On the use of MDF in MH...sm

[Myra again (sheepish grin)]

I was just watching This Old House and it reminded me...I'm wondering why MDF (medium density fiberboard) isn't used more in MH. They say on TOH that it cuts and paints just like wood but performs better...no shrinking, warping, etc. They use it a LOT, and on very expensive projects, too. And if I understand correctly, it's not more expensive than wood...less so, I believe.

I saw some manufacturer in my seemingly endless researching mention MDF kitchen cabinets, but only one (can't remember who). I'm wondering if MDF could be the future for MH also...kitchen and bathroom cabinets, doors, moldings. It could drive the cost down and the quality up, it seems to me.

Does any one know anything about this?

[Brian]

MDF is more expensive than plywood, but lees than a good hardwood. Go to your local home imporvment store and look at kitchen and bathroom cabinets. MDF is in there, but I think most manufactures don't use it so much because most people perfer the look of a nice hardwood cabinet. Also, MDF is not pretty and must be painted, which is fine if you like white or some color moldings, but not if you want somethign that resembles wood.

-Brian