Faux frame and panel

[Scott Welty]

I have this job making matching room dividers. As you see I've drawn 'frame and panel' design on the room end of the units. The other end will be against a wall. Since I want smooth panels on the inside surface where the shelves will be, I thought I could glue 1/4 inch stock to the outside of the panel (3/4 plywood) to form that design. Question: for those pieces MDF? Plywood? Hardwood? The whole thing is to be painted.

Scott

356909

[Jared Sankovich]

I typically use 3/4 or 7/8 poplar for a "faux" frame and panel, specifically to get a very thick panel look. Though depending on the application (if the cut edges are covered by trim) mdf works as well.

Faux frame and panel mantle & surround.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v695/jar944/20151217_162216_zps9hxwmfma.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jar944/media/20151217_162216_zps9hxwmfma.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v695/jar944/rps20160201_183527_602_zpsdrspuxgd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jar944/media/rps20160201_183527_602_zpsdrspuxgd.jpg.html)

If you only want 1/4 I would be inclined to use hardwood (poplar or soft maple) I would be worried about the edges on 1/4 mdf breaking, or looking horrible on plywood.

[Scott Welty]

Jared,
Good points all. Thanks. I think I'll probably go with some 3/8 poplar...because I have it!
Scott