MDF vs. Wood for baseboards

Interiors Flooring
1

My GC wants me to use solid wood for the baseboards, but MDF is much cheaper.

Is wood really worth the extra cost?

2

Great question, Doug!

  1. Will the trim be finished with paint or stain? If the trim is painted, then MDF is a great choice. But, wood needs to be used for staining (because MDF will not look good stained, plus MDF typically comes primed).

  2. Will the trim be installed in a basement? Basements typically have a higher concentration of moisture in the air, therefore, wood is the better choice because MDF will swell.

  3. What type of wood is being selected? Generally, clear pine trim at 2-1/4" or 3" is not too much more expensive than 4-1/4" MDF. But, oak (and other woods) can dramatically increase the price. This is personal preference.

  4. What trim is in the home? If you have red oak trim in the home, then continue with the trim that is already in the home. Unless, red oak is on one floor and you are replacing the trim on another floor. Or, if you are replacing all the trim, then you can select a single type. But, do not use two types of trim on the same floor.

3

Hi, each type of materiel has different ups and downs.

Wood is more expensive, heavy, and most contractors like to work with it. I don’t see why MDF will be something that contractor will not want to use; it’s light, there’s no way to get termites and it’s good material.

I would go with MDF if you are focused on budget.

4

I’m a contractor and I sometimes use MDF but never for baseboards. In case of any leaks, such as an over flowing toilet or a spill, MDF will have to be replaced because it will swell up. I will use it though for other types of moldings just not baseboards.

5

definitely wood is better , but mdf can last if not get wet