Why MDF is Better than Softwood
by Skirting World on Jun 29, 2018
MDF skirting boards have become a popular alternative to the normal standard softwood.
Should you ever find yourself needing to match existing skirting, you'll most likely have softwood skirting. This is because it is the most commonly used materials for skirting boards and architraves.
However, there can be many issues when using softwood for skirtings.
Firstly, because it is a natural wood, it has knots throughout the material. Although you can treat and fill these before installation, there's no guarantee that they will stay put - a lot of the time they simply fall out.
Secondly, softwood has a tendency to bow and warp with temperature and moisture changes.
The only reason that softwood should be used nowadays is when you're looking for a natural wood finish. If you plan on painting the boards, always use MDF.
Now, with MDF you don't get the natural imperfections found within softwood.
MDF will never warp - it always stays straight. MDF is also mostly moisture-resistant (some standard versions are available but most trusted suppliers of skirtings will use moisture-resistant versions).
You'll also find that MDF features no knots whatsoever. This is because it is a manmade material.
The MDF that Skirting World use contains softwood fibres and is the densest available on the market.
Because MDF also features no grain, the painted finish is always smooth.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
97920 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74956 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
72118 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
53384 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30888 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath​?
Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...
on Apr 8, 2025
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Where Can I Find Cheap Shed Plans?
No matter what your plans are for building a shed you will find that you need shed plans to do the job right. Whether you decide to do it yourself...
Effective Methods for Eliminating the Slipperiness on Marble Floors
Marble is a very popular material when decorating. You will find marble work surfaces, tiles, and even flooring. In fact, most houses have some...
5 Types of Roof to Choose from While Building Your House
Choosing the perfect roof for your new house or retrofitting an existing one can be quite tricky. The roof, after all, is not just a sunshade and a...
Speed Cookers: Save Your Time
For many decades now, the most significant design advancements to hit the oven industry have been in the introduction and development of the...
5 Home Repairs that Require Immediate Attention
If you have been a homeowner for a while, you'd know that any unexpected home repair can pop up at any time. It comes with the package of owning a...