What Material for Install?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=11759
Printed Date: August 11, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Topic: What Material for Install?
Posted By: vw_nutta
Subject: What Material for Install?
Date Posted: April 02, 2003 at 1:49 PM
I guy I know is going to do my ICE install, his dad is a pro carpenter and I don't doubt the quality of his work, but he's planning to use pine or other woods since he doesn't like MDF which is what I thought most people use. Is pine ok? will is sound good?
Replies:
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: April 02, 2003 at 2:57 PM
I would not suggest pine JL however has suggestions on other types of wood. But I would recommend MDF. https://www.jlaudio.com/tutorials/boxdesign/index.html
Posted By: dragonrage
Date Posted: April 02, 2003 at 4:00 PM
If he uses pine, I'd doubt the quality of his work. And it's your install, then they should use what you want them to. 3/4" MDF. That's a good link too, particleboard does blow. Never use it for anything. Ever. No matter what.
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2009 Pontiac G8 in planning stage
HU: ?
Speakers: ?
Amps: ?
Posted By: wrencher_25
Date Posted: April 02, 2003 at 7:40 PM
The best type of material to use would have to be "High Density Particleboard"...... I was told by my instructors that it was the best board to use for an install......it's SUPER heavy and is known as a table saw killer but in the end it's all supposed to be worth it. I've never used it myself, but that's what i've been told. Best luck.
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Andrew Weitzel
MECP First Class Installer
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: April 02, 2003 at 9:57 PM
Interesting...I always thought MDF (medium density FIBERboard) was the best thing to use as it doesn't crumble as easily, it's a lot easier to screw in to when you're near an edge, but mostly that it is less porous than HDP. That's just what I had always been told and had read, but I've never done a side-by-side type comparison. Personally I prefer MDF over HDP because it's a lot easier, in my opinion, to work with when you're using screws or drilling near an edge. HDP has a tendency to flake and split when you're near the edge, even if you drill pilot holes, but MDF has never done this to me. Only downside to using MDF is that it's messier I think, since the size of the dust particles is significantly smaller than that of HDP. And it's definitely not a good idea to cut MDF without using a dust mask or something like that--unless you want to get a big whiff of formaldehyde
Posted By: wrencher_25
Date Posted: April 03, 2003 at 12:31 AM
Ya, I've never used HDPB before.....that's just what it says in my manuals from Mobile Dynamics. But I have worked with MDF and it is nice to work with...hope that vw_nutta makes the best decision (and NOT pine...lol). Good luck.
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Andrew Weitzel
MECP First Class Installer
Posted By: vw_nutta
Date Posted: April 03, 2003 at 10:59 AM
ok, i'll get it sorted, MDF it is then! Also I've heard birchwood is good? but i'll stick with the trusty old MDF. cheers.
Posted By: Big Purds
Date Posted: April 06, 2003 at 1:15 AM
birch is excellent...actually better than MDF as far as resonance and such...more common for ultra SQ systems though, as it is not cheap...
I havent been able to find a retailer for HDF out here, and every store that I have talked to has said that even if they could get it, it would be so outrageously priced that it wouldnt be worth buying...
have you used actual HDF esmith? not high density particleboard, but high density fibreboard? and wrencher, dont quote me, but I believe the Mobile Dynamics books call for HDF and not HDPB...I am trying to recall for certain, but I am thinking that is what they say...
anyways, for all intents and purposes, cost wise as well as ease of use, MDF cant really be beat...and thicker is better...dont accept anything less than 3/4", and if you can add the weight to your ride, go for 1" MDF...
Posted By: wrencher_25
Date Posted: April 06, 2003 at 5:54 PM
Big Purds, I actually have my Phase 3 book out checking it over and it said that sonically, particle board IS the best to use. It says to get it in high densities. It also says to paint the insdie because it likes to absorb moisture. But it also says that yes, it is VERY difficult to find. But for high end applications, it's supposed to be the best. For the info of everyone else...there IS one form of plywood here (which i forgot about) that IS acceptable and that's called "Baltic or Russian 12 Ply Plywood" It does say that it's hard to find though and it is quite expensive. But a plus is that it is lighter than MDF or Particle board and it's easier to work with. The optimum type of enclosure to use with it is supposed to be a pair of 8" drivers in an 1.5CUFT enclosure. Sorry, i was bored and just started flipping through the pages....more knowledge is more power. ------------- Andrew Weitzel
MECP First Class Installer
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