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Choosing a Baseboard Material

624 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  ront02769
Hello Everyone,


I'm getting ready to replace all of the baseboard in my home. I'm looking for a simple product, likely a 1x6 and will be butt jointing it at corners. Because of the butt joints, I am hesitant to use MDF because I don't think the end will look right when painted/exposed. Also, I have heard MDF has some shrink issues as humidity changes. Are there other engineered products I could use that would be cost effective? I hate paying for oak and then painting it.



I'm in Colorado so humidity is pretty low. Durability is a huge factor in product selection.


Cheers,
Andrew
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Premium pine?

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Premium pine?

Sent from my RCT6A03W13E using Tapatalk



Pine dents pretty easily, I'm hoping for something harder but it is on the list if all else fails. Thank you!
Vinyl 1X6 planks?

Weathered Barn Wood, left un painted?


ED
Vinyl 1X6 planks?

Weathered Barn Wood, left un painted?


ED

I'll look into the vinyl, that might be a good option. Are they solid plants or hollow core? I think the barn wood could get pretty expensive but maybe I could find a good deal somewhere.
I have used primed pine 16’ boards from Lowe’s. They are finger jointed but low cost with good quality. For a harder wood that paints well try poplar.
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Many on here will disagree but I don't mind MDF. I like it better than fingerjointed pine. Personal preference I suppose. I've never had a problem with MDF being unstable wrt humidity.
I'm curious why you are planning to butt joint. If it's for lack of a power mitre saw, a mitre box and back saw are relatively cheap and, with a little practice can do a great job. It won't matter than much on an inside corner but a butt joint on an outside corner will still be noticeable, moreso with lumber since you are dealing in visible end grain. Or you could get creative with store-bought plinth and corner blocks.
Mer and cope your joints. Wicked easy. I’ve had HAbitat groups of secretaries, office workers,etc. do it and they catch on right quick!
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