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Maple and MDF for Raised Panel Doors
Question
Forum Responses
From contributor U: I agree. MDF is a superior product for paint grade panels. It’s smoother, flatter, and there is no shrinking or swelling. Machined edges like raised panels will usually need an extra coat of primer and/or paint. From the original questioner: Thanks guys, appreciate the input. Since there is little to no shrinkage would it be wise to pin the panel instead of using space balls? From contributor W: On MDF panels, I glue the panel to stiles and rails. I use a fine bead of glue on the back side of the grove only. From contributor H: A MDF panel will be superior to a maple wood panel. Flatter, no shrinkage lines, glue lines, cracks, ect. I like use soft maple for the frames, but have used FAS poplar without any issues. From contributor U: I glue my MDF panels in with a drop of glue in the middle of each stile. With tall doors or end panels I'll glue it in two spots. From contributor Y: I used to do all my painted doors out of hard maple in R/S with solid raised panel construction. After some issues of expansion and being able to see movement in the finish I swapped over to buying a solid one piece CNC'd MDF doors and they are amazing. I am sure there are places in your area that are making them. I am in Ontario, Canada and am getting them from just outside of Niagra Falls. The nice part about them is there is tons of design options and the pricing on all of them are very comparable. From contributor D: We only use space balls on solid wood panels, but we do put a little glue on the stiles. From contributor S: Would not MDF be also more stable for the stiles and rails as it is for the panel? What advantage would maple or poplar have over MDF as far as stability is concerned? I would think joint movement would still be an issue or am I mistaken? From contributor A: Just did a super high-end kitchen with white painted finish. I used all MDF 1" for the stiles and rails - 3/8' for the panels. Cope and stick custom cutters with lots of glue in the panels. No movement and no hairline cracks. From the original questioner: Thanks everyone, I just completed a high-end kitchen and used maple stiles/rails and 3/4 MDF panels. It worked out great and the homeowner was very pleased.
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