mdf Vs softwood door linings

HelpMeMove

Hi,

which is the better of the 2? Will be hanging oak doors off them so looking for the stronger of the 2.

Appreciate all thoughts.

Thanks

keystone

If you are hanging oak doors why aren't you using oak? MDF will look total carp and you can stain softwood to look a bit like oak but it'll still not look right IMO. Anyway surely you'll be hanging the doors off the frame not the lining so the strength is not relevant.

Cheers

HelpMeMove

The Skirting and architrave will be white painted mdf, only the doors will be oak.

Are door linings and door frames 2 different things? Presently block partitions are up with door openings and my builder is about to put up door linings. MDF gives the better finish painted, I just want to know how it compares against the softwood equivalent.

Cheers

leveller2911

Frames have a sill attached to the bottom (tend to be for external doors), linings don't......... MDF linings are ok, they can be difficult to chisel hinge housing in most chippies use a router and jig but its easier to get a decent paint finish. Softwood linings are easier to work but the knots cab bleed through and shop bought linings tend to be poor quality timber, poorly machined and need more sanding to get a decent finish...........Years down the line when you tastes change softwood linings can be stripped and stained whereas MDF can't..

keystone

leveller2911 wrote: »

Frames have a sill attached to the bottom (tend to be for external doors),

Oh what pedantic piffle! A frame is a frame whether it has 2 jambs, a header and a sill or the same without a sill.

My point is are you suggesting using MDF for the jamb on which you will hang an oak door (heavy??) or are you saying that the MDF will be used to provide the face (which is what I call a lining and yes its down to use of terminology)

I still think it will look carp.

Cheers

leveller2911

keystone wrote: »

Oh what pedantic piffle! A frame is a frame whether it has 2 jambs, a header and a sill or the same without a sill.

My point is are you suggesting using MDF for the jamb on which you will hang an oak door (heavy??) or are you saying that the MDF will be used to provide the face (which is what I call a lining and yes its down to use of terminology)

I still think it will look carp.

Cheers

Ease up Keystone, you been on the sauce?:D

During my apprenticeship and the following 20 years I was alway taught : an internal doors are hung in linings (without sills/cills ) and external doors are hung in frames (with sills/cills) .. It may be different where you are.

The Op says an "Oak " door however from the posting I deducted that its unlikely they would know the difference between an solid Oak door and an Oak vaneered door.As you may be aware an Oak vaneered door will be much lighter in weight than a solid oak door.

An MDF lining is more than capable of carrying the weight of a solid oak door (sorry Keystone your talking boolox)as long as its well fixed and the OP should be more concerned about using the right hinges for the job (making sure the hinges will take the load).

The OP asked what the difference between a lining and a frame was, so I told them...

Lastly your entitled to your opinion, mine is an MDF painted lining is as good as a softwood lining they both have advantages and dis-advantages.............Try reading the Op,s question again...

I'm off to bed now as I got an early one...I bid you good night Keystone and remember drink plenty of water , might help the hangover....:D

tony6403

One point I would raise is the painting of MDF which can produce "pinholing" . However, you can buy paints specially manufactured for painting MDF.
I have found no problem hanging doors from either MDF or timber linings.

keystone

leveller2911 wrote: »

Ease up Keystone, you been on the sauce?:D

No mores the pity. Don't take too much notice of me I've had a baaaad day. Sorry to take it out on you. Inexcusable really.

I'm off to bed now as I got an early one...I bid you good night Keystone and remember drink plenty of water , might help the hangover....:D

Sleep well.

Cheers

leveller2911

keystone wrote: »

No mores the pity. Don't take too much notice of me I've had a baaaad day. Sorry to take it out on you. Inexcusable really.

Sleep well.

Cheers

M8s again then???:D

TBH I had to look up pedantic in the dictionary I have to admit your probably right, (although the piffle bit did sting) as I know very little about plumbing,electrics etc and rarely post on the subjects just know my Joinery and carpentry and tend to over elaborate on the info...

HelpMeMove

Thank you for your comments. The doors will be oak veneer, think they will tie in ok with the rest of the skirting and architrave painted in white.