For painted cabinet doors, MDF is a superior product. The acronym MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. The product is made up of recycled wood particles and wood fibers bonded by resin and formed into flat panels. The smooth texture of this eco-friendly building material makes it an ideal option for paintwork. Unlike solid wood, MDF does not contract and expand as a result of heat or humidity.
MDF looks similar to particleboard so the perception is that the material is inferior. The medium-density fiberboard used on premium cabinet doors is a superior product. It has more density, paints well, and is more dent-resistant. The most important characteristic of MDF for the kitchen cabinet world is its stability. Medium-density fiberboard does not exhibit the same issues as a painted wood door.
A cabinet door made up of five pieces of MDF – four frame pieces and center panel – has less movement than a wood door. This is extremely beneficial for painted cabinet doors as stress cracks are less likely to occur. When painted, an MDF door looks just like a wood door.
The game changer to painted cabinet doors is the one-piece MDF option. Some brands offer cabinet doors that are made from one piece of medium-density fiberboard. Unlike wood doors and multiple-piece MDF doors, a one-piece MDF door never develops stress cracks. Based on the advantages offered by MDF, it doesn’t make sense to use wood for a painted cabinet door.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Jimmy Gavalas
The Kitchen Cabinet Guy
Atlantis Kitchens
