Wood burner on, next to MDF?

paperclap

Hi all,

Probably not the right place to ask this question, but hopefully not the wrong place either (thought you clever minds would know the ins and outs of MDF best!).

Going to be building a big ole wardrobe in our bedroom, out of MDF. But for now, those MDF sheets are being stored in our living room (can’t store them elsewhere). Floor out marginally out of level, so I’ve levelled some 2 by 4s for them to sit on.

Anyway! It’s getting cold. Real cold. And I want to use my wood burner! But, concerned about the excessive heat (especially being so close to the MDF) that is may warp / distort / shrink the MDF? Is this a concern at all? Or is MDF so stable that it isn’t a problem?

Thanks!

Eldi_Dos

Have you got any old bedding, duvet covers, you could place on top of MDF, insulate it a bit from direct heat from the stove.

ThisIsWeird

BLUDY NICE UNITS, Paperclap!!! Are they finished? Gonna show us?!

Anyhoo, these sheets are at floor level where it's coolest, and very little radiant heat will come out from the stove at that level. I doubt you'd notice them getting warm on that nearest corner, certainly not to any concerning degree. 
Can you move them a little more to the right? 
But, I'd light up and just keep feeling the boards. Any concerns, and Eldi's idea is good - insulate them.
MDF is pretty stable - a lot more so than wood - and I can't see a laid-flat sheet suffering in any way, but if it has a highish moisture content - which might now be drying out unevenly - there's a remote chance. Very remote.
I guess what you'd first notice is if the top sheet lifts away from the sheets under it towards that corner - as that top corner surface dries out more than the rest. But I'd still be surprised.
No 'instant' harm will be done, certainly! So keep an eye.

travis-powers

Really can’t see it being a problem moisture level is very low, can you move them over any? have you got plenty of bearers under as it’s prone to cupping.
 Cabinets are outstanding!

ThisIsWeird

travis-powers said:

 Cabinets are outstanding!

AaaaAAAaah! Methinks Paper' made this post to sneakily include pics of the units :-)

The door precision looks bludy exceptional.

paperclap

Hahaha, sneaky little (unintentional) plug 

They’re not quite finished. Still need to source the worktops and fit the filler strips. But, they’re fully painted and functioning! Full of books, candles and all the rest of it! Currently working on what is effectively a larger equivalent: a 6-door floor to ceiling wardrobe in the bedroom.

Here’s some more shots of the alcove units! Excuse the mess (these were taken a while ago!).

ThisIsWeird

I have been comprehensively outcupboarded
They look simply perfect. Nothing to add.
How did you paint them? What sort of paint?
Great handles too. Just spot on. 

paperclap

Haha, thanks man

Used water-based primer / undercoat and water-based eggshell. Sanded between every coat. Applied using a sash brush, being mindful to lay off any brush strokes… and used a foam roller (very minimal tram lines)! 

travis-powers

Perfection!
 That is high end work, just goes to show what can be achieved with a bit of research and taking your time.
 Maybe a career change or side business in the future?
 Are they black hinges?

ThisIsWeird

Yeah yeah yeah - enough already... :-(

(I like the black hinges too.)

travis-powers

ThisIsWeird said:

Yeah yeah yeah - enough already... :-(

(I like the black hinges too.)

Put it this way I’ve just done some built ins and won’t be posting any pictures!