can i use mdf trim in bathroom

by Carter Botsford Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

If you are installing baseboards in great numbers and cost is an issue, then choose MDF baseboards for the cost advantage that they offer. If you are installing in a wet application, then choose primed wood or, even better, PVC baseboards, as MDF should not be used in wet areas, such as bathrooms.Nov 1, 2021

Full Answer

Can you use MDF in a bathroom?

But many homeowners have used MDF in their bathrooms; panels and flooring mainly. Despite the fact, MDF is not going to last as long as oak, teak, and other hardwoods, but it’s still a popular choice for many.

How long do MDF bathroom panels last?

As a result, MDF panels are only durable for 5-7 years after that, they will start to look really bad. The MDF is tough, not suitable for areas like bathrooms, kitchen, and outdoors where humidity is the concern. But many homeowners have used MDF in their bathrooms; panels and flooring mainly.

Does MDF have to be straight?

Because MDF is an engineered wood, all pieces are, or should be, perfectly straight. Natural wood may be bowed. It is better to reject inferior pieces at the store than on the job site.

What are the pros and cons of MDF baseboards?

MDF baseboards' soft material cuts easily and does not split under the force of power-driven brad nails or even manually-hammered finish nails. Any blemishes that occur during installation can also be easily sanded out of the surface, another characteristic that makes MDF baseboards popular.

Can you put MDF trim in a bathroom?

Primed and painted MDF baseboard will be fine in a bathroom or anywhere else. You can't go crazy with your mop though.

Where should you not use MDF trim?

The only way to fix moisture damaged MDF is to replace it. There are a few areas where MDF should never be used – kitchen or bathroom cabinets and trim in the bathrooms. These are the two areas we see the most failure because of moisture.Oct 19, 2016

Is MDF trim waterproof?

It should be noted that whichever method you use, MDF is moisture-resistant, not water-resistant, nor waterproof, and is still prone to swelling and warping if in direct contact with the elements.May 25, 2018

What type of trim should I use in a bathroom?

Wood baseboards – Pros

Choosing wood is a good option for baseboards in a bathroom. Wood baseboards will not swell when it gets wet. You can continue the look of baseboards that you have throughout your home into the bathroom. Wood baseboards can be stained or painted giving you lots of options to complete your space.Oct 24, 2018

Is MDF OK for baseboard?

MDF is medium density fiberboard and usually made offshore. MDF is a very cost effective material for baseboard and casings. MDF has zero imperfections. It is always primed and ready for paint.Jun 20, 2019

Is MDF trim OK?

MDF does not warp, crack or bow nearly as easily as wood does and can offer a very smooth finish when painted. This is why it's so common for MDF to be used in crown moulding, baseboards and various other trim applications.Jul 25, 2021

Does painting MDF make it waterproof?

The only way to make the MDF board waterproof is to paint it. Painting the surface of the MDF board will make it resistant to moisture only if you use moisture-resistant paint, as this type of paint creates a more permanent waterproof layer on the MDF.

What happens if MDF gets wet?

Standard MDF can get wet and get damaged by water and high moisture in the air just like most wood products. It does not hold up to water very well. Because of how standard MDF is made, it sucks moisture like a sponge, and will swell, distort, and almost become useless if not treated or sealed.

How do you seal MDF water?

With the slick surface of MDF, you only need to sand the edges and saw-marks out of it and spray it with one or two coats of enamel paint to seal the MDF from moisture penetration.

Can I use wood molding in bathroom?

Perhaps you're thinking about adding crown molding to your bathroom but, can wood crown molding be used in a shower? The short answer is, no – you can't use wood crown molding in a shower. Wood is not moisture resistant and so will gradually become moldy and rotten due to humidity from the shower.

Do you need trim in bathroom?

You do not need baseboards in a bathroom if the finishing of the room is extremely well done. Baseboards are used to create a tight-fitting joint between the wall and the floor and are the best option, but if the room's construction is nearly flawless, you can do without them.

How do I protect my bathroom trim?

Part of a video titled How to prevent water damage to your baseboards - YouTube

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For moisture. And then take either a clear or a white silicone. And just run a really fine kneadMoreFor moisture. And then take either a clear or a white silicone. And just run a really fine knead along the bottom edge of the baseboards immediately next the shower.

What is MDF baseboard?

Spiderstock/Getty Images. Within the home, medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, is increasingly being used—for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, shelves, and furniture. When contemplating the purchase of baseboards in the past, typically you only had just one choice: natural wood, usually pine or hemlock. Now, MDF is often used as a baseboard material.

What type of wood baseboards are best for staining?

Hemlock, oak, pine, and maple are popular solid wood baseboards for staining. If you are installing in great numbers and cost is an issue, then choose MDF baseboards for the cost advantage that they offer. If you are installing in a wet application, then choose primed wood or, even better, PVC baseboards. Read More.

What is the most popular baseboard size?

Lower cost is the driver behind MDF baseboards' popularity. The most popular size of baseboard material is 3 1/4 inches high. Within this category, solid, unprimed wood is the most expensive product, followed by primed pine and by MDF.

Is PVC stronger than MDF?

Real wood, even a softwood, is stronger than MDF. So, if you anticipate installing baseboards in a high-traffic, high-impact environment, you would want to purchase real wood or even PVC baseboards. Because primed and painted natural wood is only marginally better than MDF at standing up against moisture, PVC is your best bet for highly wet spaces .

Can MDF baseboards be painted?

With real wood baseboards, at least you have the option of the natural wood grain. With MDF, you never have that option, as these baseboards must always be primed and painted. In fact, MDF baseboards are usually sold primed not so much for the convenience of the customers but because primed wood ships better and with less risk of damage.

Is MDF baseboard strong?

But it's mainly the wall behind the MDF baseboards that acts as its structural support. MDF baseboards on straight runs are nearly as strong as real wood baseboards. Outside corners, though, are MDF's weak points, since these areas are prone to chipping.

Is MDF baseboard easier to install than real wood?

But when installing hundreds of linear feet of baseboards, MDF tends to be favored by economy-minded owners, contractors, and builders. MDF baseboards can be easier to install than real wood baseboards. MDF baseboards' soft material cuts easily and does not split under the force of power-driven brad nails or even manually-hammered finish nails.

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