What is the best wood for speaker boxes?

Question

I have an 11'' 200 watt sub that I would like to inclose, But I don't know what wood to use.

Answer 1

MDF- nothing solid lumber or layered, as these will resonate, which is the woofer's job, not the enclosure.

More important (slightly, but I'm gonna say more) is the proper enclosure volume. This information should be included with the speakers- and will make a HUGE difference.

Answer 2

3/4" or 1" thick particle board or MDF (medium Density Fibrebrd) are best - they are very solid , cut well etc.

the idea is to have a box that is very stiff and solid that way the only thing vibrating or moving is the sub itself.

once you box is built (use screws and glue) then finish it anyway you want , paint, glued on veneer or carpet , what ever suits your need.

Answer 3

I would use a thick particle board material. You want something that will not vibrate after you glue the seams together. After you build the cabinet, you can cover it with a good veneer.

Answer 4

NEVER USE REAL WOOD OR PLYWOOD!!!!

Medium Density Fiberboard is what you want to use. Real wood has audio level resonance frequencies, this would make your speakers sound terrible. It is OK to veneer over the MDF for ascetics.

Answer 5

I've been using MDF in place of particle-board and found the MDF much easier to work with and also much stronger. I vote for MDF.

Answer 6

Depending on how good you want it to look, I'd recommend a good birch veneer plywood. Here's a website that has tons of info on building your own enclosures. They also have ready built woofer boxes.

http://www.electronixwarehouse.com/education/enclosures/main.htm