Built-in wardrobe: MDF? (2024)

kate_r

21 May 2014

5

QLD

Junior Member

Sep 03, 2023 11:13 pm

Hi

We're looking to build a built-in wardrobe ourselves. Is it a good idea to use MDF like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dhWX7z_NfQ

? The doors here are MDF as well. Is a proper frame needed?

Any advice appreciated.

Wardrop

26 Apr 2019

9

Junior Member

Sep 11, 2023 8:07 am

I would say not. You'd want to use melaminefaced MDF. The melamine provides a more durable surface and won't dent or be as easily damaged as raw MDF. Just scuff the surface before painting or find a paint that bonds to melamine. Get an approapriate high build primer/sealer for the raw edges.

If you can't find a local supplier, most cabinet shops will sell you full boards. They might even cut it for you at a reasonable price which would likely be cleaner cuts than you'd be able to manage yourself. If you cut yourself, ensure a nice clean and sharp blade. It's normally best to do a shallow scoring pass or otherwise ensure the good side is facing down so any tearout/chipping happen on the less critical side.

Ardo

28 Aug 2018

195

NSW

Bronze Member

Sep 11, 2023 8:14 pm

Whilst MDF is not as hard as melamine, it takes paint quite readily compared to melamine.
The edges of melamine really need to have banding as the particle board is quite porus.
Realistically, if you want a cabinet, and don't have the tools, add your time to the materials and just go buy a kit or flatpak.
So for me, I make a carcass out of melamine (from the green box) that I buy in sheets and rip down with a track saw, edge band and assemble using domino's, and use painted MRMDF for the doors which I buy at a Cabinet makers supply store.
That's the cheapest way for me, but I'm very fortunate to have the tools. Oh and time. ( id rather do this then an overtime shift)

Ardo

28 Aug 2018

195

NSW

Bronze Member

Sep 11, 2023 8:17 pm

I should add, that to paint the cut edges of MDF use primer Filler from an auto store. It doesn't raise the MDF and fills the small voids.

Wardrop

26 Apr 2019

9

Junior Member

Sep 11, 2023 8:20 pm

Just to clarify, I was referring to melamine-faced MDF, not chipboard/particle board

Ardo

28 Aug 2018

195

NSW

Bronze Member

Sep 11, 2023 8:34 pm

Ops sorry, missed it.

Wardrop

26 Apr 2019

9

Junior Member

Sep 11, 2023 9:15 pm

Probably a not bad thing to mention particle board should in case anyone else reading this got the two confused.

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