Shaker Style Doors – Glue or not glue centre panel?

paperclap

Hi all,

I’m coming to the stage of my alcove units where I’m starting to construct the shaker doors. I’ll be using 18mm MDF rails and stiles, with a 6mm MDF centre panel, constructed with 6mm MDF loose tenons glued in place.

Would you recommend gluing (or not gluing) the centre panel? Some people do, so as to stop rattle. Some people don’t, as to stop issues with expansion and contraction.

I’m inclined to glue it. Don’t want door rattle, and can’t see MDF expanding and contracting all that much anyway!

Thoughts?

Thanks!

P.S. Here’s a progress photo!

ThisIsWeird

Fab progress - and thanks for the update.

As you say, MDF doesn't tend to move, so I'd personally 'glue' in this case. It will add to the overall strength and likely lessen any potential warping too.

For timber, loose.

Are you having fun?! :-)

paperclap

The answer I was hoping for! 

Yeah, it’s really fun actually! So much that I’m quite looking forward to the next step up – the big bedroom ones! That’ll be a beast

travis-powers

That’s looking good pc!
 I was always taught not to glue the panel however there is a big difference between natural timber and mdf, by gluing the panels in your doors will add strength to the construction and I don’t think anything bad will happen.
 I made some drawers last week and after watching Peter Millard use glue in the video you posted I did glue the bottoms in.

paperclap

I think I'll glue! 

Though, this has made me think. Given that with MDF we use glue... what is the point of using loose tenons between the rails and stiles? Do they add strength?

ThisIsWeird

paperclap said:

I think I'll glue! 

Though, this has made me think. Given that with MDF we use glue... what is the point of using loose tenons between the rails and stiles? Do they add strength?

Eh? Loose?! You'll be securely gluing the frames at their corners, yes?

paperclap

Absolutely, everything will be glued, including the "loose" tenons in the mortices. Guess they're just called "loose" because they're separate to the body of the rails and stiles (unlike a tongue and groove approach).

I'm creating my doors identical to how Peter Millard does in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwGvYsvdCg4&t=183s

paperclap

For those interested... some progress photos on the shaker doors! Slots cut, bevelled edges, loose tenons. All ready to be glued up.

ThisIsWeird

Wow! Quality of build waaaaaay beyond anything I've ever done. This is going to be amazing

paperclap

Haha, I wouldn’t go that far! But thanks 

ThisIsWeird

paperclap said:

Haha, I wouldn’t go that far! But thanks 

Sadly, it's true