MDF VS Wood Baseboards: What are The Key Differences?

Do you want to know the difference between MDF baseboards and wood baseboards?

Wood is a better option for people looking for a more natural look to their house, but MDF (medium density fiberboard) is cheaper than solid wood and easier to work within some cases.

The type of environment will determine what kind of wood baseboards would look best for your home, so try to decide which one you want before purchasing.

Differences Between MDF vs Wood Baseboards

In Search of Natural Beauty

Solid wood can be a better option for people who want to create a more natural-looking house in some cases. For example, some people may want their baseboard to blend in with the rest of the flooring or other materials that they are using throughout their house.

When the wood is natural, it reacts to changes in the environment, such as humidity and water, which create cracks in the material. This may be more aesthetically pleasing for some people, but MDF doesn’t get affected by these things like solid wood does, making it a great option for people who don’t want to worry about these things.

Cost And Flexibility

MDF is cheaper than solid wood and easier to work with, so in some cases, it is a better option. For example, if you are working with older wooden boards that are difficult to install, MDF would be a better option. However, if you are looking for the natural feel of wood, then MDF will not be the best option.

MDF also doesn’t splinter or absorb paint like many other types of solid wood do, so it often finishes smoother. These factors may not matter as much if they are being installed on the floor rather than on the wall.

It’s worth noting that MDF boards are also lighter in weight, so installing them will put less stress on your muscles which is an added bonus. One might think that solid wood would be sturdier, but MDF is actually a more rigid substance.

As mentioned above, MDF is lighter than solid wood, so it’s easier to transport. It also doesn’t splinter like wood and has fewer knots and defects, which means it’s often safer for young children to play around in the house. 

Aesthetic of The Space

The aesthetic of the space that will be decorated by the baseboard is a factor in the decision-making for some homeowners. The type of environment can also influence the decision. A homeowner who lives in an area with a lot of moisture may want to select wood over MDF, which tends to absorb water and moisture.

Get a Sample Before Buying

If you’re not sure about which one to choose, then get samples before purchasing them at your local hardware store or lumber yard.

In many cases, people will get samples before deciding on which type of baseboard they want to purchase. Often, you can get real wood baseboard samples in different finishes or colors.

This way, you can see what will look best with the rest of your home’s interior. Wood is usually better for someone who wants to look more natural-looking. MDF is cheaper and easier to work within any environment, but it usually has less natural appeal than wood has when you’re trying to create an ambiance that mimics nature.

It’s usually best if you decide which type of material you want for your baseboards before purchasing them so that you know what to buy before you end up having to return the wrong thing.

Order a Sample Online

Most of the time, companies will offer samples to their customers to see what the products look like before buying them.

It is best to order a couple of samples online from places like Home Depot to understand the different available baseboard options.

This will allow customers to see what the products look like in person before they make a decision on which one is best for their house.

Choosing The Right Size

You’ll want to measure your walls to ensure that the baseboard is of the proper size. The edge of the board should be at least 5 inches away from the wall.

Once you’ve decided what kind of baseboard to purchase, you can then choose your style of baseboard by making sure it is the right size.

If you’re doing many project cuts and need to make them all uniform in size, MDF is the best kind of material for this task because it doesn’t shrink at all when it’s cut.

MDF baseboards are only available in standard sizes, while real wood baseboards come in sizes from very small to very large.

Once you have chosen the right size for your room, make sure to select one that has corresponding maintenance and installation before installing your new baseboards.

Some Common FAQs You May Want to Know

Are Baseboards Easy to Install?

Baseboards are usually installed by nailing them into the wall, but it may depend on your specific board and what kind of surface it’s installed on.

Another Resource: A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Finishing Nails

What is The Difference Between These Two Materials?

MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. It is made out of real wood pulp and contains formaldehyde which has a very high odor, where wood is a natural product.

What Type of Maintenance Does the MDF Require?

There’s no need for regular maintenance for any other wood surface like varnishing or sanding.

What Type of Maintenance Does the Wood Board Require?

The wood baseboard can be cleaned with water and a soft cloth.

Last Thoughts

One last thing to remember when installing an MDF baseboard is that it is more susceptible to damage and dents.

This is not a real issue if you’re installing them on the floor, but if they are going on the wall, then this is something that you’ll need to consider. Wood baseboards are more durable and take a lot of wear and tear without showing signs of damage.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about the importance of MDF baseboards in your house. Don’t forget to share it with your friends. We’d love to hear what you think, and please let us know in the comment section, have a nice day.