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I am exploring the possibility of building my own kitchen and have been looking at carcase designs for both face frame and frameless cabinets. Regardless of the approach, cabinet sides are always built of solid plywood/MDF. Is this a requirement for structural support or is it possible to build the sides with a rail and stile panel ? In particular, will a rail and stile panel provide the strength needed to support upper cabinets or do I apply a rail and stile panel after construction for aesthetic reasons only?
Solid panels are for structural integrity/strength, mounting shelving and attaching drawer mechanisms. If you want the stile/rail effect on end cabinets, simply apply it after the carcass is constructed. That said, you don't need construct the "entire" stile and rail. For outer cabinets, use the plywood of your choice (that is exposed), glue on 1/4" plywood or apply veneer. Then then just glue & tack "scant" stiles/rails (1/4" stick ripped to the desired dimension.). Its a faux effect, since you really only want 1/2 the style/rail assembly.
Tackling your own kitchen can get tricky -- so save time and money on mistakes, or things you didn't consider, take a trip to the library and check out Building Traditional Kitchen Cabinets
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