Using MDF to make trim
Is there any good reason why I should not use sheets of MDF to make some interior trim for my house? I have been using poplar and then painting it, but I got to thinking it would be a lot cheaper (and easier) to use MDF. Any thoughts on this? Thanks. Dave Dazer
Hi, I was in a multi-million dollar house under construction and the moldings were made from MDF . . . I was shocked! The house is a disaster though, so I'm not sure I'd use it as any type of guide. My thought was, what is going to happen when they wash the floors? or if there is a water leak? The mdf will deteriorate . . . . won't it? Seems like you could use it on the windows and doorframes, but I'd be more hesitant to use it as baseboards. It gives you amazing flexibility - my sister's house has the giant Betty Boop mural in the kitchen, and I want her to make lopsided moldings - like in cartoons - or the Warner Brothers stores, if you've ever been in one. MDF would be great for that. Liz
I have MDF as door trim and baseboard in my house. It's been 10 years now and there is still no problem with it, even in high moisture areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Regards, Jim Tracy
MDF machines wonderfully and paints even better. Manufacturers are using it more and more. It tends to get mess be sure to have some sort of dust collection and definitely wear a mask or even two. I prime everything and apply 1 coat of paint before installing. Once machined it wants to grap all the paint you can throw at it. Hope this helps! Brian Skafas CarpentryExperts.com