Window board - MDF or real wood?

[EddyP]

I'm jsut looking to install my window boards, but can't seem to find a pre cut/rounded one of the right depth, the window recess is 220mm or so deep, so i really need a board thats about 240ish so that it has the bits that protrude each side.
Should I just cut it from a sheet of MDF or should i try to find some real wood to use, if real wood what would you recomend?

Thanks

 

[xerxes]

You do have the option of jointing on an additional piece to make up the depth you need.

Personally, I wouldn't use MDF for making window boards because, having worked a moulding on the front edge there would then be the additional work of dealing with the slightly fuzzy edge that tends to result.

Also, window boards can get slightly distressed in use. Solid timber can still look good after a few knocks and bruises; man-made boards tend to look a bit worse with the same treatment.

 

[noseall]

i rarely use mdf.......

.........but, in the case of window boards, mdf performs really well!

225 or 300mm wide x 25mm thick, bull nosed and primed mdf widow boards are sold as standard. once cut to fit the reveals + 40mm overhang each side, the small returns can be easily bull nosed with a planer and sander.

i have also posted a method of fixing window boards that is both efficient and strong. a search may find it somewhere.