GBlist: "green" cabinetry panel selection
John Salmen (terrain@seaside.net)
Tue, 11 Mar 1997 23:59:22 -0800
Ed,
Our solution to a similar problem for cabinet carcass material was to
use a laminated wood product that is manufactured for Ikea or similar
companies. It is composed of 1x2 material (strip laminated) and
available in either 3x6 or 4x8 sheet size. Our manufacturer was local
and had both a pine (western) and an alder product available - if you
are based in oregon there should be a value added wood processing
facility producing something similar.
Wholesale cost is comparable to cabinet grade plywoods but the product
does not require edging and generally can be utilized better if well
designed for production. I would say it is suitable for either small
custom applications or very large commercial operations. Check on the
source of the material (by and large as a softwood this should be a
second growth product) and check on the binders used and if the material
has been treated with any fungicides - also check for moisture
(stability) of the material. If you are thinking on a large scale please
consider your own manufacture of the material from either byproduct ( of
other mills) or as a sustainably derived product from established
selective cut woodlots (alder is an excellent fast growing harwood well
suited to cabinetry).
Good luck
John
TERRAIN E.D.S.
terrain@seaside.net
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