@Patricia Colwell Consulting thank you! We are debating between the maple and evercore painted doors for kraftmaid and leaning towards evercore since it looks better painted and is just as heavy! Good idea?

Do you understand what MDF is and how it differs from plywood?

Not to the extent that you do, i'm sure PPF but from what I've read MDF is smaller particles bonded together and plywood is sheets bonded together. Pros and cons to both from what I've read but... enlighten me?

I think you will find that the cabinet box options are particle board or plywood, not MDF. MDF when used is typically for doors and panels that are receiving a solid color finish. Most cabinet manufactures actually use HDF not MDF, it's a high density fiberboard.

I agree that MDF is not the usual box from cabinet stores usually particle board with a laminate cover so all the cabinets are nice looking and easy to clean inside. I would prefer MDF to HDF though.

Just curious as to you preference for MDF over HDF.

I thought I heard MDF, but maybe not. I'll ask when we go to order tomorrow. What's the difference between HDF and MDF? Does anyone know what Kraftmaid uses if we don't choose plywood or does it vary?

HD for high density, MD for Medium density.

Does plywood really hold screws better? That is one thing I read regarding weight of upper cabinets. Should I do plywood for uppers and hdf/mdf for lowers? Or does it not really make a difference? I'm probably thinking way too much into this haha..

Again, I do not believe that Kraftmaid offers boxes made of MDF. Their site shows either particle board or upgrade plywood. Of these two materials, there will be no difference if the cabinets are properly fastened to the wall.

@The Kitchen Abode Ltd.thank you!!

Kraftmaid offers furniture board ( aka particle board ) construction standard for the sides, top, bottom and shelves of it's cabinets. The faceframe is always solid wood. The drawers are always solid wood dovetail. The MDF you speak of is their Evercore door - it is just the door.

You can upgrade to the all plywood construction if you want - visually your kitchen will look no different.

I have particle board cabinets from Medallion and they look exactly the same after 12 years and I have had 2 leaks in my sink.

Put your money into something else... IMO

Thank you Debbi!

Does plywood really hold screws better?

Yes, plywood holds screws better than MDF, HDF, and particle board (which require special screws.) Ordinary screws work in plywood. Plywood is a lot lighter in weight, too.

On our current Kraftmaid remodel some of our cabinets and some are not. Sink base, uppers, and some specialty cabinets are plywood. Others are standard construction. Started with all plywood and then cut some corners to get costs down.

Standard construction on boxes is particle board, not mdf.

Here are some pics of the differences.

Standard construction on left bank of drawers. Plywood on 9” base panty pullout.

Plywood on base microwave cabinet.

*some of our cabinets are PLYWOOD and some are not.

"Yes, plywood holds screws better than MDF, HDF, and particle board (which require special screws.) Ordinary screws work in plywood."

Technically screws may hold better in plywood however the potential difference is not likely of any consequence in this application. Also, when mounting cabinets to the wall the screws used do not typically have threads up to the head of the screw, the shank is free of threads for at least 1". So in this case there are no threads in the plywood, just in the supporting stud. The only thing preventing the cabinet from falling down is the force it would take to pull the head of the screw through the plywood or particle board, no threads are involved.

You make it sound as if the screws for particle board are out of the ordinary "Special Screws", they are no more special than any other screw, deck screws, drywall screws, wood screws, subflooring screws. Available every where and cost the same as just about any other common type of screw.

Thank you, we ordered today and didn't upgrade to plywood. Saved a bunch of $$ and feel confident in our decision. Hoping these next 4 weeks fly by so we can get our cabinets in!!!

You make it sound as if the screws for particle board are out of the ordinary

Really?? 'Special' as to differentiate from 'ordinary', as in regular everyday wood screws. I used both terms.

Particle board is Every. Where. Why would anyone think that it would be difficult to source fasteners for it?

Also, when mounting cabinets to the wall the screws used do not typically have threads up to the head of the screw

For that matter, ordinary wood screws don't either. But what you are specifically talking about are cabinet screws, a somewhat obscure device judging by the number of kitchens I see that are installed by dumbasses using sheetrock screws.

a somewhat obscure device judging by the number of kitchens I see that are installed by dumbasses using sheetrock screws.

They just need to make them in No. 2 Robertson.

A T@HOME I've been thinking of doing exactly what you did . Also wondering did you get a painted or stained cabinet? I've always wanted white cabinets. My sons are grown and moved out so I've been looking for those white cabinets and have been considering Kraftmaid. I have a door sample of a Maple cabinet door painted white that already has the seam lines showing thorugh. What do you think of Kraftmaid's evercore painted cabinet doors?