Warning about using construction grade ply for interior cabinets

Had a client insist on saving money. Wanted CDX ply for the wall cabinets. I warned him. He pushed back. Installed them in March. By July the faces were all rough from humidity changes. Had to rip them all out and redo with birch ply. Cost him triple in labor. Learned my lesson. Never let a client talk you into the wrong material for a job you're responsible for. Has anyone else dealt with a similar stubborn client?

2 comments

2 Comments

riley_west25d ago

Talked a buddy of mine into using regular plywood for a built in bookshelf at his shop. He bought the cheap stuff from the big box store. Looked alright at first but after a few rainy weeks the shelves started to warp and cup. Had to tear the whole thing apart and start over with good maple ply. Ended up costing more than if he just did it right the first time.

julia_lee25d agoTop Commenter

Oh man, that's rough. I gotta ask @riley_west, did your buddy at least check the humidity in his shop before he put the cheap plywood in? I've seen guys skip that step and it always bites them, especially with big box store stuff that's not really meant for that kind of environment. Seems like a moisture meter might've saved him a lot of headaches and cash if he tested the wood first.

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