MDF Wardrobes

[samwardill]

I am planning to build some MDF fitted wardrobes. I was going to build them using an Ikea style with 12mm MDF. I have a couple of questions:
Is 12mm strong enough? I want to hang sliding doors from the front.
Can you buy the Ikea type fittings to join? Are they better than just using a screw?

 

[Jasonb]

12mm is too thin, use 18mm MDF or MFC (melamine faced chipboard)

By Ikea fittings I assume you mean cam & dowel fixings or a similar KD fixing. They are used to make it easy for assembly by people with few tools. You would be better off using dowels or biscuits with carcase screws.

Jason

 

[samwardill]

12mm is too thin, use 18mm MDF or MFC (melamine faced chipboard)

I hadn't thought of using MFC. I thought that wasn't fashionable any more. What are the relative advantages of MDF vs. MFC?

 

[Jasonb]

For a start don't use "conti board" get a decent 18mm board from a maker like Egger, They do a range of woodgrains etc.

MDF is OK if you want a painted finish but MFC comes pre finished and requires no further work. Then again you cam use MFC for carcases and MDF or solid timber for the frame/doors. Have a look at a few of mine

Jason

 

[samwardill]

What sort of paint do people use for MDF?

 

[Jasonb]

I give it two coats of Dulux Trade quick drying primer/undercoat then two of oil based eggshell, if customer wants gloss then one oil undercoat and one oil top coat.

Make sure you rub down between coats, I us e180g silicon carbide paper on the first coat then 320 on the second and then just a worn 320 to remove any dust from the first oil coat. A 4" foam roller makes quick work of large areas, you can leave as is or lay off with a brush to remove the slight stipple left by the roller.

Jason

 

[lizziedeuchar]

wow jasonb very impressive woodwork. i need to construct a 'alcove' cupboard either side of a fireplace with shelves above and have no idea where to start. do u have anywhere that gives good step by step instructions of know how much it would cost to have done by someone else?