any
movement in the wood over time.

I'm now helping friends build their cupboards. These doors will be the
same raised panel type but are being made out of MDF. Not my choice, I'm
just the helper with the tools.

Is there any reason to make the MDF doors any different than wood doors?
Should we make the MDF raised panels smaller than the frame openings,
then use the same rubber barrels in the MDF rail and style frame slots?

Can the MDF raised panels be made the same size as the opening in the
rail and style frame? If so should the raised panel be glued into place?

LDB

Thanks for the replies. The doors are completely MDF. Not my choice.
I've never used the stuff before and may never use it again. At least
not in anything going into my house.

Some salesman did a number on my friends and convinced them that MDF
is as good as wood. I tried to change their minds but gave up. The
cupboards are going in their house not mine. They bought the material
and are doing most of the work. If the cupboards fall apart they can
find that salesman and get him to make things right. At least they
will use euro hinges on the doors. They should hold fast for some time.

We will build the doors with the rubber barrels. There may be some
expansion caused by the paint. That's something I hadn't thought about
and I have no idea what they will finish the doors with. The barrels
will also prevent rattling as well. I new that, just didn't think
about it.

Thanks again. I just thought I could save a bit of time, but when you
think about it there's not much difference.

LdB