Exterior MDF

[doctor Bob]

When I make a kitchen, I usually do the sink doors (wet areas) out of Exterior MDF. Recently from the off cuts I made a sledge for a garden sprinkler so I can drag it around the lawn without getting wet feet. The EX MDF has stood up fine. So my question is, I want to put a small bit of raised decking around a big walnut tree, if run my own out of EX MDF and paint it do you reckon it would last or would a winter kill it?

 

[RobinBHM]

Exterior mdf will let moisture in through any unsealed end grain, given some time.

Tricoya mdf would be the most long lasting option, albeit at more cost. 18mm is around £100 a sheet.

 

[owen]

If it's going to cost you very little then there's no harm in trying. You only get ten years if you're lucky out of the softwood stabilised decking anyway.

 

[Kev]

+1 for Tricoya. Have used this for external planters for a client and have lasted well. The stuff is completely resistant to water in my opinion (god knows what they put in it). First time I used it I was sceptical so placed some in a bowl of water for a couple of months and showed no noticeable loss of integrity. That said it is very expensive .