Had to pick between solid plywood boxes and mitered MDF for a big kitchen job last month

Client wanted that seamless look without seeing any edge banding. I usually go plywood for durability but MDF miters just look cleaner if you paint them right. Went with the MDF route on a 20 cabinet job. Took forever to get the seams perfect but they came out real smooth. Still wondering if they'll hold up in a few years though. Anyone else take the MDF gamble on painted cabinets?

2 comments

2 Comments

hayden72020d ago

Mitered MDF definitely gives that seamless look, no argument there. Just remember MDF doesn't like moisture at all, so if those cabinets are anywhere near a sink or dishwasher you might see swelling in a few years. A good heavy primer on all those cut edges helps a ton, but it's still a gamble.

robinwalker20d ago

My buddy had MDF cabinets right next to his sink for 7 years before they even showed any swelling. He didn't even bother with extra primer on the edges. I think people overhype the moisture thing if you're not flooding your counters every day.