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MDF versus Poplar for crown and base. Any thoughts on the pros and cons?

11:06 PM 09/26/2012

 

springs

Brooklyn, NY

I am debating about the use of MDF vs. Poplar for crown and baseboards.
 
MDF is half the price as Poplar.
 
I am not a fan of MDF to begin with, but a customer is considering it.
 
any opinions appreciated
 
Thanks

 

 

Carpenters and Woodworkers
4 answers
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  • vote

    greenmt

    Downtown Brooklyn, NY






    MDF crowns are fine.  Base can be more of a problem if it gets wet, even if primed on all sides, and chips on out corners are harder to repair.  But, MDF is easier to mill.  It cuts so perfectly, you can find no variation or chatter, rather sterile.  Are you getting these from Dykes?  The pre-primed MDF is a time saver.

     

    7:06 AM 09/27/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

    Comments (2)

    • springs

      Brooklyn, NY

      I feel that mdf is a problem for prep. The nail holes leave a halo effect ( mdf blooms around them ) . How does it sand down?

      8:03 AM 09/27/2012

          

    • greenmt

      Downtown Brooklyn, NY

      I have a favorite chisel I made from the tang end of a small file. I use it to cut off the halo and fill with Ready Patch, then sand, prime, sand, paint. The smaller your nails, the smaller the halo. I use a pin nailer whenever I can. The pins are like hairs, which neatly hold the molding until the glue dries. But the pins are also brittle, which makes any repairs tricky.

      8:21 AM 09/27/2012

          

  • vote

    daveinbedstuy

    Bedford Stuyvesant, NY

    I've used both but I really only use MDF for making "panels" which it is great for.  And yes, if the baseboard ever gets wet, you'll need to replace it.

    9:10 AM 09/27/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    springs

    Brooklyn, NY

    Another note:  is there a point in the prep where you need to put elmer's wood glue over any exposed fibers of the mdf?  And does it need to be primed in oil?

    9:41 AM 09/27/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    springs

    Brooklyn, NY

    BTW thank you for your thoughtful answers!!

    9:42 AM 09/27/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

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