MR MDF vs normal MDF.

[Tinders]

Hi Folks,

Im after some advice.

I need to knock up a couple of bookcases and normal units for the kids room. Normally id have just gone for ikea besta/billy/pax, but i need some custom sizes and as wood prices has come down a little, im contemplating using MDF. My local selco does Moisture resistant mdf and normal MDF, ive only ever used normal stuff, but i was thinking of going for MR stuff this time. Does it cut/machine any better than normal MDF, and hows the finish once you paint it, im zinsser BIN and water based satin eggshell kind of guy!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[200sols]

If you're not getting it wet it don't matter.

 

[platypus]

I wouldn't use any mdf for a bookcase to be honest; it sags under weight. I'd use plywood.

 

[SpeedFreak]

As above, ply is better, doesn't sag, with a small amount of infill will also give a cleaner edge when painted.

 

[BigBoy]

100% agree with the above Ply or dont bother!

 

[Tinders]

Thanks will look at ply instead.

Ive onnly ever used ply once before, problem was when I tried to use a round over bit with the router it splintered a lot, to be fair it was cheap plywood.

 

[MassiveJim]

Thanks will look at ply instead.

Ive onnly ever used ply once before, problem was when I tried to use a round over bit with the router it splintered a lot, to be fair it was cheap plywood.

as said above you will need to fill the edge of it before painting

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

I've not tried it personally, but this is might be worth a watch.

I've just finished building some fairly rough and ready shelves in my garage, and to be honest I wish I hadn't bothered. Cost of something bought wouldn't have been much more.

 

[DD_Crash]

Having the right tools can make a huge difference. My old router and tablesaw made making shelving for the rooms very easy.

 

[whitecrook]

you can nail on some nicer strips of wood trim if the ply edge is not your thing