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How to Make MDF Molding

MDF (medium density fiberboard) molding looks and feels like traditional wooden molding, but it offers several advantages over real wood. Not only is it significantly less expensive (as of 2011), but it also is much less likely to warp, and when you're cutting it, it won't split. Because it has a wood base, MDF is nearly indistinguishable from real wood. The process of making MDF takes place in a manufacturing facility. Most of the equipment would be beyond the budget or available space of the average DIY homeowner; however, once you have the MDF, you can customize it using a stock feeder.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Router table
  • Table saw
  • Molding cutter attachment (for saw)
  • Power feeder
  • Joint compound
  • Sandpaper, various grits
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the linear feet of molding you need. MDF comes in sheets of 49 inches by 97 inches, but you can make the sheet into narrower strips. Buy enough MDF to make into the amount of molding you need.

    • 2

      Tear the MDF into narrower strips. It will be soft enough for you to rip in half relatively easily, then rip into strips that are an inch or two wider than what you need. You can also use a box cutter if you're not comfortable ripping in a straight line.

    • 3

      Set the power feeder onto a router table, and align the blade so that it will cut the strips into the width you want. Feed the strips through and stack the cut pieces.

    • 4

      Attach the molding head cutter (available at home improvement retailers) to your table saw. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set the cutter to make the molding pattern that you want. Whatever pattern you choose, make sure that you run each piece of molding through at the same rate of speed.

    • 5

      Take the molding pieces to a home improvement store to get the miter cuts done, unless you have considerable experience, as this can be the most frustrating step in molding design. If you can do it, though, use the miter box and saw carefully so that your angles match up perfectly. Sand before applying any finish or paint to the molding pieces.

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