Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 03, 1999 05:26am | #1

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   Spell it out for me...MDO.

2. 
   Bill_Duckworth | Apr 03, 1999 06:41am | #2

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   Medium Density Overlay was originally designed and marketed to sign makers as a waterproof paint-grade product. It's a reasonably good-quality fir-core plywood with waterproof paper veneer on the outsides. Architectural millwork shops use it for paint-grade panels: You don't get the football patches telegraphing through the paint.

   Will it hold a nail and can you biscuit-join it? Sure, just like any plywood, but you'd probably want to use a waterproof glue (other than polyurethane glue). Keep in mind, however you intend to use this stuff, you also probably don't want exposed plywood edges showing.

1. 
   Bill_Duckworth | Apr 03, 1999 06:43am | #3

   *Medium Density Overlay was originally designed and marketed to sign makers as a waterproof paint-grade product. It's a reasonably good-quality fir-core plywood with waterproof paper veneer on the outsides. Architectural millwork shops use it for paint-grade panels: You don't get the football patches telegraphing through the paint.Will it hold a nail and can you biscuit-join it? Sure, just like any plywood, but you'd probably want to use the 3/4-in. with a waterproof glue (other than polyurethane glue). Keep in mind, however you intend to use this stuff, you also probably don't want exposed plywood edges showing.

1. 
   carp_ | Apr 03, 1999 11:32pm | #4

   *Jackmdo works great for exterior trims. I did a house and deck last summer with it and so far no problems and looks good as new. no warp, twist or cupping like a solid board is wont to do, especially with wider pieces. no knots or raised grains showing through the paint either.I agree with Bill though, you should take pains to seal and protect the plywood edges. I have a sheet of this stuff laying in the weeds behind my barn for ten months and thru the snowy winter, no delamination or deterioration, still perfectly usable as trim. If you want a lasting smooth, clean, painted look, I say go with it. Nails and biscuits work just as well as in any other material.CARP , in MI.

1. 
   Gordon_Martin | Apr 04, 1999 08:49am | #5

   *I've never used MDO as exterior trim but we do use it daily as a form surface in our precast concrete operation. It stands up very well to the moisture and heat from the concrete. And I've seen used pcs. lay outside for 2-3 years and not suffer from exposure to the elements. It is a great product and will hold any type of nail or screw. I agree with the other reply - do cover the raw edges. MDO is available in 3/8" to 3/4" in both G1S & G2S.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 04, 1999 10:30am | #6

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   How DO you handle the edge?

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 04, 1999 06:02pm | #7

   *Sorry, Crezone is what I knew it as. It's a fibreglass covered plywood and I'm not convinced the adhesives are waterproof...I would agree to seal the edges with an actually waterproof product. We use this stuff for cladding on sheds and trompe panels. I went down to a boat shop and bought a gallon of West system epoxy and was blown away with the results. After a glue up I laid the stir stick on a wet rag, the next morning I couldn't get the rag off the stick. It will also seal up the biscuits so that they don't deteriorate.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 1999 02:47am | #8

   *So how is it "working for lots of lawyers"?

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 1999 05:06am | #9

   *Best clients in the world...It was a reply to someone's flaming of you I think...Thanks for reminding me that was there.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 1999 07:37am | #11

   *Had you scratching your head, eh? Glad to hear there are some good clients left out there!

4. 
   jack_keating | Apr 05, 1999 07:37am | #10

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   > Has anyone used MDO to trim out a
   deck? I thought I might try this produ
   ct instead of pine. I believe it can be
   used for exterior applications. If you've used it how does it hold nails.
   Have you biscuit joined it? Any help will be greatly appreciated.