Should You Choose MDF or Solid Wood for Your Cabinet Doors?
Which is better for kitchen cabinets, MDF or Solid Wood? The short answer is both, but in this article, I will explain my answer in detail to help you make an informed decision on your cabinet needs.
When choosing the material for your kitchen cabinets, you should consider a few things: price, style, personal preference, and geographical climate (yes, you heard that right.) The two most popular options are MDF and solid wood. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your family’s needs.
What is MDF?
MDF is a composite material made from wood fibers and resin. The fibers and resin are pressed under high heat and pressure to create a complete and dense board. MDF is versatile, making cutting, shaping, and painting easy.
Since MDF is made of resin and wood fibers, it makes it more resistant to warping and shrinking, which is beneficial in high humidity or temperature-changing climates. However, MDF does not have wood grain, making it a favorable option for pros when it comes to painted cabinet doors.
The Life Span of MDF Doors
We found the lifespan of MDF doors varies depending on various factors, such as the quality of MDF and whether you are using MR MDF or regular MDF. The environment they are installed in and how they are maintained plays a significant role.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can expect MDF doors to last 10 to 20 years, sometimes even more. With that being said, be careful not to expose your cabinets to excessive moisture or extreme temperature changes, which will reduce your cabinets’ lifespan.
What is Solid Wood?
Solid wood is a natural material derived from specific trees. Solid wood is a highly durable and long-lasting material that can add warmth and character to any kitchen. Solid wood cabinets are more favorable to MDF because they can be stained or painted to achieve a unique look and feel.
However, the issue we’ve experienced and some of our customers is that solid wood is more susceptible to warping, shrinking, and cracking over time, exceptionally if not adequately cared for.
The Life Span of Solid Wood Cabinet Doors
Solid wood cabinet doors are much more durable than MDF doors, but their lifespan depends on a few factors similar to MDF. For one, the type of wood being used and the quality of construction, for example, was the wood dried to the percentage necessary to work with. Another factor would be how well they were maintained.
If all of these factors check out to be great, you can expect your cabinet doors to last several decades or even longer. Instead, we find that homeowners replace their cabinet doors or parts because they have become outdated and want a fresh look. Unfortunately, our clients rarely change wooden cabinet doors due to damage unless the cabinets are exposed to significant water damage.
Pros and Cons of MDF
Pros:
- Does not warp or crack – MDF is made of resin and wood fibers, so it does not move around as regular wood does, which eliminates the chances of warping and cracking,
- Versatility – MDF can be easily cut and shaped to fit any design or style and is also available in various finishes and colors.
- Smooth Surface – MDF has a smooth surface that is ideal for painting or staining, giving you more flexibility to customize your kitchen cabinets.
- High Durability – MDF is highly durable and less prone to warping or cracking than solid wood. It can withstand changes in temperature and humidity without shrinking or expanding.
- Cost Effective – MDF is more affordable than solid wood, making it a popular choice for those on a tight budget.
Cons:
- Moisture absorption – MDF is prone to swelling and warping if it comes into contact with moisture. This can be problematic in a kitchen, where daily spills and humidity occur daily.
- Not Heat Resistant – MDF is not heat resistant, so hot pans or dishes can damage it.
- Less Sturdy – While MDF is highly durable, solid wood is more sturdy, but it may need help to support heavy items and other materials.
- Limited repair options – If MDF is damaged, it can be challenging to repair and may need replacement.
- Chemical Emissions – MDF can emit formaldehyde and other chemicals, harming your health. However, many manufacturers now produce low-emission MDF to address this issue.
Pros and Cons of Solid Wood
Pros:
- Durability – Solid wood is highly durable and withstands years of wear and tear. It is less prone to chipping, cracking, or warping than other materials.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Solid wood has a natural beauty that adds warmth and character to any kitchen. It also comes in various wood species with unique grains and colors.
- Easy To Repair – If a solid wood cabinet door is damaged, it can often be repaired through sanding and refinishing, avoiding needing a costly replacement.
- High resale value – Solid wood kitchen cabinets are considered a premium feature to increase your home’s resale value.
- Eco-friendly – Solid wood is a renewable resource and can be sustainably sourced, making it an eco-friendly option.
Cons:
- Expensive – Solid wood is more costly than other materials, making it less accessible for those on a tight budget.
- Prone to moisture damage – Solid wood can be prone to moisture damage if not correctly sealed, leading to warping, swelling, and cracking.
- Susceptible to scratches – Solid wood can be scratched or dented easily, especially if it is a softer wood species.
- Require maintenance – Solid wood requires regular maintenance, including sealing and refinishing, to keep it looking its best and protect it from damage.
- Limited Design Options – Solid wood is less versatile than other materials regarding design options. It may be difficult to achieve certain styles or finishes with solid wood, especially if you are working with a limited budget.
5 Commonly Asked MDF Door Questions
Is MDF better than solid wood cabinet doors?
When painted, MDF is better than solid wood because it is made of wood fibers and resin; it does not have a grain pattern that will not be seen in our painted projects. Unlike wood,, you have to take your time prepping MDF to get a smooth finish.
If you are looking for stained cabinet doors used in an area with high humidity, Solid wood doors may hold up better than MDF doors. Wood doors are much more durable than MDF but come at a cost, be prepared to spend if you are looking for a quality wood finish.
Is MDF safe to work with?
If you plan on making your own MDF doors be sure to wear a proper respiratory mask system and eyewear. I find MDF to irritate my skin whenever I work with it, so I recommend wearing clothing that covers your whole body.
Can MDF withstand constant moisture exposure?
MDF works well in humid environments, but exposure to water or moisture every day is not ideal; this will accelerate the deterioration of your doors. If you plan on using your doors in an environment exposed to a lot of moisture, consider solid wood doors.
Can MDF boards be stained?
MDF is an engineered wood product; because of this,,, you do not have the natural elements you get with solid wood. Staining MDF would not yield a quality product; for this reason, I would recommend using natural wood.
How do I maintain and clean MDF doors?
Maintaining MDF doors isn’t difficult but can be challenging based on your kitchen layout. First, you want to avoid exposing your doors to excessive moisture or direct sunlight. This can cause swelling and fading over time. We find that regularly dusting and wiping your cabinet doors with a damp cloth is enough to clean them. If you have to deep clean your doors, I’d recommend a mild detergent solution, do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners as this will damage the surface.
5 Commonly Asked Solid Wood Door Questions
Should I paint my wood cabinet doors?
Both solid wood and MDF can be painted, but if you are looking for a grain-free finish, MDF is the better option if you don’t have a budget for your kitchen and would like a long-lasting cabinet door, wood is the way to go.
What do they mean by five piece cabinet doors?
This refers to the construction of your kitchen cabinet doors. Unlike MDF, solid wood doors are constructed with five parts: two stiles, two rails, and a 1/4″ center panel. This doesn’t decrease the solid wood strength; just be mindful you may see a seam over time.
MDF vs Solid Wood Cabinet Doors, which one should you use?
MDF is better suited for indoor furniture due to its sensitivity to moisture, but its non-directional grain structure makes it ideal for painted projects. Mdf is also a great option if you live in an environment where it’s humid, solid wood expands and contracts with moisture.
With our custom cabinets we always use solid wood over MDF. We use solid wood for our doors because they can either be painted or stained, it’s easy to repair, and the longevity you get with solid wood doors is unbeatable.
What are the best solid woods for cabinet doors painted?
The absolute best woods for a painted cabinetry project would be maple and poplar. Maple is a smooth wood that doesn’t have deep grain throughout the board. The second option would be Poplar; although poplar is a hardwood, it isn’t as hard as Maple, which will knick easily if bumped or used in a high-traffic area.
What would give my kitchen a modern look?
If you want a modern look in your kitchen, I highly recommend white oak. White oak is timeless and brightens a room tremendously when white-washed or bleached. I recommend Walnut as another option. Using this type of solid wood will only be used if you decide to go the route of custom cabinets.
Solid wood or MDF, This is The Best Option For You
The option you should go with depends on your application. For example, are you installing shaker style cabinet doors that will be painted, or do you plan on installing stained cabinetry? Understanding what your final look will be will determine what is the right fit for your kitchen. If the budget is at the top of your mind, I’d highly recommend MDF wood for your project. This manufactured wood product is excellent to use for painted projects and can be cut to any style.
On the other hand, solid wood is commonly used for doors, stairs, flooring, and exterior projects and is known for its distinctive grain patterns making it a popular choice for many projects. For example, if your budget permits, real wood cabinet doors are the way to go, they are made of strong and sturdy material that can be used for outdoor furniture and cabinet boxes if needed.
We hope this guide helped you make an informed decision on the direction. You should go when choosing the right doors for your kitchen.
Need Help With Your Kitchen or Another Custom Cabinet Project?
Our company can assist you with your needs if you are in the market for new cabinets. If you are located in Georgia, be sure to reach out to us so we can get a quote over to you.