Get matched with top cabinet makers in Cecil, WI

If you’re on a tight budget, the least expensive material you can buy for DIY closet shelves is chipboard, a.k.a. particle board. This inexpensive material is made from a pulp of sawdust, resin, and glue that’s pressed together under high temperature and pressure. As you can imagine, it’s not very sturdy and might buckle under your blue jean collection, so you should only use it if you’re storing very light items. 

The Janka Hardness Scale rates wood species according to their hardness levels or density. On the scale, hickory ranks as the most dense hardwood that is common for use in making cabinets. While there are woods that are harder, they're uncommon in cabinetry. Maple, oak, and walnut also rank relatively high on the scale and are excellent for use in cabinetry. 

Liquid sandpaper is a solvent used to soften existing layers of paint and make them porous enough that you can effectively apply a new coat of paint. You rub the liquid sandpaper on, wait for it to work, and wipe it off—no literal sanding is involved. Liquid sandpaper can save time and is helpful if parts of the cabinet are hard to reach with standard sandpaper. However, like paint stripper, liquid sandpaper creates dangerous fumes and must be used with care indoors. And unlike sanding, it can’t fix any scratches or dings in your cabinets.

No, millwork doesn’t refer only to wood. Millwork materials include soft and hardwood lumber, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), polymer, and composites. While some people may prefer soft or hardwood materials, others opt for MDF, polymer, or composites because they tend to be more budget-friendly. Additionally, wood millwork components tend to be more visually appealing and last longer.