Mdf - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Boogga · 02-26-2007, 01:27 AM

What do you guys think of MDF? (Medium Density Fibreboard)

Blackbird · 02-26-2007, 09:37 AM

It has it's place. Inside and painted nice it's hard to beat. But, I have seen architects call for it to be used outside when they want the exterior columns to match the interior. Something tells me this may be a bad idea.

thom · 02-26-2007, 09:44 AM

Use it for base. I was hesitant at first but it cuts and finishes better than wood, doesn't have those pesky nicks of finger joint, and generally the nail holes self close so they don't need filling. It doesn't split when nailing near the ends or on short pieces. After using it once, I'm sold on it.

Tom R · 02-26-2007, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbird

It has it's place. Inside and painted nice it's hard to beat. But, I have seen architects call for it to be used outside when they want the exterior columns to match the interior. Something tells me this may be a bad idea.

There is an exterior grade MDF available, - - it's called 'medex'.

Personally, - - I would only use it in 'semi-protected' areas.

Such as covered porches.

Woodcrafter74 · 02-26-2007, 10:48 AM

I haven't heard of medex, but isn't MDO supposed to work fine outside so long as the edges are covered?

Blackbird · 02-26-2007, 08:30 PM

mdo is good and is exactly what I use for exterior applications where mdf is called for. But, it doesn't finish any where near as nice. I have never heard of medex but I'm going to look into it.

woodmagman · 02-26-2007, 11:47 PM

MDF kills me, the product is great for painting, staining and finishing. But the dust goes everywhere, and the outgasing raises cain with my alergies, of which I did not have until I started working with glues and polymers. The product appears to be the material of choice for all the HGTV homeowner makeover shows.
It has its place, don't know how green it is.

skylands · 02-27-2007, 11:51 AM

We just trimmed a house using MDF. Coping is fantastic, miters are dead on and the paint covers the Paslode nail holes without filler.
However. The trim around the windows and doors are flatstock with backband. I made all the backband using MDF. I'm surprised none of the neighbors didn't call the fire dept. because of the cloud over the community from all the tablesaw work. This stuff makes dust!! Wear a mask when you use it.

Milhaus · 02-27-2007, 11:35 PM

MDF is made with a formaldahyde resin. Dosage is probably small, but still there. Especially when the table saw is running and you don't have the ol' mask handy.

elvinstheman · 02-28-2007, 03:19 PM

I believe you can get MDF that's formaldahyde-free. I've also heard if you use exterior grade inside it lasts longer. Though I doubt they make exterior grade crown molding.

Boogga · 03-01-2007, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elvinstheman

I believe you can get MDF that's formaldahyde-free. I've also heard if you use exterior grade inside it lasts longer. Though I doubt they make exterior grade crown molding.

What do you call it, ie this formaldahyde-free MDF? Sounds good. This MDF is really deadly stuff, if you don't take precautions such as whereing a mask. They say it's the next killer like asbestos.

Boogga · 03-01-2007, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thom

Use it for base. I was hesitant at first but it cuts and finishes better than wood, doesn't have those pesky nicks of finger joint, and generally the nail holes self close so they don't need filling. It doesn't split when nailing near the ends or on short pieces. After using it once, I'm sold on it.

Hey thom, I beg to differ! Nail holes self closing which don't need filling, and dosen't slit near the ends, sorry but this ain't true.

It really is good for a fine paint finish. I wouldn't use it in a stain or clear finish, although I have seen it used in clear finish applications.

I thing, I didn't know that there was an MDF made to be used on the outside. That's incredible. I have to see if my local suppliers sell it and how trueful it is.

Milhaus · 03-01-2007, 10:29 AM

Boogga,

If you don't miind me asking, you just knocking out for the day at 4:11 AM, or just getting up? Work it either way, that's early!!

boman47k · 03-01-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milhaus

Boogga,

If you don't miind me asking, you just knocking out for the day at 4:11 AM, or just getting up? Work it either way, that's early!!

Wouldn't that be according to whose time is displayed, his or the states?

Ditto on the dust f rom mdf. Cut and routered a few pieces near my truck for base in my bath. The truck was covered. The I read somewhere about wearing a mask when cutting

. Not too crazy about working with it. Am curious as to how it will hold up in a bathroom. Little experimenting there.

elvinstheman · 03-01-2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boman47k

Am curious as to how it will hold up in a bathroom. Little experimenting there.

Seal any exposed edges if you do. And any mdf cabinetry that touches the floor. Leaned this one the hard way myself.

boman47k · 03-01-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Seal any exposed edges if you do

Step ahead there. Even the miters.

woodmagman · 03-01-2007, 08:57 PM

Boogga...I have done both shelving and cabinet doors in garages and butlers pantries that we stained to match the wood finish color and it turned out unbievable. Our painter did a little bit of a drag effect on the gargage cabinet doors with an expreso color stain and spayed two coats of satin clear. For something that was to be a cost effective way to create storage turned into a nice project. Try it with a piece of scap.
P.S. I still hate the dust.......

Murphy · 03-01-2007, 09:04 PM

The dust is dangerous, wear a mask if you are cutting that stuff all day my partners dad just got pneamonia and the doc said that was probably a major cause of it. He was building bookshelves by the dozens with no mask.
A year later he still sounds like crud.
That stuff and Hardi are the worst I know it aint manly but do it you will be happier later. JMHO MURPH

boman47k · 03-01-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

The dust is dangerous

Ditto, I have read the same thing in doing a little research on it.

Boogga · 03-02-2007, 08:12 PM

Hey Milhaus,

Obviously you live in the States. I live in Eastern Australia. I guess time measurement twists itself around the earth. At the moment it is 12:12pm lunch time, I guess all you Americans are fast asleep now, unless you go out nightclubbing.