Medallion Silverline Painted (MDF) Cabinets - need advice

7 years ago

I've been going back and forth between Kraftmaid Vantage and Medallion. I have a quote for KM but just can't get excited about their Dove White. It's too white white for my kitchen and their next color (Linen) too yellowy.

I really like Medallion's White Icing. My KD is working up a quote in their Silverline but has just told me their doors are all MDF. She feels that's a perfectly good way to go and gave me a list of reasons why it's better with painted finishes. I have spent WAY too much time reading the pros and cons of MDF for painted finishes. I'm at a loss for which is the right answer.

I am waiting on the quote but would love some feedback from anyone who has or has sold Medallion Silverline in the all MDF doors (looking at the Jackson door). Or any suggestions on what I can do to get the Medallion White Icing color I love in the most quality yet still affordable construction.

This seriously makes my head spin!

Featured Answer

Carly Schwanz

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I am a K&B Designer, and I also carry and sell Medallion Cabinetry. It is a great line that has tons of finish options and customization. Their customer service is phenomenal. Here is the clip out of the Silverline Spec book explaining MDF.

MDF is becoming more widely accepted, especially in states with all 4 seasons (or high temps vs low temps and changing humidity). MDF does not expand and contract like solid wood does, so it accepts a painted finish very cleanly. Sometimes you end up seeing some small lines and splits in your painted finish when using solid wood, but with MDF there is a much better chance that it won't happen.

Not that I condone lying... but... if your K&B Designer didn't tell you it was going to be MDF and you got them installed, I can guarantee you wouldn't be able to tell the difference and you would be just as happy with them. Don't let the idea of not having solid wood scare you! MDF is engineered for this purpose.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

sloyder
7 years ago
I like solid wood doors
sowkmom
7 years ago
Did you see the KM canvas? It’s a soft white. I also was debating between Medallian and KM and ultimately went with KM because they had a few more door sizes than the Silverline. No comment on mdf doors. I feel your pain on decision making...it’s overwhelming and I ultimately just but the bullet and committed to KM. Good luck!
Related Professionals
Rome Interior Designers & Decorators · Bowling Green Bathroom Remodelers · Muskogee Bathroom Remodelers · Cedar Rapids Bathroom Remodelers · Cleveland Bathroom Remodelers · Torrington Architects & Building Designers · Minneapolis Architects & Building Designers · Wheeling Architects & Building Designers · Carson City Architects & Building Designers · Amherst Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Albert Lea Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Bridgeport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sarnia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Coeur d'Alene Kitchen Remodelers · Muncie Custom Countertops
just_terrilynn
7 years ago
Do they have MDF doors with real wood frames? Those feel nice and heavy and you might still get a bit of a painted wood grain look on the rest depending. A little of both worlds and a tic cheaper than all wood.
sloyder
7 years ago
I would be afraid that the screws holding the hinges in the MDF would tear out from use. Even my low end RTA cabinets have sold wood doors.
chiflipper
7 years ago
I prefer all wood...and I accept that there will be some cracking. (Three years, painted maple, high humidity, wild swings in temps, no cracks as yet.)
sloyder
7 years ago
https://www.cabinetdoor.com/blog/mdf-cabinet-door-pros-and-cons/
jbelke
6 years ago
What line did you decide to go with? I am currently looking at the Silverline as well.