[GBlist] re: "green" kitchen cabinets

[Chris Koehn <chris@koehn.com>]

I've used Batlic birch for furniture and cabinets. It's nice to work with
and offers a clean contemporary "Euro" look with the sanded, exposed edges.
I've recently begun using a domestic equivalent called "Apple Ply." It's
available in standard 4X8 sheets.  Don't know what the glues are- neither
have that nasty glue smell that particle board often has. The thing to watch
out for are the "football" defect punch outs, which are more prevalent in
cheaper grades (strictly an appearance issue).

Fine Homebuilding recently ran an article about site built cabinets using
Baltic birch type plywood using simple joinery and knock down hardware. I'm
intrigued and gearing up to build a set for a home next year.

We also seem to have a plethora of small custom cabinet shops in our area
who do good work at the same cost or less as inferior cabinets "out of the
box."  One shop I've worked with will use Isobord without complaint. Might
want to try calling a few shops in your area.

Best,

Chris Koehn 

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