I’m having cabinets built for my kitchen. They’re face frame with inset doors, paint grade (Shaker style). I have the choice between solid wood or MDF for the door panels. Assuming I’m not concerned about panel movement and the paint cracking which is better? My main concern is durability and longevity.
Thanks
Replies
An mdf panel is durable enough if it isn't abused. Always struck me as a waste to use real wood for panels that get painted. Just my opinion.
Go with MDF, it's flat, stable and holds paint excellent. If you're not concerned about panel movement or paint cracking, how can you be concerned with durability and longevity?
Thanks for the replies everyone.
I guess I don't see how cracking paint is linked to durability and longevity. I'm not so concerned about the paint cracking. If I go with wood I'm ready to accept the fact that the paint might crack (it's like vinyl or wood siding - if you use wood the paints going to flake off eventually). The vanity in my bathroom has wood panels and all the doors in my house do and none have cracked since they were painted 10 years ago.
I'm concerned about the ease of fixing a mdf panel if damaged and how strong they are. Maybe I'm used to seeing cheap MDF cabinets and how well they hold up.
Thanks
its all in the finish
i have used cnc made mdf doors for kitchens before. for one, and it may have just been the manufacturer, the details were not very crisp, and inside corners were sometimes jagged, or rounded. having said that, if you find a reputable finish guy, a quality lacquer finish will make them look good no matter what theyre made of