I’m trying to provide adequate support in a drywall ceiling (steel stud bulkhead) for a glass door pivot hinge. The glass is to be flush with the face of the bulkhead (right on the corner bead…), but I have to put some sort of structural support in with limited invasion. My thought is to use MDF, cut it in to the drywall and re-tape/mud the works, repaint, etc.
Will the MDF constantly crack the taped & mudded joint? Any other ideas?
John-Boy
From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.
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Replies
I'm thinking you're going to have a problem with the MDF expanding when you introduce the wet mud into the equation.
How about a piece of 1x6 wood or maybe even an aluminum strip?
I have used MDO (not MDF) for making a small boxbeam over a retrofitted opening, like widening a doorway or cutting in a closet in an existing wall. I use 1/2" MDO in the same plane as drywall and flat tape it. That's the nice thing about MDO, you get the structural properties of plywood with a paper face that paints out just like drywall.
MDF might work, but it's a pain to work with and as you know most grades are sensitive to moisture. Then there's the issue of the surface being a different consistancy than drywall...try some MDO, I bet you'll come out grinnin'.
TIPI,TIPI,TIPI!
Is MDO an exterior grade plywood, like paper face form-ply? Medex is an exterior grade MDF that might take care of the moisture problem.
I think that MDF, with it's edge well sealed and face primed, would be fine with the tape and mud joint. The different surface textures is a problem, but no more than the plaster and dywall paper difference. With a couple of heavy coats of primer and paint, it will work fine.
"
"Is MDO an exterior grade plywood, like paper face form-ply?"
Yes. In fact, I'm pretty sure form-ply is sometimes called HDO (heavy density overlay). The MDO we get out here in Western Washington has a pale green paper face. People use it for outdoor signage. Tapes and paints out just like drywall. Very versitile product.TIPI,TIPI,TIPI!
Man Jim--saw the post header and thought--Hey this guy needs MDO and ya beat me to it---The only thing I can add is that I found if you primed the MDO first it seem to take better to being taped--the paper must be enough different (less poreies Im thinking ) that the mud set up different the first time I used MDO--Prepriming seemed to gve it more tooth--if that makes any senseHave used MDO to box out window in basement that are being taped to the wall rock and it holds up way better that DW--at least near windows.Hope things are well with you and Cathy--till next time.Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
One of these days I am going to find a use for that hunk of laminate---(smile)Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Well, if you do find a use for it let me know. I have a bunch of them!
Nice to see you around, Mike. See you this summer, huh?
p.s. been meaning to tell you I liked your new card. TIPI,TIPI,TIPI!
Been there, done that. I have just primed the edges and surfaces with BIN 123, then taped away. So far so good. But it's just one example.
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT