Specifying MDF mouldings for high-end homes
Quality, attention to detail and aesthetics are all key considerations when fitting out high-end homes, creating a sense of refined sophistication and comfort. MDF mouldings, which are highly praised for their beautiful finishes and long-lasting durability, are an ideal choice for such projects, as they make it easy to create a consistently beautiful finish that suits any interior design scheme.
MDF mouldings for a smooth and consistent finish
When looking around a high-end home, all the mouldings – from the ceiling cornice to the skirting boards and everything in between – should have a that continues throughout the interior. Achieving this can be difficult and expensive with timber mouldings, as cutting, sanding and finishing are time-consuming, and achieving perfection requires precise skills.
MDF mouldings can simplify these processes, providing even higher quality results quickly and with reduced onsite labour, helping to keep costs down.
Mark Kirkpatrick, technical director at SAM, explains how MDF mouldings can accomplish so much: “Because MDF is a manufactured material, it has a homogeneous consistency throughout – meaning there are no knots or other natural imperfections like there are in timber. This makes MDF mouldings easy to cut to size and the smooth surface creates an ultra-smooth finish.”
He adds that opting for fully finished MDF mouldings can make it even easier to achieve a superb high-end finish: “When finishes are applied in a factory setting, it allows every aspect to be controlled, including temperature and humidity. This, combined with careful quality control, ensures that finishes are flawlessly applied without the variations that can occur during on-site application.”
Choosing the right MDF moulding finish
Here at SAM, we offer a variety of fully finished MDF mouldings, ensuring complete design versatility, without compromising on quality or style. Options include:
- Fully finished MDF moulding – Finished with two coats of primer and an acrylic top coat, SAM Zero mouldings provide a durable surface and consistent sheen. They are commonly specified in Signal White RAL9003.
- Wrapped MDF mouldings – Covered in a choice of real wood veneer or PVC, SAM WRAP mouldings ensure a high-quality appearance with an attractive texture and a wide range of colour choices.
SAM Mouldings are another option to consider. This is our core range of primed products that are provided with two coats of water-based primer, which has been specifically formulated to provide an ideal surface for painting. They simply require de-nibbing, an undercoat, followed by the selected topcoat. Unprimed mouldings can also be provided as required.
Our SAM Bespoke service can also assist with special requests – for example, if you need to match existing mouldings in period or listed properties, or if you have specific colour or other styling requirements.
Other benefits of installing MDF mouldings in high-end homes
As mentioned above, MDF mouldings offer a consistency that timber products simply can’t match. The lack of knots and imperfections creates a flawless finish, and it also makes it easier to estimate and order products, as MDF mouldings are supplied in standard lengths and installers won’t have to cut away any knots or imperfections – leading to less on-site waste and keeping costs down.
Since MDF is manufactured material, its size is not limited to the natural growing habits of trees. This means that extra-wide products, such as bespoke door frames or extra wide window boards, can be manufactured to suit project requirements.
Are MDF mouldings suitable for every room?
Mouldings can be manufactured using moisture resistant MDF, meaning they can be used in a variety of different rooms including high humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
MDF mouldings are just as suitable for these locations as natural timber products – as long as you specify moisture-resistant MDF, also known as MR MDF.
MR MDF is made using a special resin that prevents moisture from being absorbed. Mark notes that a gloss-coat factory-applied finish can also reinforce an MDF moulding’s resistance to moisture, for additional peace of mind.
“By specifying fully finished MR MDF mouldings, you can rest assured that the mouldings will withstand the heat and moisture commonly found in bathroom and kitchen settings,” he says. He also warns that, whether they’re made from MR MDF or natural timber, no wood-based internal mouldings can withstand prolonged exposure to water.
Explore the full range of MDF mouldings available at SAM
With SAM, specifying and procuring top-quality MDF mouldings for high-end homes is straightforward and trouble-free. Via our SAM Stock service, all products are distributed through a local merchant network and we offer just-in-time delivery for simplified on-site logistics.
To learn more about our wide range of MDF mouldings, you can browse our MDF mouldings portfolio online or download our product catalogue. You can also request samples to evaluate the quality for yourself and give you peace of mind before ordering,
For more than 35 years, SAM has been a trusted manufacturer of MDF mouldings for the construction and home improvement industries. With over 250 different stock profiles to choose from, we offer styles and finishing options to suit any design aesthetic, and our large stock capacity ensures reliable availability. Our entire range is also backed by our friendly and professional support team.
