4 posts
The Cut List
Plywood vs. MDF vs. solid wood, the hardware that eats 20% of the budget, and the finishes that actually last. No romance — just material grades, part numbers, and real shop specs.
01
Plywood vs MDF vs Solid Wood: What Goes Where in a Custom Cabinet (and What's a Waste of Money)
Not every part of a cabinet should be solid wood. Plywood for carcases, MDF for painted panels, hardwood for drawers an...
Alex Walker · Aug 02, 2026
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02
Drawer Slides and Hinges: Why Hardware Eats 20% of a Cabinet Budget — and When It's Worth It
Hardware isn't where you save money; it's where you spend it once and never touch it again. Drawer slides and hinges con...
Alex Walker · Aug 01, 2026
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03
Paint-Grade vs Stain-Grade: How to Decide Without Regretting It Two Years Later
Paint-grade cabinets prioritize a flawless, glass-smooth finish and use tight-grained maple or MDF panels. Stain-grade ...
Alex Walker · Aug 01, 2026
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04
The Finish That Lasts: Catalyzed Lacquer vs Conversion Varnish vs Polyurethane
A cabinet's finish determines whether it looks pristine at year ten or worn at year two. Catalyzed lacquer, conversion v...
Alex Walker · Aug 01, 2026
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