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MDF cabinets???

5 years ago

I am going to redo a kitchen in a rental property. I was wondering about MDF cabinets and how they hold up over time. I want to have white cabinets as it is a small kitchen. Has anyone had and lived with MDF cabinets and if so your experience with them. And if wood is preferable please let me know!!!!

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Comments (4)

AvatarWalt
5 years ago
I'm sure others more knowledgeable will chime in, but from lots of reading on here I've kind of filed away the following points. There are many different grades of MDF, some of it cheap and non-durable, some of it very strong, solid and long-lasting. For painted cabinets, MDF is often a better choice than wood, as it doesn't expand and contract, which cracks the paint. On shaker fronts, I think the flat panel is often MDF even if the rails and stiles are wood. In short, don't think of MDF and "lesser" off the bat.
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Debbi Washburn
5 years ago
My experience with my customers who have rental properties, they all do stained cabinets. Unless it is a more expensive rental, then they will paint. You could also look into thermofoil cabinets - they may be more durable than paint with rough renters...
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Two problems with that is they are probably going to use run-of-the-mill MDF there are higher grades the are denser and water resistant but doubt they will use that. Other problem is the inside corner detail will not be crisp like it would on a five piece door. Also no matter which way it's make the quality of the finished can make all the difference and on a lower priced door you can't expect a top of the line finish.
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There is water resistant as well as water proof (exterior) MDF. We use the water resistant type on almost all we do. It does not swell when gets wet. The problem is probably nobody will make you a door using it.
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Whenever anyone says “MDF doesn’t hold screws well” you can be sure they haven’t a clue and are just parroting something they heard or read somewhere. I work with MDF almost everyday and I can’t remember the last time I used a screw to hold something to it. All hardware these days that are fastened into any composite board are done so with some type of expandable dowel system or the like. As for the doors, a proper automotive finish requires a multi-step expensive process. You can achieve this with a good wood finishing product and the right skills. You need to start with a clean substrate. I would only use a water resistant MDF. It’s all about the prep.
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I'll be painting already finished white cabinets. Very limited selection there. I have experience spraying. This picture below shows part of the laundry metal cabinets (back lowers and uppers in the photo) that I refinished (sprayed oil based enamel) over a year ago ... they still look great. Please disregard counter, it was not repaired yet when I took the picture. I am just not sure of what would be the best paint in this application painting already painted MDF.
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queenvictorian
5 years ago
Have you seen what happens when MDF gets wet? I would avoid it in areas with the potential for water-based accidents, which would include the kitchen.
PRO
Filipe Custom Woodwork
5 years ago
For rentals I would avoid the MDF. There is no way in fixing it. If you still want white then purchase painted cabinets. with a touch up kit and or matching paint for the upkeep. I would do stained cabinets as well. There are many now available with modern styles that can also work well.

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