Comments on: (Nearly) All Woodwork Depends on Glue

By: nathan

nathan — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 01:59:58 +0000

Any material that will be routed (have a profile cut into it for decorative purposes) must be MDF or solid wood, so that means MDF is what it takes to make many of those features price-accessible. Frankly, MDF works really well for those things.

The downside is that the structure of an all-MDF piece like a mantle is going to be a bit weak, so I try to integrate as much plywood as possible into the frame of these pieces.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 21:23:44 +0000

What about using MDF for “trimworks” like wainscotting, columns, mantel, etc.?

By: nathan

nathan — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 01:30:23 +0000

Good question. The entry was getting a bit long, so I didn’t go into that.
In short, I would never recommend MDF for any kind of cabinetry, including built-in nooks here and there throughout the house. For the time and expense that built-ins require, it’s worth putting in an extra few bucks to use materials that will stand the test of time.
With that said, I don’t really have a problem with MDF crown (except in the bathroom) but I would stay away from other MDF trim because it is not as strong and will not hold screws.
Your other question I will attempt to answer soon in an entry of its own.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 01:16:50 +0000

You mention plywood being a good choice of material for cabinets. When is MDF a good choice? Would you ever recommend cheap particle board cabinetry?
Thanks in advance for your reply!