Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey all, going to make some storage draws for the back of my car and was wondering what people think is the best material to make them out of - Ply wood or MDF. Or other?

Best i think, is make them from folded sheetmetal, but if you want wood, then the plywood is best, marine ply if you can get it, as its reasonably water resilliant, mdf and chipboard dont likey water so much.

ply is more structural and less effected by the elements, so if it gets wet its going to last

what sort of thickness ply would you need to stop it splitting when putting screws into the side - ie to screw the base of the draw to the side?

danaz wrote:what sort of thickness ply would you need to stop it splitting when putting screws into the side - ie to screw the base of the draw to the side?

it would depends on the design, get what you feel comfortale with, but dont overdo it as it can get heavy, stop splitting by pre drilling pilot holes before srewing and use no more nails on all you joints

Tiny wrote:it would depends on the design, get what you feel comfortale with, but dont overdo it as it can get heavy, stop splitting by pre drilling pilot holes before srewing and use no more nails on all you joints

Agreed, made mine out of marine ply and they are way too heavy

if you are making them out of ply, then 9mm gables/draws/base and 12mm top should do it (of course, 9mm will make it hard to screw into, so screwing some cleets in to assist it would help the joints), if you plan on mounting a cargo barrier to the back of it, then a single rip of 16-19mm would be best (allows secure mounting area so the bolts/washers/screw threads won't tear out)
and be sure to seal the edges of it, as over time the face ply's will tear off from moisture, etc....