Hello: I have a question that I need some input on. I need to build a builtin bench in a bay window for seating around a kitchen table. The house is all MDF trim with an Enamel paint, I’m wondering if the bench would hold up to the use if it was the same material.
The design is a rail & stile type face with a beadboard center, flat bench top that would have a cushion on for comfort. Rather than build rail & stile faces I thought I could just cut out the center of an appropriate size panel rout an ogee or similar detail then place the beadboard behind. This way seems quicker, though a lot of material is used. But also there would not be any joints to open up down the road.
Anyway your thoughts on durability of the MDF,edges getting kicked by little shoes ect. would be appreciated. Thanks Jeff.
Replies
I've used a lot of MDF for shelf and seat applications like that but I always glue a molding on to detail the leading edge. The MDF will not take the abuse there without chipping.
Me personally....I'd save the MDF for the panels.....and use poplar 1x for the stiles/rails...and a nice paintgrade ply or MDO for the deck. As Pif said....I'd run a poplar 1x across the leading edge of the deck for better wear and tear.
MDF the whole way thru may be fine....but I know the poplar would last for sure....especially the square edges. Jeff
attached pic is all poplar...poplar ply...with a cherry stain. Benches by Joe! She's exotic ,but not foreign, like an old Cadillac......she's a knockout!
Thanks for the quick responses, I was planning on 1x popular but with time being an issue was looking for a way out. I think I will go with the 1x as I want something that will last . Thanks again Jeff
Last night I wasn't reading it all right. I thought you were asking about the seat. Now I see that it's the frame of the panel. I'd say go for it still. Cab doors are made of MDF. No shrinkage or joints to worry about! There is a product manufactured that is MDF with beadboard pattern cut into it for wainscotinmg and door panels. There is also a similar that is beaded on front and fluted on back with hundreds of small holes passing through and pre-painted. It is an expensive acoustic board, letting the sound pass through the miniscule holes and get trapped within the fluted buffer space at the back side.
Point being that MDF gets similar uses all over the place.
Excellence is its own reward!