Custom Cabinetry Why Understand MDF doors?
Most cabinetry buyers desire a certain look, style, and color. These are the important factors no doubt. Many buyers also feel remorse after purchasing their dream cabinetry to meet their desires.
There are always many factors involving remorse about a custom cabinetry purchase. Quality of workmanship is often the underlying cause. This article is not about that, but rather a trend in the industry: the use of MDF as a cost-efficient option for the cabinet maker.
MDF defined as medium density fiberboard. Link for a detailed description https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium-density_fibreboard . It is a material that has been used for many decades going back into the 80’s and before. Most often as the base material for resin thermo foil doors. You can recognize these by their plastic or laminate (formica) like look and feel of traditional cabinetry doors with a frame and panels.
The plastic finish is the protecting factor of the MDF substrate (door). Making them more durable, which was the key selling point. I know I sold them when starting out in this field. RTF as a finish was by far more durable than the paints/topcoats. The factor that made MDF viable for doors that can be comparable to traditional wood doors.
Today the popular trend for painted doors is that they show little wood grain. MDF is making a comeback with custom cabinet makers utilizing it more. It may be a good solution for painted doors. One that gives a cost advantage to the shop and their clients. No grain, every color is possible and may be more stable than traditional panel wood doors.
Buying cabinetry today it is important to know and understand some of the potential problems with MDF. The finish of modern MDF one-piece panel doors is their weakness. Chipping and denting is common in all well used kitchens over time. MDF is more susceptible to that on all edges, especially the corners. The dents often punch through, putting a hole in, the paint.
Moisture getting past the finish through dents and possibly wear is the concern. Wood is slow to soften and swell. MDF will measurably expand & contract between High and low humidity. Even when properly sealed with a finish or paint. Some moisture compared to water absorbed in MDF … can be described as a slow explosion, swelling up if the panel.
The issues with this extreme case are related to the finish-paint and application. Obviously it is a very wet area with the sink above, however, it shows how MDF doors may fail. This is not necessarily typical across the custom cabinetry industry it is a real outcome. The finish or paint was not proper or properly applied. Most lower grade finishes are somewhat water resistant. But over time but not waterproof.
This finish was likely not applied adequately. Especially where the edge of the MDF could be exposed to water. From decades of experience, I’ve seen this happen away from sinks, and wet areas. Dings and dents along with regular damp/wet cleaning the MDF doors swell up similarly, but typically not as extreme. The remedy (repair) is much more than just a quick sand and touch-up.
When Purchasing Custom Cabinetry -always make an effort- to understand what your cabinetry is made of. Beyond the thrill and excitement of getting the cabinetry you always dreamed of ask questions. Seriously consider all factors before signing the contract and making the first deposit.
If you are contemplating purchasing custom cabinetry reach out to Alexanders. Our wide range of custom cabinetry offerings & capabilities means we’re not married to a narrow range of materials, processes, or styles. Allowing us to be honest with you about the pros and cons so you can choose the best design and quality.