I believe the OP indicated he wanted cheap and "paintable" in his post, but seems some respondents have missed that aspect. That's why I suggested MDF early on. As I said, machines easily and takes paint very well.Stuart,
Your post is missing some details. Are you doing a single cabinet door or a complete kitchen or ...
If you are painting the final product and budget is a factor, then MDF is the least expensive way to go. If you prefer solid wood, then the cheapest is Pine. You can paint Pine but try to use your material by removing the knots, as they are difficult to hide and could eventually fall out.
Dan
More on the BC Poplar/Cottonwood...The poplar out here is white poplar that is indeed related to the cottonwood tree but the woods don’t resemble each other much. I know that some of the poplar back east is yellow poplar and that might be the one you are referring to.
You are right ,Vince, I just re-read the OP and for some reason I thought that painting was one option.I believe the OP indicated he wanted cheap and "paintable" in his post, but seems some respondents have missed that aspect. That's why I suggested MDF early on. As I said, machines easily and takes paint very well.
Way to go Herb!!!... YOU DA MAN!!!I can't vouch for MDF as never ,ever, use that product.
Herb
yup...Vince as I understand it MDF dulls the router bits
First off sorry (thank you Vince)
I want to try making a door and if it works out ok I would do all the cupboard doors.
And if I do all of them it will be to save money but I want them to turn out nice.
Stuart - yes, I agree with you and Stick - MDF may dull router bits, but, I'm not using them in a production shop on a daily basis. I have made several kitchens with MDF doors, rail and stile. Haven't had a problem in limited use. If you're concerned about MDF working or not, please check out this thread. I made a set of kitchen cabinets for my daughter, and replaced other existing doors using the same methods. Used 3/4" MDF for the rails/stiles and 1/4" MDF for the panels. Two coats of primer and one coat of paint, sprayed on with sanding in between coats. I think they came out looking good. My daughter and I were happy with the results. It's a fairly long thread, but just scroll through the pictures in that post for something to think about.Vince as I understand it MDF dulls the router bits