MDF Bead board in Bath?

[JustStoppingBy]

Experts (you know who are)- I want to put bead board along a wall in the master bath. Is there any reason I can’t use the 4x8 MDF panels sold locally, as long as I put a coat of semigloss over them?

I really like the look of the “wood” sheets but everything I’ve seen says they are for dry applications. I know I can purchase the plastic-y ones but I hate the way they look.

What say you?

 

[Ken King]

Is there any reason I can’t use the 4x8 MDF panels sold locally, as long as I put a coat of semigloss over them?

More than a coat if regular MDF. Even if it is MR MDF (moisture resistant) you will want to prime it, seal it, and then final paint it. See this - https://forestplywood.com/blog/how-to-waterproof-mdf/

 

[Goldenhawk]

Be darn sure you have waterproofed the bottom edge. Any water that ends up on the floor will get soaked up by the bottom edge.

To avoid that problem, I would recommend painting the bottom edge and the first couple inches of the reverse side (even though it won't show), installing it with at least 1/2" gap to the floor, then put baseboard trim over that, then caulk the base of the trim pretty carefully.

And use REAL WOOD trim, not MDF trim.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

I've sealed mdf with poly and then painted it and have had success with it as trim, even in the bathroom.

 

[nutz]

For your application beadboard wallpaper may be a much better option.

That Wonderful Beadboard Wallpaper

installing beadboard wallpaper with chairrail

southernhospitalityblog.com

 

[Goldenhawk]

For your application beadboard wallpaper may be a much better option.

That's pretty cool. About $25/roll on Amazon (50 sq ft). Probably a lot easier than real wood.