Have you done a search of wood vs plywood, or plywood vs MDF on these forums? There is a lot of information that covers your question. Basically, wood will expand and contract a lot more than MDF. You will will see cracks develop, particularly at the seams. If that doesn't bother you (and it doesn't bother everyone), then go for the wood. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure there are now no, or low VOC plywood and MDF product available.

There are definitely MDF free cabinets out there. Ours are from Barker Cabinets out of Oregon. All wood...not a bit of MDF anywhere....plywood cases yes, but not MDF.

Yes, do read the threads Sherri recommends.

Because MDF is more dimensionally stable than plywood, it is the preferred substrate for painted doors with stiles and rails. When plywood doors are painted, the finish usually cracks over time with normal seasonal variations in humidity.

Let's start by getting our definitions correct. Yes, you can have birch cabinets (that is, solid birch, not birch plywood). 'Most' plywood products also contain formaldehyde, but certainly not all. You can also get MDF that has no formaldehyde. And there are other sheet products other than MDF that are used in cabinets.

My point being; the idea of plywood instead of MDF isn't quite that accurate, you have to think about what KIND of these two products. You are in charge, this is your money. But you may need to do a LOT of research and find a different cabinet builder to get what you want. This is where (as I always point out), you have to specify, specify, specify.

Your cabinet maker knows of what he speaks.

No, he doesn't.

You don't want a wood panel in the doors because the parts of the door will expand and contract. With a painted finish in a light color you'll see the seams. In a stained finish you won't see the seams even though they'll be there because the stain is darker. MDF panels are more stable.

We have Barker Cabinets. All of ours are wood except the center panel of our door and drawer fronts which are MDF. It was recommended with our painted finish.

My cabinets are plywood boxes and 100% hard maple everywhere else, including 100% hard maple doors and drawers. No MDF. Doors and drawers are combination shaker and flat fronts. Painted. No problems after 6 months. My cabinet guy was local.

I wish I would have found this board two months ago. I have to sign off this week. I'm already waaaaaaaay over budget so all "real wood" is likely out anyway. I would definitely like to find out more about formeldehyde free plywood or no VOC MDF. Maybe I will start a new thread. That may still be an option and less expense. He looked at me like I have two heads for not wanting MDF so I assume I will need to do all the legwork and provide a supplier. They build them in house.

I found John Mansfield insulation that is formeldyhyde free but when you are sensitive, sometimes it's hard to know if you will be better or worse with what they use instead. Thanks to everyone for your help.

You will pay more for low VOC products. It will also be harder to find a Cabinetmaker who will build with them if only because they purchase lift-loads of the other and then need to purchase a few sheets for you. Also, 'low VOC' only means that it is a certain % less in VOC's than the industry standard by Government/ governing bodies. That means that it could be .001% fewer VOC's and be considered 'low VOC'. If you actually find a cabinetmaker who is using it, get them to explain the difference between the 2. You may be paying for something that is not much different than the norm.

Wood moves. That's normal. Low Winter humidity gapping shows in the solid wood panels exposing a halo of unfinished area. It also creates normal cracks in the stiles and rails join. Painted plywood sides will have splits in it, so most quality manufacturers use MDO for painted flat case good side pieces. Or do integral door ended sides.

Cabinet doors · More Info

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All NORMAL.