mdf vs ply

[andyw]

Hi,

I'm looking to make some fitted cupboards with a maple finish.

I was thinking of using 19mm mdf veneered sheets (double sided), but would there be any advantages in using ply instead?

Anyone have any recommendations of where to get from (Berkshire). I've spoken to Arnold Laver in Reading and they will supply maple mdf 8x4 sheets for £40+vat

 

[wizer]

My experience of ply recently would prompt me to say MDF. MDF is a bit messier tho.

 

[9fingers]

I'd go for MDF too. I think you will find thick veneered ply difficult to find anyway.

£40 sounds reasonable unless you want a lot in which case you should get a discount - cheaper than my local supplier Totton timber.

Full sheets are very heavy and easily damaged. You might want to consider getting it cut roughly to size by the supplier.

hth
Bob

 

[jasonB]

Another vote for maple MDF from me, you will find that off the shelf ply only goes upto 12mm and will only have maple on one side.

Jason

 

[andyw]

thanks all, mdf it is then.

I think I'll also get them to cut in half (8x2) to make it easier to handle.

 

[J D Architectural Joinery]

I hate MDF, but ply is pretty scarce.
But £40 that seems awfully steep, though I suppose me being trade I get things cheaper. I'd be paying around the £25 mark.

 

[Rich]

Hi Andy, it may be worth your while opening an account with Arnold Laver, btw that's where I get my timber from

 

[9fingers]

Hi Andy, it may be worth your while opening an account with Arnold Laver, btw that's where I get my timber from

Rich, do you reckon the discount comes from just having an account or do they only give you a good price when you are spending lots with them?

Bob

 

[jasonB]

If its anything like my panel supplier it's based on quantity, they have three price breaks - single sheets, upto £250 and full pallets. They don't charge separate delivery but that is whats built into the single sheet price.

Jason

 

[9fingers]

My local supplier Eden's price this way. The only trouble is that they dont have Hiabs on their wagons and expect the customer to be able to fork it off.

My back wont stand lifting off more than a few sheets before packing up for a week!

I normally have best luck using the edens price to bully Jewsons to match it. They deliver free and have unloading gear on over £100 orders.

Bob

 

[jasonB]

Most of the specialist board suppliers don't have hiabs as they all tend to use curtain sided lorries, I'd rather have that than an open lorry that has also been delivering fence panels and building materials with a token tarp over the boards.

The drivers from Richard Russels will usually help carry in the boards.


Jason

 

[Digit]

As much as I loathe the stuff it's MDF that get's vote.

Roy.

 

[oddsocks]

another vote for MDF - used double sided oak for the shelving in a built in wardrobe recently and ordered a single 19mm full sheet from the local timber merchant (Bradhams). From memory it was £38 and for that they cut it to size - they have never charged for this and I always buy from them but only 'diy' amounts. Discount is simply rounding down to the nearest £!

The other option I have considered for mail order is SL Hardwoods - but they are dearer (just got an updated price list and 19mm double sided (A/B grade) maple is £49.31 +VAT + delivery + cutting......hence why I shop local.

 

[Lee Brubaker]

When machining MDF make sure you have very good breathing protection. This stuff is more than just dusty. It has adhesive as well & without protection you have a good chance of varnishing your lungs with the stuff.

Lee