The benefits of using MDF mouldings for new-build houses
The successful completion of a new-build housing project requires careful balancing of budgets and timescales with the aesthetically pleasing and high-quality details that homeowners desire. Thanks to the many benefits that MDF mouldings offer, including their ease of installation and attractive appearance, they can help to ensure all requirements are met without compromising on cost or quality.
So, what makes MDF mouldings the ideal choice for a new-build housing development? Let’s look at the benefits in more detail.
Simplified planning with MDF mouldings
Natural timber mouldings often have knots or warping that must be removed prior to installation. This means you can’t be sure you’ve ordered the right amount, and it can result in a lot of on-site waste. MDF removes this uncertainty.
Mark Kirkpatrick, technical director at SAM, explains that because MDF is a manufactured material, MDF mouldings offer a consistency that timber products can’t match. “With MDF mouldings, every centimetre can be used. Products can even be delivered pre-cut to size, mitigating on-site waste, simplifying the ordering process and reducing on-site labour,” he says.
Streamlined installation with MDF mouldings
As discussed above, using MDF mouldings means that installers don’t need to spend time removing imperfections, thereby reducing product waste and saving time. But the benefits in terms of streamlining installation don’t end there.
“Primed MDF mouldings also speed up installation in other ways,” Mark adds. “For example, the smooth surface of MDF requires minimal preparation prior to finishing – just a light sanding is usually all that’s required before applying an undercoat and topcoat – and products are available pre-finished for even more time savings.”
Installing MDF mouldings is a simple process. They’re simply fixed into place using an adhesive and nailed or screwed into place. The combination of adhesive and mechanical fixing ensures a secure installation that remains in place for the long term.
Mark also points out that since MDF is more flexible than natural timber, MDF mouldings can conform to uneven walls or door frames. “This makes them great for hiding any minor building imperfections without the need for time-consuming corrective measures while still providing a professional and high-quality appearance,” he says.
The various finishing options of MDF mouldings
Fully Finished MDF mouldings can bring considerable benefits to housing projects, as they remove the need for time-consuming sanding, priming and applying multiple topcoats. Since the finishes are applied in a factory setting, they also provide a consistency and gloss finish that can be difficult, or impossible, to achieve on-site.
Here at SAM, we offer a variety of fully finished MDF mouldings, ensuring there’s something suitable for your project, budget and preferences.
- Fully-finished MDF mouldings – SAM Zero mouldings are finished with two coats of primer and an acrylic top coat. This range is supplied as standard in RAL9003 White. are Quick and easy to install, they eliminate the need for further painting and, in turn, cut labour costs.
- Wrapped MDF mouldings – SAM Wrap mouldings can be covered in a choice of real wood veneer to match wooden flooring or doors, as well as PVC.
Depending on project requirements, we also offer our core range of primed profiles: SAM Mouldings, which are provided with two coats of water-based primer. They simply need to be de-nibbed, an undercoat applied, followed by a topcoat in paint of your choice. Unfinished mouldings are also available.
MDF mouldings come in a wide choice of styles
Whether a project calls for modern clean lines or traditional ornate details, MDF mouldings are available to meet the design brief.
Here at SAM, we keep an extensive range of products in stock, so the items required can be procured quickly. Choose from profile shapes ranging from simple squared edges, pencil round, bullnose or grooved through to torus, ogee, stepped and other period cuts. If something specific is required, we also offer a bespoke service.
MDF mouldings can be provided in larger sizes
While the size of natural timber products is restricted by the size of the trees they are cut from, MDF mouldings have no such limitations. This makes MDF mouldings ideal for use as bespoke door frames or across other wide spans.
The durability and reliability of MDF mouldings
Specifiers sometimes worry that MDF mouldings won’t provide long-term reliability. They are often concerned that the products will become damaged or swell when exposed to moisture.
Here at SAM, all our MDF mouldings are made of moisture-resistant MDF (also known as MR-MDF). This means all our products are suitable for use in high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens – they are resistant to warping and swelling and should maintain their good looks for many years with minimal maintenance.
Find out more about MDF mouldings for new-build housing
As specialists in MDF moulding, SAM offers a wide range of high-quality products, perfect for new-build housing. We offer award-winning support, providing developers and installers complete peace of mind, while our just-in-time deliveries help to simplify on-site logistics.
To learn more, you can browse our products online or download our product brochure. You can also request samples or get in touch to discuss your project in more detail.
For more than 35 years, SAM has been a trusted manufacturer of MDF mouldings for the construction and home improvement industries. With more than 250 different products 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.
