Plywood Door Panels - Can they fit rather tightly?

[Glen Blanchard]

Regarding cabinet doors panels in a frame. I would assume that (1/2") plywood panels need virtually no room for expansion. No need to leave a gap or use something like space balls. Correct?

[glenn bradley]

I have glued 1/4" ply panels in MDF frames around all four sides. No issues after 6 years. It was dumb luck, I'd never made a frame and panel door before ;-) Had the panel been hardwood I would have had a problem and learned a lesson I imagine ;-).

[Fred Belknap]

I glued 1/4" panels with cope and stick joints in my shop cabinets. It's been about three years and no problem. Makes a strong door.

[Steve Jenkins]

Glen, you are correct. doesn't matter if the rails and stiles are solid wood or mdf. You can glue in the panels or not, your choice.