| Author |
Message |
Brett Wilbur
Senior Member
Username: brett_wilbur
Post Number: 6
Registered: 09-2022
| | Posted on Monday, October 16, 2023 - 07:07 pm: |    |
I did a search for this topic in the 4specs archives and did not find what I was looking for so forgive me if I am rehashing an old conversation. A client has recently asked us to specify Premium grade for plastic-laminate-faced casework. I was raised on the notion that plam casework really only needs to be Custom grade but anyway.... I've asked them what it is about Premium grade that they are concerned. They said because they thought it requires plywood core. I scratched my head thinking I thought I knew better, but I proceeded to do a deep dive into the allowable cores for the different grades none-the-less.
As far as I can tell, it is "fabricators choice" for cores in all grades, except there might be certain components that require a veneer core. Premium grade, for instance only requires veneer core for the drawer box. At least that's the way I interpret it. AWS states in numerous locations that plywood is not allowed for door and drawer fronts due to warping.
Am I reading this correctly? I sent AWI an online email through their contact page but did not hear back from them. Does anyone know? Is there a nice summary table somewhere that outlines the differences in grades?
I want to give the client what they want but I'm not sure they know what it is they are asking. If they are only concerned with having a plywood core then I could give them Custom grade without the increase in cost for Premium grade quality fabrication and installation. Am I wrong? Does Premium grade require plywood core for all components? I don't read it that way but I may be off. |
David Stutzman
Senior Member
Username: david_stutzman
Post Number: 96
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 16, 2023 - 07:55 pm: | |
Brett, you can always specify Custom quality and add Premium requirements. If the concern is the look MDF core is the preferred choice for exposed panels since it is flat and generally woodworkers choice if not specified. We often specify veneer core where screw holding and durability are required. Our best example is a casino coin drawer. Opening and closing puts undue stress on the drawer body. |
David G. Axt, CDT, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: david_axt
Post Number: 2053
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 16, 2023 - 08:34 pm: | |
ANSI/AWI 0641-2019 Architectural Wood Casework explains the differences in Premium and Custom Grades alot better than any of us can explain it here.
https://www.awinet.org/standards/casework/introduction
David G. Axt, CDT, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Specifications Consultant
Axt Consulting LLC |
Brett Wilbur
Senior Member
Username: brett_wilbur
Post Number: 7
Registered: 09-2022
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 03:44 pm: | |
Thanks for your feedback. You must know that is the first place I looked before I asked the question. I figured someone here might have a more simplified interpretation. Anyway, AWI Standards are not the same as AWS. Masterspec Div 06 plam-clad cabinet section references AWS. My understanding is AWI Standards have superseded AWS but to utilize MasterSpec it takes some juggling between AWI Standards and AWS. Perhaps you knew that. If not, here you go: https://awiqcp.org/news-and-blog/differences-awi-standards-vs-aws/ |
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg
Post Number: 1597
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 04:09 pm: | |
Virtually every millwork fabricator I've worked with advocates using MDF, never plywood, as PLam does not adhere well to plywood.
Where additional blocking is needed for conditions like the one described by Dave Stutzman, they suggest using a heavy steel sheet as hinge reinforcing. At toe board/base conditions they suggest adding plywood behind the MDF and providing extra blocking to withstand impact by vacuum cleaners, buffers, etc.
For countertops with sinks or similar wet conditions they suggest using moisture resistant MDF such as Medex board - https://www.roseburg.com/Product/medex/ They also suggest using that at toe boards/bases where wet mops will be used.
All of this can be done and still specify the cabinet as custom grade. |
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