Do you guys use MDF doors, are they good?
by
Passifield
+2
Hi guys,
I am looking for a door replacement and I am not so keen on wooden doors, and my aim is to find a material that could replace wood. While browsing through the internet, I finalized upon an entry door installation company in Edmonton that provides doors that are made from a different material. I was researching about MDF, medium density fiber, which is widely considered as a feasible alternative to the wooden door. I do have certain concerns about this material. Is it reliable and durable enough to be used as an alternative to wood especially, considering the harsh climate that Edmonton faces. I am concerned about the effect of water, snow, and heat on MDF. What I have learned from my research is that water and snow can cause degradation in wood and heat could shrink or break the wooden door. My concern is that, since MDF is wood, after all, will these elements have any impact on it. I am also curious about the cost of the material and furthermore about the durability of the material, how is MDF different from a typical wood. I also want to know, if there is any other alternative, to wood, or MDF. I also want to know, does MDF dust cause any sort of breathing issue, is it something that I need to worry about.
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I am from Upstate NY MDF in my opinion paints and looks great on the inside. Have never thought about using it for an outside application. Personally I would stick to to an insulated fiberglass, wood or metal door. Just my opinion.
THis article gives a really nice break down of the different types of exterior doors and the pros and cons of each - https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/door/door-repair/selecting-door-materials/ Personally I wouldn't use MDF as an exterior door, especially in extreme climates. BUt that's my personal opinion. I would rather go for a steel door or even fiberglass. WRT to breathing issues, you might find this article interesting - https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/what-is-mdf-furniture/
MDF is recycled paper bonded with a resin under pressure. It is not wood. It can swell from moisture. It can break down, chip, and crack. Under extreme conditions fiberglass would be best for exterior doors.
Go with fiberglass for an exterior door. MDF is not recommended for exterior use, particularly in your climate. Even indoors, all surfaces require sealing with paint or similar, and who needs the extra work?
If your area is shaded by an overhang or roof to protect the entry door from intense heat build up, add a double pane glass storm door, but not in areas subject to intense sun, because the heat buildup can damage the fiberglass and void warranty.
Opt for a factory finish, as fiberglass doors can be very heavy. Properly finished, a fiberglass door will appear as wood.
The down side to MDF is if it gets wet it can swell. If you want something that will last forever go with wood.