Friday, December 9, 2011

Real Wood or MDF?

Speaking of natural vs. artifical materials, a common theme here at Helping Hammer....Some people automatically think that wood is superior to medium density fiberboard (MDF) since its production is more natural than the engineering that goes into boards of MDF. But there are several advantages to using MDF in certain situations, and oftentimes (especially if you are painting the MDF) it can look just as nice as real wood.

As a recent commenter pointed out,  MDF should be avoided when finishing a basement since it more readily absorbs moisture than real woods. This can lead to mold and rot. However, say you're having kitchen cabinets made. In this case, MDF generally works nice because of the way it evenly adjusts to extreme temperatures. So, as with anything, be sure to base your decision on materials on your own specific use. Also factor in other variables such as the room where the project takes place, the possible contact the wood or MDF will have with other materials, etc.

Have you used MDF or real wood in a recent project? Let us know in the comments!

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