Is MDF Good for Cabinet Doors? Our 24-Hour Water Test

MDF has a reputation for falling apart with prolonged exposure to moisture, since it's basically sawdust glued together with resins. But newer moisture-resistant MDF may be changing that. We put it through our 24-hour water test to see if it's a good choice for your next cabinet doors.

[@benitoruiz1615]

Nunca he hecho una prueba así con el mdf....puse en varias ocasiones una pieza en un bote con agua (aproximadamente. 15- 20 min)....y no tuvo ninguna deformacion....aquí las temperaturas en verano son desde 45- 52 °c...y hay días de hasta 50% de humedad (pocos días en julio - sep.). Aun así no presentan ningún problema con deformaciones. Casi siempre utilizo mdf para puertas de gabinetes y hay buenos resultados.....fácil de trabajar, y muy durables.....MDF excelente material....gracias por esta explicacion....Saludos desde San Luis Río Col. Son. Mexico...

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

Muchas gracias por tu opinión sobre el uso de este producto! Es bueno escuchar sobre el uso del MDF en una área con alta humedad y temperatura. Me encantó escuchar que tan duradero fue el MDF para ti.

[@jkidney]

The general rule is you should not stain MDF, and you shouldn't paint wood when it comes to cabinets. You'll have cracking at the seams of the wood when it's painted and it expands more naturally (not submerged in water) then MDF. MDF is just fibers and will absorb stain and color but not provide much protection.

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

Love this! That's a great rule to follow!

[@johnnytoro4461]

Good to know if your house gets submerged in water....really important that your corn flakes won't be ruined. I really can't imagine a situation where an unfinished cabinet door would be subjected to that much water....and it would matter...lol

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

Very true. If your entire cabinet is submerged in water, then there are some other issues going on. The point of this test was to show water water can do to a cabinet if not cleaned up, like around the sink and dishwasher. Over time, that water will damage the finish, especially if there is any scratches that will allow the water to get underneath the finish. Drying off the door when water gets on them with help you cabinets last longer.

[@Hopefullymarried]

Very interesting video. I currently figuring out using mdf for a cabinet and entry way bench….both can get moisture on them from time to time as to the location of placement in our house…. Nearest the entry door.
One idea I am considering is using a tintable wood stain. Behr makes a product that we use for outdoor projects and fencing etc…since our paint and or ston selection is mild when it comes to colors (bold v subtle) we feel the stain would work great as it does not swell and contract like paint does. What are your thoughts about this?

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

Would you directly stain the MDF? I wouldn’t recommend that. Better to use a laminate or stain a combination of plywood and solid wood.

[@brandonyoung7760]

You forgot to tell everyone when the mdf gets wet then dries the glue seperates and the mdf is no longer structurally sound. Also if that's 24 hours later why are you wearing the same shirt? 😅

[@robl3415]

Good video

[@Chaserandburk]

Nobody is hanging unfinished mdf in a kitchen, do the test with high quality finish on both

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

We've done that! Check out this: lamontbros.com/water-resistant-kitchen-cabinets-whats-the-best-material-to-use/

[@RubinHaddad-j3y]

Prudence Square

[@LakersCentral]

i hope you make enough money on this video to buy a 2nd shirt 😉

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

Hahaha

[@ahuachapan2]

He found it in your mom closet.