1/4 Cherry MDF core for sides

[mark Holbrook]

Hi,

I am going for a woody/alum look. sides will be wood top aluminum. Most of the 1/4 ply i find is MDF core. Any problems with using it on the sides if it is finished with epoxy sealer?

[HandyAtLeast]

MDF is known to swell with moisture, but if you seal it then it should be okay. Also know that MDF doen't have the strength of plywood, either in holding screws or force loads. It is also heavier. I, personally, would avoid it. But don't let that stop you. Material choice is a very important subject. It can be difficult to redo a job due to a poor choice in material, so choose carefully and pay a little more for a special order, if need be.

Choose your materials, don't let your materials choose you. Unless, of course, you choose to let your materials choose you. Then you're choosing to be chosen, which is your choice. But I digress.

[mark Holbrook]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will stay clear of the MDF and will try to find some better plys.