Which is stronger?

[Wood Gnome]

There are a lot of advantages to MDF. However, I have always preferred the real thing. The look and feel of real wood cannot be beat which is why I enjoy working with wood so much.

 

[jimmills]

MDF is not toxic. Mdf is not stronger than real wood. Mdf is only more stable (does not grow or shrink like real wood) (does not twist or ever have stress like real wood)

My suggestion is to use plywood on your boxes. The drilled shelf adjustment holes are stronger in ply. Trust me ...if you use mdf you will have a shelf pin problem somewhere. The plywood is tougher, especially on a butt end.
Even in my own home I have issues with wet glasses out of the dishwasher. The wet turns the veneer grey. I almost always use laminate on the shelving now. DO NOT USE MDF UNDER THE SINK Wet areas are the downfall to MDF

 

[Larry Norton]

I do a lot of painted and stained pieces. The sides are almost always MDF. It paints beautifully. I never use it for face frames, it just wouldn't hold the hinge screws.

There are screws that are made specifically for MDF.

 

[SageMother]

As far as looks go I don't think there is anything that compares to the look of real wood cabinetry. However, I would think the sheer weight from using real wood might make a difference in how sturdy they were- at least how much work it took to keep them sturdy.

The weight issue reminds me of something else that I have been curious about.

We've probably all seen the DIY and remodeling shows with folksgutting and rebuilding kitchens. Lately, Granite has been extremely popular.

Wouldn't the weight of granite, in an older kitchen, be a problem for the floor, after a while?

I have this image of people sitting around in the living room, hearing a huge crack and rumble, then running to the kitchen just in time to see the counter, cabinets and anything nearby, disappear into a cloud of dust and a huge abyss.

 

[oldnamvet]

The weight issue reminds me of something else that I have been curious about.

We've probably all seen the DIY and remodeling shows with folksgutting and rebuilding kitchens. Lately, Granite has been extremely popular.

Wouldn't the weight of granite, in an older kitchen, be a problem for the floor, after a while?

I have this image of people sitting around in the living room, hearing a huge crack and rumble, then running to the kitchen just in time to see the counter, cabinets and anything nearby, disappear into a cloud of dust and a huge abyss.

I would hope that they check the floor joists to be sure. Normally, the granite is heavy but not so heavy that a couple of guys can't carry it in and put it into place.
Remember when water beds, the old ones, first came out? They were REALLY heavy whe filled with water. More than one home had to drain them and reinforce the floor under them due to sagging.

 

[Thomas O]

Save youself some time, money and frustration, Use the MDF. I get whatever wood species I need on one side and white or hardrock maple melamine on the other side. It cuts better machines better and is far more stable than solid wood sides. As for shelf pins, I have been useing MDF core for the past 20 or so years and have never had one call back for a bad shelf pin or one wearing out. Use a sharp 5mm bit with a drilling jig and you won't have any problems.
We use 5/8 melamine for the cabinet bodys and veneer covered MDF on the finished ends with solid face frames and solid doors.

 

[Laughingmouse]

Save youself some time, money and frustration, Use the MDF. I get whatever wood species I need on one side and white or hardrock maple melamine on the other side. It cuts better machines better and is far more stable than solid wood sides. As for shelf pins, I have been useing MDF core for the past 20 or so years and have never had one call back for a bad shelf pin or one wearing out. Use a sharp 5mm bit with a drilling jig and you won't have any problems.
We use 5/8 melamine for the cabinet bodys and veneer covered MDF on the finished ends with solid face frames and solid doors.

I have to agree.

MDF also falls under my "earth friendly" heading since it uses wood that would otherwise be discarded, which should slow the consumption of mature trees a tad.