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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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MDF vs softwood
Given that MDF doesnt cup and bow like softwood (particularly cheaper
softwood that hasnt been handled properly), what are the disadvantages of using it for skirtings an mouldings over normal wood? Is it less resistant to knocks etc. on external corners for e.g.?? Cheers! |
#2
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MDF vs softwood
Richard wrote:
Given that MDF doesnt cup and bow like softwood (particularly cheaper softwood that hasnt been handled properly), what are the disadvantages of using it for skirtings an mouldings over normal wood? Is it less resistant to knocks etc. on external corners for e.g.?? Cheers! IMO, too soft, and if it gets wet, it is knackered. I had to have a look at a shower that was 'sagging' recently, the fitter had rested the tray on 18mm MDF. The shower had leaked, the MDF had turned into cardboard, and the shower tray stated to lean into that corner. If it isnt going to be knocked, or get damp, them it is fine for light usage. Alan. -- To reply by e-mail, change the ' + ' to 'plus'. |
#3
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MDF vs softwood
Richard wrote:
Given that MDF doesnt cup and bow like softwood (particularly cheaper softwood that hasnt been handled properly), what are the disadvantages of using it for skirtings an mouldings over normal wood? Is it less resistant to knocks etc. on external corners for e.g.?? Cheers! Less (or no) resistance to water so not ideal if the floor's going to get wet. Possibly a bit less resistant to knocks than softwood? Dunno. Anyway, I use it a lot for skirtings. Also comes already primed, so if you've got a lot to fit, that's one less coat of paint to apply! David |
#4
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MDF vs softwood
A.Lee wrote:
Richard wrote: Given that MDF doesnt cup and bow like softwood (particularly cheaper softwood that hasnt been handled properly), what are the disadvantages of using it for skirtings an mouldings over normal wood? Is it less resistant to knocks etc. on external corners for e.g.?? Cheers! IMO, too soft, and if it gets wet, it is knackered. I had to have a look at a shower that was 'sagging' recently, the fitter had rested the tray on 18mm MDF. The shower had leaked, the MDF had turned into cardboard, and the shower tray stated to lean into that corner. If it isnt going to be knocked, or get damp, them it is fine for light usage. Alan. Its not soft at all. Its harder than pine for sure. Doesn't take well to being soaked, but not a lot does. |
#5
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MDF vs softwood
On Feb 29, 8:01*am, Lobster wrote:
Richard wrote: Possibly a bit less resistant to knocks than softwood? Dunno. *Anyway, I use it a lot for skirtings. *Also comes already primed, so if you've got a lot to fit, that's one less coat of paint to apply! David Only down side for use as skirtings is you couldn't really stain and varnish it. (Rather drab grain!). |
#6
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MDF vs softwood
wrote in message ... On Feb 29, 8:01 am, Lobster wrote: Richard wrote: Possibly a bit less resistant to knocks than softwood? Dunno. Anyway, I use it a lot for skirtings. Also comes already primed, so if you've got a lot to fit, that's one less coat of paint to apply! David Only down side for use as skirtings is you couldn't really stain and varnish it. (Rather drab grain!). I made a new cupboard door with MDF and varnished it afterwards. It came up better than the actual pine pacings that were varnished. Steven. |
#7
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MDF vs softwood
Richard wrote:
Given that MDF doesnt cup and bow like softwood (particularly cheaper softwood that hasnt been handled properly), what are the disadvantages of using it for skirtings an mouldings over normal wood? Is it less resistant to knocks etc. on external corners for e.g.?? Cheers! Mines been down 8 years & I've not noticed any 'dongs' anywhere - and thats with a roller skating granddaughter around twice a week. -- Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk 01634 717930 07850 597257 |
#8
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MDF vs softwood
On 29 Feb, 20:27, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote: Richard wrote: Given that MDF doesnt cup and bow like softwood (particularly cheaper softwood that hasnt been handled properly), what are the disadvantages of using it for skirtings an mouldings over normal wood? Is it less resistant to knocks etc. on external corners for e.g.?? Cheers! Mines been down 8 years & I've not noticed any 'dongs' anywhere - and thats with a roller skating granddaughter around twice a week. -- Dave - The Medway Handymanwww.medwayhandyman.co.uk 01634 717930 07850 597257 Thanks all - just wanted to check there was no real downside to the stuff. |
#9
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MDF vs softwood
Richard wrote:
On 29 Feb, 20:27, "The Medway Handyman" wrote: Richard wrote: Given that MDF doesnt cup and bow like softwood (particularly cheaper softwood that hasnt been handled properly), what are the disadvantages of using it for skirtings an mouldings over normal wood? Is it less resistant to knocks etc. on external corners for e.g.?? Cheers! Mines been down 8 years & I've not noticed any 'dongs' anywhere - and thats with a roller skating granddaughter around twice a week. -- Dave - The Medway Handymanwww.medwayhandyman.co.uk 01634 717930 07850 597257 Thanks all - just wanted to check there was no real downside to the stuff. Richard, Protect yourself against the dust by wearing a particle filter mask when cutting it - if I recall correctly, the dust can cause health problems (I read the warnings some years ago) and to refresh my old brain, I did a quick 'google' came up with the following: http://www.childrensfurniture.co.uk/mdf.html BRG |
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