Cutting press board

Penny Harper
by Penny Harper
Cabinets in kitchen are made with press board with a thin wood covering. I want to cut out the middle section of wood, paint what is left white, and either use chicken wire or glass so cabinet contents can be seen. Husband says I can't cut the press wood, but he has no imagination. What do you think, is it possible?
  3 answers
  • Follow your H Follow your H on Feb 26, 2015
    Penny, why does he think you can't cut the press wood? Is it a panel door, where you want to cut the middle panel out and leave the rails and stiles? If so, you should be able to cut it.
  • Sherri Sherri on Feb 26, 2015
    Press board can definitely be cut with a saw. I'd ask someone at the hardware store what kind of blade to use. I imagine you'll need to start by drilling a large hole to get the saw through then use a jig saw. Or maybe a dremel saw will work. Again, ask what kind of blade to use.
  • Barb Burnham Barb Burnham on Feb 26, 2015
    It sounds like it may be MDF with a thin vinyl veneer. But, depending on the vintage of the cabinets it could be more like the original Masonite (aka fiberboard) which was truly condensed pressed paper. Then there was the original pre-MDF. It was sawdust compressed with glue. So, some will cut irratically, split unexpectedly during cutting, etc. It is vital to know exactly what it is made of. I suggest if you live near an Ace Hardware store, take one of the doors in, or a small drawer. They are the most likely to look at and know what will work and/or IF is cuttable what tool/blade to use. My husband's thinking IF it is safely cuttable a jigsaw with a fine toothed blade would be tool he would reach for. Good luck. Repost if you get the absolute name of the material.