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Minimize warp in long narrow door

1849 Views 40 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  je_an
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Hello,

I'm about to build a set of bi-folding closet doors. Each panel will consist of 9" x 80". I'm concerned the panels might warp since they are narrow and long.

I think one post suggested letting the wood dry and plane it on both sides. Unfortunately I do not have access to planer or joiner. :(

Is there somethings I can do to minimize warping with limited tool set? Would using plywood better than wood strips for the frame? The doors will be painted and mounted using bi-fold door hardware.

Rectangle Parallel Font Symmetry Pattern


Thank you so much for your help!

Edit:
Bi-fold door: This is due to space issue. Large door(s) will collide with the bedroom door. Pocket door is not an option and I don't want barn door or sliding door.
Painted: This is the look I want. I love beautiful wood furnitures, but do not like wood grains on the wall. Sorry, I hope it doesn't offend anyone. :)

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Just an idea, but it's one of my pet peeves on this site, list your location in your profile! Chances are that there is someone in your area that has the equipment that would help you out for a six pack or a gift card for a few cups of coffee. This door looks to be fairly heavy once completed, don't skimp on the hardware. If you are just going to paint it, have you considered a pre-built door from one of the DIY home centers?
Rich - plywood isn't the same thing as the laminated boards that Oughtsix is talking about. Plywood layers are at the very most 1/16" thick. Plywood in general is made up of crappy "filler" wood that is used in the inner layers that is full of holes, voids, mismatched pieces, etc., you aren't going to have a strong product. When the layers are that thin they also aren't going to prevent warping as we see in much plywood that is sold today. If you take 3/8" thick layers and carefully match them so that the warping tenancies are back to back, then clamp them on a flat surface using high quality glue, you are going to have a very solid and stable piece of lumber with little or no stress to cause warping. Why do you feel that you have to argue with almost everyone on almost every subject? This is a woodworking forum where we share ideas, experience, wins, losses, and solve problems. It's not a debate forum. Don't be the school bully that nobody likes and everyone fears. Everyone has their own opinions and experience that has worked for them. It may work well for someone else also. There are multiple ways you can get to the final result that are acceptable and will work for people based on the tools and materials that they have available to them.
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