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I’ve got a bay window to trim and would like recommendations for materials.
I’ve seem 3/8″ MDO or fir plywood used for panels below and above the windows.
I’ve seem 1x’s trim of pine, cedar and 3/4″ MDO plywood.
I’m tempted to use the 3/8″ MDO ply for the panels because it does’nt show the raised grain like fir. I’ve seen it in 4 ply luan and 3 ply fir. Which is better?
I’m also temped to use the 3/4 MDO ply for the 1X trim, but the cut edge might be exposed which seems like a problem waiting to happen, should I be concerned?
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike S.
Replies
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Mike -
We started using G-P PrimeTrim about a year ago, which is basically exterior grade MDF. It is pre-primed on three sides, and it comes in nominal 3/4" and also 5/4". It is nice and straight and mills easily, although it is murder on anything except carbide bits. We left a raw piece out in the rain for six months and couldn't detect any signs of damage. It doesn't seem to swell or absorb water almost at all. We still prime all backsides and all cuts just to be sure but I think it is a good product. It does need to be pre-drilled and can be a pain with puckering around fasteners, but some sanding and re-priming takes care of that. We now use it for most of our exterior trim, but when we use real wood for exterior, we always use mahogany, primed all around. Good luck.
*Nick -Thanks for the reply. The local lumber yard had stuff labeled "composit" in 3/4" and 5/4", it looked like MDF but the sales guy I talked to wasn't sure what it was. It might be the G-P PrimeTrim so I'll inquire again at that yard.
*Our bay skirts were finished with fj pine framing MDO panels & ogee trim, ply underneath. (The only job we hired carpenters for.) No sign of movement in 1 1/2 years. We spent a long time caulking, sealing, and painting the skirts. The MDO does paint up great and appears to be indifferent to water.I know some complain than fj doesn't hold up outside, but I have yet to see the joints show through. The main thing seems to be keeping the water out, and the skirts don't see all that much of it.I'm always interested in new materials, and rot resistant trim is good insurance against bad maintenance.