Most shops use soft maple with MDF panels for painted shaker..

 

I am only doing 4 doors, so I really can't order materials.

Any idea what typical MDF thickness is?

Home Depot has 1/8" MDF and 3/16" MDF Hardboard Tempered Panel
Lowes has 1/2" MDF

 

i made a mirror a couple of months ago, I made the rabbit for the mirror 1/4" bigger than the glass and held it in with silicone and put a quarter inch ply back over the whole thing, which was recesed into yet another rabbit.

 

Was the mirror 1/4 or 1/8" thick?

 

Another wood shop that caters more to cabinet makers.
They have "door" grade MDF sheets. in 1/4" and 7/8" Thickness.
I am guessing 1" maple and 1/4" MDF to make the cabinets

 

Sounds like a good plan to me. I was thinking poplar would be another good option for paint grade. I used 1/4" MDF for the center panels for our kitchen cabinets. Tempered hardboard is a different product. Never thought about using that for panels. I made some hollow, flat panel entry doors on my house with the 3/16 tempered hardboard skin on each side, so I guess it may work. One of those doors is in our restroom.

@JackDuren would MDF panels be okay in a bathroom? I don't know. Otherwise maybe 1/4" maple or birch plywood?

 

1/4" MDF is ok, just be aware it can vary in thickness enough that they may not fit in the groove on your bitset. If the T&G bit is actual 1/4" that's probably going to be the case. A lot of MDF is 5 or 5.5mm. If the panel is loose you can caulk the gap. I think its a good idea to caulk them anyway when painted.

You can also use 3/8 MDF, which is a good choice too, it allows you to use the tongue part of the bit and gives a little extra weight to the door. I think self closing hinges work better, too.

 

This is going into a bathroom with a shower and daily use. I will 100% paint the doors.
What is the most stable choice in wood? Maple for all or MDF?