What the industry calls a wood door is not always a solid species wood door.
Mdf vs solid wood french doors.
There are several reasons for this.
People tend to look down on mdf and automatically assume solid wood is the better choice.
The benefits of solid wood.
Mdf vs solid wood.
To make mdf the manufacturers take the scraps of wood leftover from the production of wood boards and beams that might normally end up burned or in a landfill and turn it into mdf by adding glue and heat pressure.
In layman terms solid wood is essentially the natural lumber while the mdf is categorized as engineered wood.
Mdf like wood expands and contracts when there are fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
In homes mdf wood is mostly used in constructing cabinet doors.
Traditional solid wood doors are prone to warping and shrinking joints.
If this makes you conclude that mdf is inferior to solid wood hold your horses.
It s actually recycled wood so it is also beneficial for the environment.
Of course solid wood like anything has its pros and cons.
Several combinations of masonite door construction are more stable.
Mdf doors are actually quite simple to maintain and are cleaner than solid wood doors as they are free from rotting warping and other types of damage.
Most builders don t get the full mdf doors you see at the big box store.
In fact solid wood cabinets will opt for mdf doors.
As a matter of fact engineered wood is a mixture of redwood fibers veneers resin and adhesives.
Mdf or medium density fiberboard mdf is made up of wood.
It s strong sturdy and features a beautiful natural look to it with grain patterns.
With interior doors however you have other options.
Mdf is an abbreviation for medium density fiberboard.
Typically the most expensive choice but the only option to consider when not painting a door.
They get them with wood stiles and even in a fire rated door to match for the garage to house passage door.
Many people come into our store wondering the difference between mdf vs solid wood.
But unlike wood mdf does not warp.
More often than not solid wood is primarily used for the construction of cabinets while mdf is used for specific components such as the door center panels.
Mdf vs solid wood.
Mdf doors are all heavier doors and provide high levels of privacy and noise control.
Additionally their sturdy fabrication means that maintenance is typically limited to a fresh coat of paint or finish along with occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.