koda1
New member
Looking to put some slat wall up in the garage. Will mdf hold up in the humid SW FL climate or should I go with pvc which is much more expensive.
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slatwall
- Thread starter koda1
- Start date
Previous owner of my garage put up a lot of MDF pegboard in the garage in Houston. The MDF mostly held up structurally (though a few holes were blown out), but the garage had a distinctly musty smell, which I think was related to the mdf. I'm in the process of putting up PVC slatwall.
Be aware that PVC slatwall can be pretty tedious to install. Its strength is dependent on a LOT of fasteners going in (48 screws for 4 foot by 4 foot panel). If you are OCD, it can be really difficult to make the slats on adjoining panels line up perfectly because each slat is a separate sub panel. You also have to attach each side on a stud, and if your garage studs aren't spaced the same width, you will have to add some framing for the install. On the upside, it's nice and bright and shouldn't fade.
CHuDWah
Well-known member
What do you mean by MDF pegboard? Is that the same as masonite (aka tempered hard board)? I love that stuff and am planning to put up a bunch of it in my SE FL garage. But I've never used it in hot humid conditions. I'm planning to paint it - wonder if moldicide paint such as Kilz or something would help?
couch67
Well-known member
Bought a 4 x 4 Husky slatwall in the summer, as nealric mentioned there are a lot of screws to install but it seems pretty good so far. If you need more than 4x4 its probably worth looking at the mdf as the pvc is fairly expensive.
punisher660
Member
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- Oct 5, 2015
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- 6
I used the raw MDF slatwall, and sprayed it with a good outdoor-rated latex. It has held up very well, but Utah doesn't have the same humidity as FL.
James-W
Well-known member
I suspect that if you paint the MDF or coat it with something to keep out the moisture, it will probably work out OK. But on the other hand, I think going with PVC would be better if only for your peace of mind.
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CombatNinja
Well-known member
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- Aug 24, 2013
- Messages
- 1,456
MDF and humidity are not friends. Sure, you can coat every surface of it as a countermeasure but slatwall, MDF or not, is not cheap and I would rather just get something that will work in my humid climate and not have to mess with it. I am in the sandhills of N. Carolina and I feel your pain on the humidity, it wreaks havoc on MDF.
btdobie
Well-known member
I've had no problems with my MDF slatwall, but that may not mean much to you because the air can get pretty dry here in the winter.
Metal is also an option though it is a very expensive one. I've seen it on surplus auctions for about half price a couple of times.
Metal is also an option though it is a very expensive one. I've seen it on surplus auctions for about half price a couple of times.
jkeyser14
Well-known member
I would avoid MDF. With high humidity it starts to swell, deteriorate, and harbor mold.
Attachments
Or metal slatwall. Here’s some of mine
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Lis! Love your shop.Attachments
Pauljt
Member
Or metal slatwall. Here’s some of mine
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Nice shop but you need more hammers.
