Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Foam board construction

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baydrama
Walk-On
Walk-On

Joined: 4/11/06
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 0

Topic: Foam board construction
Posted: 4/19/06 at 2:31pm

Any thoughts from all y'all experts on building with foam board or foam-cor? I want to use this to build some kitchen cabinets for our set, but I've never done it before. Any input is much appreciated!

Thanks.

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Aimee
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Joined: 8/31/04
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 156

Posted: 4/19/06 at 11:04pm

Baydrama,

I have used this many times (the pink foam insulation you can buy at Home Depot in 4x8 sheets) Mostly to build things that need to be light and moveable. We made some records (huge) for "Leader of the Pack". We've used it to make part of a chimney, we've used it to make misc props. I don't think I would reccomend it to be used for making cabinets. I doubt it would last that long or be strong enough to hold anything. (IMO) I've always used a foam cutter (purchased at a hobby store) to cut it and sculpt it. Makes great rocks, bricks. things like that.

With out knowing precisely what you need here are a few ideas on the real thing!

If you are going to need working cabinets, might want to break down and make 'em. Who knows when you may need them again! Also, I have found sometimes companies will give old demo units away. Try checking with a local comapny that sells cabinets and see if they have some they can donate or you can get real cheap!

Good luck!

Aimee

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Spectrum
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Joined: 4/16/04
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 176

Posted: 4/21/06 at 10:35pm

I have built cabinets using foam core, and the results were completely satisfactory. First I built a framework with 1x2's and then covered them with the foam core. (This is the 1/8th inch thick foam sandwiched between heavy paper surfaces.) The corners and edges were taped and then the whole thing was painted. The resulting "cabinetry" was light enough to be hung without stressing the set and from the audience, it all looked absolutely believable. HOWEVER, there were two realities that went with this type of construction. ONE, the doors could not be real doors and opened because the thin foam core was not stable enough to stay flat as a door. TWO, this set piece was only good for the one show since time and temperature severely warp the foam core and it does not store well.

Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

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pdavis69
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Joined: 3/26/06
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 437

Posted: 4/24/06 at 9:35pm

I have used the foam board on many sets that I have built. Most of them were in recreating rock walls or brick work. Given the present prices on the foam board ($20+ in our area), I'd suggest going for 8th inch plywood (about $11). Both come in 4'x8' sheets. Weight is a bit more, but not all that much.

Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

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Set Design and Construction
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Set Design and Construction

Author	Message
baydrama Walk-On Joined: 4/11/06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Foam board construction Posted: 4/19/06 at 2:31pm
	Any thoughts from all y'all experts on building with foam board or foam-cor? I want to use this to build some kitchen cabinets for our set, but I've never done it before. Any input is much appreciated! Thanks.

	IP Logged

Aimee Celebrity Joined: 8/31/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 156	Posted: 4/19/06 at 11:04pm
	Baydrama, I have used this many times (the pink foam insulation you can buy at Home Depot in 4x8 sheets) Mostly to build things that need to be light and moveable. We made some records (huge) for "Leader of the Pack". We've used it to make part of a chimney, we've used it to make misc props. I don't think I would reccomend it to be used for making cabinets. I doubt it would last that long or be strong enough to hold anything. (IMO) I've always used a foam cutter (purchased at a hobby store) to cut it and sculpt it. Makes great rocks, bricks. things like that. With out knowing precisely what you need here are a few ideas on the real thing! If you are going to need working cabinets, might want to break down and make 'em. Who knows when you may need them again! Also, I have found sometimes companies will give old demo units away. Try checking with a local comapny that sells cabinets and see if they have some they can donate or you can get real cheap! Good luck!
	Aimee
	IP Logged

Spectrum Celebrity Joined: 4/16/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 176	Posted: 4/21/06 at 10:35pm
	I have built cabinets using foam core, and the results were completely satisfactory. First I built a framework with 1x2's and then covered them with the foam core. (This is the 1/8th inch thick foam sandwiched between heavy paper surfaces.) The corners and edges were taped and then the whole thing was painted. The resulting "cabinetry" was light enough to be hung without stressing the set and from the audience, it all looked absolutely believable. HOWEVER, there were two realities that went with this type of construction. ONE, the doors could not be real doors and opened because the thin foam core was not stable enough to stay flat as a door. TWO, this set piece was only good for the one show since time and temperature severely warp the foam core and it does not store well.
	Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
	IP Logged

pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 4/24/06 at 9:35pm
	I have used the foam board on many sets that I have built. Most of them were in recreating rock walls or brick work. Given the present prices on the foam board ($20+ in our area), I'd suggest going for 8th inch plywood (about $11). Both come in 4'x8' sheets. Weight is a bit more, but not all that much.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
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Topic: Foam board construction( Topic Closed)