Which type of MDF or similar material for speaker cabinets?

[AlmaAtaKZ]

Question for experienced DIYers and pros:

Which specific type of MDF or MDF-like material is best to use for building loudspeaker cabinets?

I am looking for dimensional stability, paintability, high density, integrity while cutting/routing/drilling, while being otherwise acoustically suitable.

Huge variety. Confused. For example:

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mdfdirect.co.uk

 

[Rick Sykora]

already generally discussed here…

MDF and Baltic Birch and flatpacks, oh my!

I’ve been hanging around here a while, but only occasionally post. Some may know me from my YouTube videos where I mostly yap about DIY speaker building for which I have a weirdly unnatural attraction. I cut my teeth in the custom cabinet world, later making a living as a marine mechanic which...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As availability varies regionally, hopefully a UK member will comment too.

 

[AlmaAtaKZ]

Thank you for reminding me of that thread! Valcromat looks available in the UK, so I will probably go for that option.
Thank you!

 

[Audiofire]

dimensional stability

Wood, Panel and Structural Timber Products - Mechanical Properties

Density, fibre stress, compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of clear wood, panel and structural timber products.

www.engineeringtoolbox.com

integrity while cutting/routing/drilling

Q & A: Why Predrill Screw Holes? | Popular Woodworking

We believe you’ll get the most effective and longest-lasting fastening power from screws when you drill correctly sized clearance and pilot holes.

www.popularwoodworking.com

 

[BR52]

I can highly recommend Valcromat. Its fun to work with, additional the mechanic parameters are superior to standard MDF.

 

[AlmaAtaKZ]

I’ll go for it.

 

[Mr. Widget]

Thank you for reminding me of that thread! Valcromat looks available in the UK, so I will probably go for that option.
Thank you!

Hey, and thank you for asking the question! I likely wouldn't have stumbled into Valchromat. Reading up on the product, I believe it is exactly what you are looking for and I am excited to try it out on my next project.

Even though Valchromat is an EU product the US importer is here in Northern California, so I'll definitely be giving it a try.