Question about MDF board

[crush]

I build my cages and stands out of MDF board should I paint or seal it?
It is a shelving material sold at Home Depot or Chase Pitkins. Really cheap and really strong. Its a Medium Density Fibreboard. Its made out of Eucalyptus chips pressed with heat and synthetic glue. Any known problems with it?

[Stormyva]

I know MDF sucks up water like a sponge and is VERY heavy.
The only way that stuff is going to last any amount of time is you put a good coat of polyurethane on it.

[Heidi]

What about MDF with a wood laminate on the outside and tub surround or melamine (sp?) on the inside with a sealant? It is cheaper then wood and may be able to use as a base for the structure of the cage.

[EyeOfTheStorm]

MDF board is standard particle/flake board's ugly cousin. I would treat it the same way. Any bare edge, needs to be coated, so absolutely no moisture can get to it. Even air humidity can damage this stuff. Also, this stuff will warp over time under its own weight, so ensure the top of your enclosure is very well supported, even in the center. If it isnt supported, give it a few months and it will look like a half-pipe. The best use for this material, like particle board, is speaker boxes.

If you are looking for an economical material to use, I would suggest using luon, which is a like wood paneling, without the grooves. It still has to be sealed, but is feather light. Use this in combo with a wood skeletal structure made of 1x2's or 2x2's, which are also dirt cheap. At the same price as luon, is tile board. This makes great inner walls and floors, as you dont have to seal it (with the exception of the joints). These products I have mentioned will also keep your enclosure light. I am building a large enclosure now using the above mentioned materials, and the current prices I am paying at Home Depot are...

1x2's(8ft) = $.98 each
2x2's(8ft) = $1.98 each
4x8 Sheet of luon = $9.96
4x8 Sheet of tile board = $9.96

Good luck!