MDF Kitchen Cabinets: All You Need to Know

By: Andrew Saladino | min

Modern kitchen with dark grey MDF cabinets and white marble backsplash

If you have a kitchen renovation with a small budget coming up, you've probably taken medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cabinets into consideration. MDF may be less durable than wood but it also comes at a much lower price tag.

MDF is an engineered product made from soft and hardwood residuals (such as sawdust) and is held together by glue or resins. The materials and production process make MDF much heavier than most woods but also give it a smooth surface that is perfect for painted cabinets.

Read on to learn more about MDF and whether or not it's an option worth considering for your kitchen remodel.

1. MDF vs. Wood 2. Finishes 3. Average Costs

4. Design Inspiration 5. MDF FAQs

Medium-Density Fiberboard

Kitchen Cabinets

Medium-density fiberboard, sometimes referred to as particleboard, is an affordable alternative to solid wood cabinets like cherry, oak, or maple. If you're planning to paint your cabinets, MDF may be a better alternative than wood.

MDF vs. Wood
Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most prominent advantages of wood over MDF is that it's a stronger and more durable material. The natural grain in wood remains when finished with stains or paint and adds texture to your kitchen cabinets. Scratches or dents in wood cabinets can easily be repaired with sandpaper and a new coat of stain.

A disadvantage of wood is that it expands and contracts with natural temperature fluctuations. This is a common issue with painted wood cabinets, as the paint can bubble or crack.

MDF stands up better to changes in heat and humidity, it also has a smooth, grainless surface which makes it the better option for painted cabinets. The material is further resistant to pests and bugs because of the resins that hold the wood fibers together.

The biggest advantage of MDF kitchen cabinets is that they come at a considerably lower price tag.

Because the fiberboards are grainless and will absorb fluids, you can't stain them. This material is very susceptible to water and will swell and distort if not sealed properly. Dents or scratches in MDF panels can't be fixed and the flaws will remain unless you replace the damaged cabinet door. The particles MDF is made off will also not hold screws as well as a solid wood panel.

Tip: MDF is a great material if you'd like to create custom embellishments or inlays as it's easy to cut with a jigsaw.

Close up of white MDF kitchen cabinets with silver hardware and butcher block countertop.

Medium-Density Fiberboard
Finishes

Since medium-density fiberboards are made of engineered wood and don't have wood grain, staining this material will look messy. Because most stains are water-based, you'd also risk the fiberboards to absorb the liquid and swell. This would permanently ruin the product.

However, the smooth, grainless surface of MDF makes it the perfect base for paint. Before applying paint to the fiberboards, it's important to treat and seal the material properly to avoid water damage.

How To Paint MDF Cabinets

These are the necessary steps to finishing MDF cabinets with paint:

Sand the MDF cabinets: Because MDF is a smooth finish, it's not an ideal surface for paint adhesion. Roughing up the MDF with medium-grit sandpaper will allow the primer and paint to stick. After sanding it down, clean the dust off the MDF panel with a dry or sticky cloth. Don't use water as it can damage the material and make it useless.
Use prime: When the MDF panels are sanded and cleaned, a coat of primer will help to seal the cabinet doors. It's important to use a solvent primer that is oil- or alcohol-based as the fibers will absorb water-based primer causing the cabinets to swell.
Paint the MDF cabinets: Because the MDF panels are sealed with primer, you can use water-based paint on the cabinets, but oil- or lacquer-based paint are also great options for an MDF cabinet finish. Paint that has a sheen will ensure that the cabinet doors can be washed once they're finished. Add two coats of paint to the cabinet doors and allow the color to dry before attaching hardware.

Tip: If you prefer a shiny kitchen cabinet, opt for a shellac finish. Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug that is native to Thailand and India. Shellac doesn't just give your MDF cabinets a shiny finish, it also toughens up the material and prevents dents and other marks.

White, grey, and blue MDF cabinets in modern farmhouse kitchen with butcher block countertop and white subway tile backsplash.

Average Cost of
MDF Kitchen Cabinets

The average cost for MDF cabinets is $100 - $280 per linear square foot, the thicker the fiberboard, the higher the price. This makes MDF cheaper than most woods. It comes in at about a third of the price of maple wood which costs between $250 - $400 per linear foot. You can find a breakdown of kitchen cabinets cost in our guide. Although MDF cabinets are more affordable than solid wood, the material is quite strong and can last just as long if maintained properly.

Tip: To clean your MDF cabinets, first use a dry cloth to remove dust. Dissolve a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water and clean the surface with this solution. Be careful not to use too much water when cleaning. Remove any residual dish soap with a rinsed, damp cloth and wipe the surface dry afterward to avoid excess moisture damaging the cabinets.

MDF Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Do you love the idea of painted kitchen cabinets with a smooth finish? Here are some MDF cabinet ideas for eclectic, farmhouse, or glamorous kitchen designs.

Eclectic kitchen with dark green MDF cabinets and modern white backsplash tile.

Elevate your eclectic kitchen design with dark green MDF cabinets.

Modern farmhouse kitchen with blue and white two-toned cabinets and brass hardware and light fixtures over kitchen island.

Two-toned blue and white MDF cabinets look stunning in this farmhouse kitchen.

Glamorous kitchen with white and dark blue two-toned cabinets, brass hardware and eccentric tile backsplash.

Dark MDF island cabinets can level up your glamorous kitchen design.

MORE MDF KITCHEN CABINETS

DESIGN INSPIRATION

Bright, modern kitchen with light blue MDF cabinets and white backsplash tile.

Minimalist kitchen with dark green MDF shaker cabinets and white marble backsplash.

Modern kitchen with dark gray MDF shaker cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, golden light and water fixtures.

Modern farmhouse kitchen with white MDF shaker cabinets, light butcher block countertops and white, square tile backsplash.

Modern, open concept kitchen with ash-gray MDF cabinets and open shelving.

MDF Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

You can find the answers to all of your questions on MDF kitchen cabinets below. If you're interested in other kitchen styles, take a look at our gallery of kitchen cabinet ideas.

Pros

MDF cabinets are more affordable than most wood cabinets.
MDF is considered a green product since it's made from waste materials.
MDF has a smooth surface that doesn't splinter or move which makes it a great choice for painted cabinets.
Engineered wood like MDF wards off bugs and other pest attacks.

Cons

Dents and scratches in MDF cabinets can't be fixed.
MDF is heavier than wood or plywood because the material is very condensed.
MDF needs to be sealed with primer and paint so it doesn't fall prey to water absorption.
MDF cabinets have no wood grain.

Are MDF cabinets good quality?

Medium-density fiberboard cabinets are cheaper than solid wood but can be just as strong. If you're looking for painted cabinets, using MDF will give you a smoother finish and color that lasts for a long time. Proper maintenance will allow MDF cabinets to last just as long as solid wood cabinets.

Is MDF good for kitchen cabinets?

MDF can be a great alternative to wood cabinets if properly sealed with primer and topped off with high-quality paint. In a room like a kitchen, where cabinets need to withstand water, heat, and humidity, it's important to seal all edges of the panels to avoid swelling or distortion of the cabinets.

Is MDF better for cabinets than plywood?

MDF is more affordable but also much heavier than plywood. The fiberboard's smooth surface is a better base for paint than plywood. If you're looking for kitchen cabinets that can outlast years of wear and tear, plywood is the better option as it's less susceptible to water damage and it's an overall stronger, more durable material.

What are the disadvantages of MDF?

MDF will soak up water and other liquids if not properly treated with a primer which can ruin the panels permanently. Because MDF consists of small, compressed particles, the panels are heavy and don't hold screws very well. Dents and scratches in MDF can't be fixed so you'll have to replace the entire cabinet door if the panel gets damaged.

In the end, the use of MDF over wood cabinets comes down to aesthetics and budget. If you're looking for colorful cabinetry, MDF cabinets will allow for a smooth finish that lasts longer than painted wood. If you love the look of grained, stained wood, shop our kitchen cabinets. Both our RTA and assembled cabinets are constructed with Grade-A plywood which allows for a high-quality finish at an affordable price.