Thread: Cabinetry advice please!

I also called desks etc. for an over the phone quote (double the price of others) but they mentioned using a type of nz pine. Anyone know if this is good advice?

To see MDF cabinets being made & painted, check out Peter Millard 10 minute workshop on iTunes. Might help you work out if it is for you or not.

Edit: uTube not iTunes. Stupid autocorrect (or maybe my typing)

Originally Posted by Nurseryman

I also called desks etc. for an over the phone quote (double the price of others) but they mentioned using a type of nz pine. Anyone know if this is good advice?

I am not a contractor, just one who takes an interest in this type of work. It does not seem unusual to me that you are quoted for MDF, since it will be painted. Personally, I would build out of Pine, because this can be stripped and repainted at some time in the future. MDF is not going to last more than a decade, perhaps some more, and in todays throw away society it fits the material/cost bill very well. It machines and finishes beautifully, so it is a win-win from that perspective. However, for a heritage home, in which you have visions of a forever construction, it does not fit. The thing is, unless the construction is good enough to keep (including having correct moldings), the next owner may just rip it out.

Regards from Perth

Derek

As you are going custom made you can ask for anything you want. The two that quoted used MDF for a number of reasons outlined by Derek and also to make it economical and be competitive with anybody else who is quoting.

You have already found out with your third price that if you want to increase the specifications the price goes up accordingly.

You may be better off going the lower cost MDF and getting a professional spray finish done on it.

MDF still paints up fine by hand with the correct primer so that would not be a reason to avoid using it. My decision would be along the lines of what Derek mentioned as to level of authenticity V cost that you are comfortable with.

MDF expands if it gets wet enough and for long enough . The right paint job will mostly stop that happening . Worse though is it’s heavy, brittle and it sags like crazy under weight . The right design will avoid the sag in the shelves problem by keeping the span down in length . And the heavy and brittle Is more a problem for the builder . If they are quoting MDF then they will be used to working with it anyway . What you can span and build with solid compared to MDF is two different things . I think a good way you could go if it’s possible is to get plans drawn up . Break it down into basic units needed . With the right set of drawings you can approach a number of different cabinet makers or joiners and get a quote for solid timber paint grade construction. Get a separate quote for installation from the same guy .

The way it normally works . Bassicslly. Decorators know what makers do what . Normally a lady shops around for the right decorator while husband is working . Decorator sorts style, design and price out between Lady and Husband , her clients . If that sounds good the decorator gets plans drawn up and final price by the maker who she knows can do what is needed . Clients agree on the plans and price and pay a deposit . Job gets done and delivered and fitted , all get paid .
If you knew the right guy then by not having the decorator in between could save 20 or 30 or ? %
You could search around more for the right maker . I think quality traditional makers and joiners may be a bit short in Brisbane . I’ve seen a lot of Brisbane based decorators over the years buying and getting stuff made in Melbourne . Tons of stuff .
If your house need a typical Brisbane styled 1918 library then it may not be a problem . The stuff I see going north is not that style . It’s more English / Euro Antique style . The real stuff can’t be found so it’s being re made . That’s been going on down here in Melbourne / Vic strong for the last 26 years .

I recommend getting your preferred cabinet makers to re-quote and be more specific with the method of construction and materials you prefer. They have obviously already been there to view the site so all they have to do is re-factor their quote.

There is a guy near me in the Redlands who has a custom furniture business (https://dorsetbottega.com/). I have never seen his work but the fence and gate at his house is a pretty serious statement! I have no affiliation whatsoever.