Tempered hardboard?

[RJD2]

I made a simple cabinet constructed from a 2 x 4 frame, and have a question about materials to skin it. I was considering 1/4" plywood, but what is available locally is pretty lousy (i.e., warped and looks like a potato chip). Could tempered hardboard (i.e., hardboard version that is smooth on both sides) be used to cover the sides of the cabinet? I have used it before for router templates and backs on bookcases. However, the label on the material indicates leaving a 1/16" gap between panels to allow for expansion. Thanks.

[JimD]

Yes. But the strength is less than plywood and fasteners will not hold as well. Even underlayment grade luan from the big box stores is better.

Jim

[LarryG]

Agreed ... for a non-structural skin, tempered hardboard will work if you're okay with the looks and the material's inherent limitations. The edges will be pretty fragile, if knocks and bumps are likely.

The 1/16" gap recommendation assumes a full-size sheet. If your cabinet is of anything like normal size, the various panels won't be large enough for movement to be a problem.

[cabinetman]

What kind of cabinet application?

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[RJD2]

What kind of cabinet application?

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The cabinet will be utilized as a dust free environment for finish to cure on bamboo fly rods. A rod will hang in the cabinet to dry so basically the 2 x 4 frame is overkill, and the skin doesn't have to be anything substantial like 3/4" plywood. Don't get me wrong, I certainly want something that is durable. However, I would like something so that the interior could very easily be wiped down of dust. The smooth surfaces of the hardboard seemed like a viable option. I will take a look at the Luan.

[LarryG]

You can buy hardboard with a factory-applied "whiteboard" finish; that would work well for your wipeable surface requirement. The big box store should have it.

[pelligrini]

You might take a look at the White Bathroom Wallboard that the big box stores carry. It's a tempered hardboard with a smooth waterproof finish. You'd be able to spot any dust quickly and wiping down with a damp cloth wouldn't affect it.

Heheh, Yea, what Larry said

[toolguy1000]

yesterday, my local HD began displaying a new hardboar product that is non tempered on one side and what appears to be a melamine finish on the other side. inyour application, it would look louosy outside but provide a cleanable surface inside the cabinet.

[cabinetman]

If you decide on tempered hardboard (Masonite), a 1/4" narrow crown staple (18ga) will work better than a brad nail for fastening.

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[woodturner]

However, I would like something so that the interior could very easily be wiped down of dust.

In my experience, the tempered surface is very porous. For example, it really soaks up paint and takes multiple coats to fill the pours. If you are wiping it with a dry cloth, that might work, but a wet cloth would probably not work well.