What is better; wood or MDF mouldings?
Traditional wood mouldings are lighter, more stable and easier to nail. MDF is more affordable, which is important when installing large mouldings. However, if you are using thin mouldings any cost savings will be minimal. MDF mouldings have the tendency to expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity. This could cause joints between mouldings and corners to increase. This is the reason why MDF mouldings are not recommended for use in bathrooms. To reduce the risk of expansion or contraction after installation, both wood and MDF mouldings should be allowed to adjust to the room’s normal temperature 48 hours before installation. There is minimal shrinkage when using mouldings made out of MDF.
