Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 16, 2000 08:17am | #17

   *
   Any thoughts on using 3/4 inch MDF or MDO for stair risers and skirt boards? Seems like a cheaper option than poplar for painted trim...

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 06, 2000 03:21am | #1

   *Bob,That's not "woodworking". That's "manufactured-man-made-give-you-cancer, go against everything Holy" working.Go ahead, save a few bucks, but don't ask for our respect.Ed. Williams

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 06, 2000 03:28am | #2

   *Bob, I've seen "flakeboard" used in many a house.Wether for walls, floors, trim, or sheathing... it's visible from a distance.It just can't take a joke. You (or your client) will notice the short-cut in a year or two, depending on the amount and severity of use.

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   Guest_ | Sep 06, 2000 04:34am | #3

   *I recently built two sets of stairs - treads, risers, and skirts -from MDF sheet goods. 3/4" risers and skirts and 4/4" treads. Worked out great. Milled everything on site with a skilsaw, table saw, 3hp router and random orbit sander. Came out great and I'll be keeping a close eye on them over the next few years. Total cost for materials just over $200.00.Hey, every once in awhile you gotta trust your gut and push the envelope a little. (But DANG, that stuff is heavy)

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   Guest_ | Sep 06, 2000 04:42am | #4

   *Blodgett, I like the way you think. Sam

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   Guest_ | Sep 06, 2000 05:50am | #5

   *Virtually all of the stairs that I do that are spec'd for paint skirts and risers are MDF. I can get defect free 1x12x16' for the skirts and have yet to this date had a problem with wear, cracking or such. The wood skirts that I have done, both paint and stain have required repairs, generally due to the natural movement of wood. Remember to wear your respirator/dust mask when working with the stuff, the dust is fine and toxic.

3. 
   Guest_ | Sep 06, 2000 06:05am | #6

   *I have a leftover piece of MDF that I've been tripping over and moving around for a few monthes now. So far no dents or scratches. Will probably hold up.We just used a few sheets to replicate the flat part of some older, multi-piece trim. Worked great, and customer loved the price. Cuts and mills nicely. Jeff

4. 
   Guest_ | Sep 06, 2000 12:10pm | #7

   *Bob,

   If you wanted to use MDF I'd go with a 1-1/8" product. I just think that it will stand up better over the long haul then 3/4". I really like using shop birch or MDO for risers, easy to work with and paints great.MDF or MDO would be just fine for a painted skirt board. Good luck.

   View Image © 1999-2000"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle

5. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 2000 01:27am | #8

   *Bob,I usually ask for 3/4 " birch ply when I do painted risers, but we mixed up ply and maple veneered MDF on the last set, 'cause that's what we had, and, it all gets painted. Let you know how it works out at the one year punch. Joe, I'm curious about the 1 1/8 stuff, howcome you use it, and where? And Flatch, where are you getting 1 x 12 x 16' mdf, I am tired of bondoing skirts.Always looking for a better way, even if I have to hire helpers to pick it up, BB

6. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 2000 03:41am | #9

   *BB,

   I feel that on high traffic stairs that 1-1/8" hold up better against wear. Most supply houses carry it.

   View Image © 1999-2000"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle

7. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 2000 04:47am | #10

   *I got 100 bucks that says in twenty years they will be telling people not to use this stuff on the interior of any living space. Think of the money our decendents will be making tearing out all that MDF.Remember asbestos? Ed. Williams

8. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 2000 04:50am | #11

   *BB, Just so my lack of punctuation does not mess up what I typed I am getting 1"x12"x16' (nets at 3/4"x11.25"x16') from my local materials supplier (BMC West) Depending on where you are, a millwork supplier or even a big box should have something similar though my local HD only carries 1x10 in 16'. Yeah, I agree bondo sucks, but mmm, smell good... ;)Flatch

9. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 2000 04:56am | #12

   *1 x 12 x 16' MDF is readily available in the Seattle area- all the decent lumber yards stock it. 'Course you won't be finding anything like this at the big boxes....Sam

10. 
    Guest_ | Sep 07, 2000 05:03am | #13

    *Our two local boxes (HD and Lansing) both carry MDF big time; however, it's all in 14' lengths, not 16. Painted stairs are rare here, most sub-division homes are wall-to-wall including the stairs - MDF is starting to take over from high-density particle board as the stair-builders' choice.

11. 
    Guest_ | Sep 09, 2000 03:46am | #14

    *Joe,You talking 1 1/8" risers? Skirts? Not MDF treads?You can probably get it in a deli, BB

12. 
    Guest_ | Sep 16, 2000 06:27am | #15

    *I used MDF for my risere and skirtboards and was pretty happy with the look. Sure wish I had looked a little harder for 16 footers. The stuff sure does paint up nice though.

13. 
    Jose_Reyes_Jr | Sep 16, 2000 06:54am | #16

    *Anyone in need of MDF in the Chicago area I know who stocks it. Interested 773-227-6700 Ask for Jose.

14. 
    Guest_ | Sep 16, 2000 08:17am | #18

    *Good point Ed. But what about all the glu lam and plywood? Sheesh, what about the underlayment the vinyl floor guys use? Now that stuff is the pits.In twenty years most furniture will be made of glued up mmwood (ManMadeWood). Oops, sorry, it's already here.