A client told me my drawer boxes looked 'factory perfect' but the interiors felt cheap

They specifically pointed out the 1/4" plywood backs I was using for years, saying they flexed when you pushed on them. I switched to 1/2" for all my casework and the difference in solidity is huge. Anyone else get a piece of feedback that made you upgrade a standard material?

3 comments

3 Comments

paige8702mo ago

My old shop teacher always said the back panel was the spine of a cabinet. I used to skimp on it too, until a bookshelf I built actually sagged forward over time. That thin material can compromise the whole structure's integrity, not just the feel.

barbara3992mo agoOG Member

It also keeps the whole thing square during assembly.

webb.val24d ago

Honestly I had no idea the back panel did that much work!