I have recently purchased a house and plan on re-doing all of the window trim, baseboards and cabinet doors. I would like to know the most cost effective material to use that will hold paint well. I have been told that Mdf is a good choice but i have concerns with its toxicity. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The FHB Podcast crew takes a closer look at an interesting roof.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Are you buying stock millwork or are you going to make your own? Are you concerned about the "toxicity" in the binder in MDF or the dust from milling?
I will be making my own trim and my concern was with the chemicals used in the manufacture of MDF
Wear a mask and work it outside. It machines well, and paints well but it creates a fine dust when you saw or rout. Don't use it for rails and stiles, it won't hold up.
In that case I agree with Bob, go with poplar; especially if milling MDF bothers you.
It costs more than MDF but it gives you a sweeter trim.
MDF hands down.
It is stupidly cheap, a breeze to mill, and forgiving to install. Paints like a dream.
Its only disadvantage is that it dings fairly easily.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
a breeze to mill
If a bit hard on ordinary bits versus "regular" lumber. Go up a little, or buy two sets of cheap bits, will take care of that.
Plus side ought to include many many fewer grain issues, like returns to close endgrain.
Minus side is that it can be an unfriendly material before sealing if exposed to moisture or sanding--but it does take sanding sealer beautifully, and paint afterwards.
Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
that depends how you mill it. I have discovered that it will ruin my W&H blades easily from overheating. Big milling shops that work MDF mill the cutters to a different angle than for poplar.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Certainly because it is so dense. I would think that feed rate would play an important factor in that.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
Poplar. Machines great, hold detail well and most importantly holds paint well.
Unless your budget is a major concern I would go with the popular opinion, poplar. It dosen't have a strong grain and it works easily, plus MDF is really just glorified cardboard. When cut the newly exposed edge needs to be treated in order to get consistent coverage. If MDF needs to be used I believe they do make it formaldehyde free. Good luck with your new home.