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Building a Home Design Dilemma

Baseboard and Door/Window Casing Material

6 years ago

We are building a transitional style house, more closer to modern. My Trim carpenter is starting next week. Because budget is a concern, my carpenter recommended MDF for baseboards and Finger Joint for casings. Is that a good combination? Will they align and look same?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thank You.

Featured Answer

ILoveRed

6 years ago

I would not use mdf on baseboard. It will not hold up as well to kids, vacuum cleaners, etc.

Fine for casing and crown.

poplar for baseboard.

love the way people fight over old threads. Here is a thread for you.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/mdf-or-pine-baseboards-painted-white-dsvw-vd~2584211

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Comments (11)

cpartist
6 years ago
Once it's all painted, you won't be able to tell the difference.
forhome0122 thanked cpartist
PRO
RugKnots | Area Rugs
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Only you and the builder will know it's MDF. It's definitely worth it if you're talking about lot's of linear feet of baseboard. Not that you need to worry about the installation but not only is it significantly less expensive, it doesn't split and splinter when cutting it or nailing it to the wall. Pine splits easier and becomes frustrating to work with sometimes. Also it withstands any changes in heat/humidity. As long as you're painting it anyway, MDF is fine!
forhome0122 thanked RugKnots | Area Rugs
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Red, I was born and raised in SF, and SF_Treat used to be part of the rice-a-roni ad. I use it for my anonymous web IDs. Yes, how it will look is similar to the picture you posted. Well, currently there is a lot of finger pointing going on about HOW it happened, but my husband and I are focused on just finding a solution and moving on so that we can move back into the house. We "think" what happened is they were told the floor would add 3/4" but then the didn't compensate for that. The plans CLEARLY call for only 4". We think "fixing" it would look worse. I think that higher baseboard will be fine. The ceilings are low, but in the main areas of the house, there are tons of light wells that make everything looking taller. Scone, the baseboard and reveal are flush to the drywall, so the casing will sit proud. That is how the plans are drawn. I am probably not explaining it well, but it makes sense. I swear we gutted and rebuilt this entire 3000 sq ft home and THIS is the biggest issue we have had.
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
If painting it will look great
forhome0122 thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
homechef59
6 years ago
It wears well, doesn't warp and takes paint beautifully. I would prefer it if I planned to paint.
forhome0122 thanked homechef59
cpartist
6 years ago
BTW: The majority of my trim in my house is MDF. The only trim that isn't is my hatband and my window sills.
forhome0122 thanked cpartist
forhome0122
Original Author
6 years ago
You guys are awesome. Thank You for all the feedback!
User
6 years ago
Iloveread we have three kids and a dog and have only ever had MDF for baseboards and have no issues. Yes it might get a ding here or there but we paint it and move on. Totally easy
forhome0122 thanked User
strategery
6 years ago
Solid poplar. Cuts and paints great.
robin0919
6 years ago
MDF dents 'very' easy. I would only use it for crown where it won't get dented.
rwiegand
6 years ago
The finger joints frequently telegraph through the paint and become visible in a year or five. It probably depends somewhat on just how evenly the wood was dried prior to fabrication, but also on small variation in seasonal movement from piece to piece of wood from different trees. The former can be solved by acclimating the wood to the house and sanding it even prior to finishing, the latter can't. Something to bear in mind-- if that's going to bother you, upgrading to poplar will solve the problem.
forhome0122 thanked rwiegand

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