First of all i am talking about the doors and drawer fronts not the cabinet box.
Mdf vs wood panel doors.
If you are concerned about the grain an mdf panel with a matching veneer is available.
There are several reasons for this.
This is because the board thanks to its structure moves as a unit.
Mdf hdf does not have good holding strength when compared to real wood.
Mdf like wood expands and contracts when there are fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
If this makes you conclude that mdf is inferior to solid wood hold your horses.
So which is better mdf vs.
This has been discussed and debated online in articles and forums with no clear cut winner that i can tell.
If you are using maple for the balance of the door construction mdf is fine.
Wood or even a hybrid door wood framing with a mdf center panel.
Very processed which makes it very stable so no warps and it lies flat.
Mdf can be milled by cnc machines in one piece frames with the center cut out for a panel.
Four frame pieces and a center panel cut slightly smaller than the frame because it needs to float to allow for expansion and contraction.
Let the battle begin.
Do not use for outdoor projects.
I agree that the mdf panel is a better product.
Mdf hdf cannot come into contact with water as it will make the fibers swell and damage is very hard to repair.
Mdf wood does not warp or crack.
If being used for furniture items that need to be frequently dismantled reassembled it may not be your best choice.
More often than not solid wood is primarily used for the construction of cabinets while mdf is used for specific components such as the door center panels.
The above list of characteristics should help you make your decision on whether to opt for mdf or wood on your next project.
All our mdf is phase 2 california compliant formaldehyde free.
In fact solid wood cabinets will opt for mdf doors.
More cost effective than wood.
As to the finish lacquer is traditional for finish.