My daughter wants a cabinet constructed to hide a portable clothes washer in her apartment kitchen. She wants it painted to blend in with other painted surfaces. Nothing fancy here, just a plain and simple cabinet to hide the unit when not in use.
In FW #170 in May/June 2004, Associate Editor Bill Duckworth says “Medium Density fiberboard is the perfect choice for painted cabinetry….”
In FW #177 in May/June 2005, Contributing Editor Roland Johnson says ” MDO is great for furniture panels that will be painted….”
Who to believe? Can one year’s time change specs of the materials that much to justify that much of a change in opinion? Or, are they merely stating their own individual preferences (which is not set forth in either article)?
From my reading of the two articles, it appears MDO, being more like solid core plywood, is easier to work with: less dust created when sawing, seemingly a more stable surface (edges or corners won’t break off as they might with compressed sawdust), and easier means of joinery available. But, in its favor, apparently MDO can be obtained in vary large panels which might work better for some applications (if you can lift them). True, MDO will require the application of an edge to cover the plywood edge whereas MDF merely requires that the edge be sealed before finishing. And, MDF requires application of a oil based shellac or lacquer before painting with a water based paint whereas MDO does not.
Anyone have a significant reason for choosing one material over another? Is it based on the application (what’s being made, i.e., built in cabinet vs free-standing cabinet) or does something else enter your decision making process?
Anyone know why FW has published two seemingly diametrically opposed articles within one year’s time?
Thanks all.
Griff
Replies
It's your choice. I prefer MDO because it is easier to handle, doesn't create the big mess with the sawdust and has an excellent paintable surface. But, it is more expensive. You can use either.
Fine Woodworking is a reader written publication. They basically have no staff of their own who write articles. Each contributor has their own preferences and points of view. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that one contributor likes MDO and another likes MDF.
one final consideration is price. MDO tends to be more expensive (sometimes significantly so) than MDF. Also, MDO is stiffer and will hold a greater load than MDF. If this is just an enclosure cabinet that will not have heavy loads on it MDF should be fine. If there is any concern over water leaks from the washer neither is suitable - they will swell and split if the get get wet - use an exterior or marine grade plywood.
1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go 4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
Edited 7/19/2005 12:35 pm ET by Rick503
Edited 7/19/2005 12:36 pm ET by Rick503
MDO is an exterior grade plywood. It's primary use is for roadside signage.Howie.........
You are of couse correct, I was concerned mostly with MDF and water effects.1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go 4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
I just read about a new type of "exterior-rated" MDF. Here's a link....http://www.extira.com- Toolfreak
That appears to be an entirely different product? They even make the point that it is not MDF.Howie.........
MDO is not only lighter, less dusty, easier to handle, and way more waterproof (outdoor signs are made from it), it also has a stability factor that mdf does not have. Aloha, mike
Thanks everyone.
As much as the MDF arguments might make sense cost wise, I just feel uneasy about using that product.
I don't believe there's any significant chance of water damage occurring, but I'm afraid that she's going to be wheeling that machine in and out and banging it against the sides and edges and that activity will cause the case to fail or, at least, look like it's been damaged. I'm concerned about the holding power of screws and glue in that environment, even with rabbits to increase surface area.
So, despite the cost, I think I'm going with the MDO.
Thanks to everyone who responded with advice.
Griff
I'd just use regular cabinet grade birck plywood. MDO is great for exterior work and it is nice to paint because it has a nearly perfect surface, However it is around $60 a sheet. It also looks plasticy when mixed with regular painted wood cabinets.
Mike
Similar to other posters here, I'd say that it depends on your budget and the next thing to consider would be, what do you expect it to do for you? If it's a cabinet that will only hold light-ish items, I'd go for the MDF. But if you plan to put heavier items in it, MDO might be the better choice.
This article may help you to decide which to go for.
http://woodworkingtoolkit.com/mdo-vs-mdf/
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