MDF vs Solid Wood for Painted Cabinets | RTA Cabinet Options

[@jeffogden6060]

25 years ago we bought stained all wood maple doors for our kitchen and they held up well but even in a mild climate there was some minor cracking and warping. Our cabinet coach Nathan had us consider hybrid and MDF painted doors and we ultimately chose MDF. The cabinet finish looks great and I think it was a good choice.

[@CabinetJoint]

We're glad you're happy with the material and finish you chose!

[@billcunningham361]

Extremely informative video. How timely, the note about mdf holding screws. I am nothing more than a hobbyist that will be building my own entertainment centre next spring and the info provided is more than adequate. Thank you and, if you haven't thanked YOUR cabinet maker today then, please do so.

[@CabinetJoint]

Thanks for watching! We're glad this was helpful.

[@mism4049]

I have white solid wood doors. They look beautifull, no cracking. Even if i do get hairline cracks in the future, I don't mind that my cabinets look real. Why do people demand perfect, just seems plastic to me?

[@Googaliemoogalie]

because when interior designs change people tend to upgrade their style

[@wandacruzvi]

The information was so helpful. I live in the Caribbean and the material for my cabinets need to withstand our climate. However, I am afraid a full MDF. I find that it should not be placed around water at all. But you've been some very good suggestions. Would you say the hybrid is the better choice for the Caribbean? Also, is the box made out of only plywood or is it MDF material?

[@CabinetJoint]

Hybrid is a great choice, and your Cabinet Coach can guide you based on your specific situation. Our cabinet boxes are made of plywood, no MDF.

[@Scott-g9t]

Why do you not offer the mdf door styles on frameless cabs? Do I understand this correctly?

[@cottagekeeper]

Is the warranty better if you get MDF doors?

[@gracethroughlife2996]

Great information. Thanks for sharing. When you mention solid wood in the video for the hybrid option, is that solid wood on the door, but the cabinet itself is plywood? What about a plywood and MDF panel door for kitchen cabinet?

[@CabinetJoint]

Good question! Yes, the cabinet box itself is plywood. Our hybrid door is solid wood framing with an MDF panel. We do not have any doors with plywood framing and MDF panels. Hope this helps!

[@gracethroughlife2996]

@@CabinetJoint Thank you. Yes, that helps.

[@internetjunkie1000]

What about moisture resistant MDF? Does that solve its moisture issue? Also, you didn’t touch on solid wood doors that are left unpainted. What are the cons of this option?

[@CabinetJoint]

Great question! While it's possible to leave solid wood unfinished, we don't recommend it. Although bare wood can give furniture or cabinets a natural, rustic appearance, it leaves the material vulnerable to environmental factors-even indoors. Exposure to light, dust, moisture, and potential water damage can lead to staining, warping, and cracking over time. Sealing or finishing the wood helps protect and preserve its beauty.

[@internetjunkie1000]

@ sorry, I was referring to sealing the wood rather than painting. Also, what about moisture resistant MDF?

[@susanl.3645]

so if the frames are solid wood and also will develop these cracks in the paint, why is that wood still used and not MDF? you said solid wood is not made to be painted....??

[@CabinetJoint]

Great question! Cabinet front frames are not made from MDF because it lacks the structural strength needed for the supporting frame of a cabinet, which needs to withstand weight and stress. Using MDF in this position could lead to sagging, cracking, or breaking over time, especially in base cabinets supporting heavier loads. MDF is great for flat surfaces like cabinet doors which are not structural or load-bearing.

[@Vxc6]

@@CabinetJoint From what I understand if I want to build kitchen cabinets, I choose hardwood for cabinet box , and MDF for cabinet door am I correct?

[@bonsmom2k]

Formaldehyde. Nope.

[@Googaliemoogalie]

yea I agree, but there are Formaldehyde free versions, plus I think painting them seals it