What is causing the issues with my skirting board?
Asked by Terrance Washington 
5 months ago
Last Updated: June 13, 2024
Hey, can someone fill me in on what’s going on with my skirting?
It became wet.
The fake wood (particle) is getting wet and expanding. Consider using real wood instead, applying high-quality paint, and being careful not to get your floor too wet when mopping. Let’s also put an end to these anonymous posts.
In my opinion, MDF… material is not very valuable.
That material is even lower quality than MDF, it’s almost like compacted paper. It has a very fibrous texture and absorbs moisture easily.
Different baseboards were used. For areas prone to water (like bathrooms and kitchens), it’s better to install real wood or the newer plastic type baseboards. MDF baseboards are not suitable as they can swell and deteriorate when exposed to moisture. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have a leak, but if water gets on them from spills or wet shoes, it can cause damage.
Even the grout appears to be wet.
It has been wet on several occasions
When there’s MDF Water Damage, it’s usually caused by a leak or using too much water while mopping, which can seep under the base!
Water
When you mop it, it becomes wet.
I think it’s MDF and it swells up when it gets wet.
Using chemicals to mop may damage the baseboards
Water damage can cause serious issues
MDF can absorb water and develop mold
MDF is not my favorite. I only resort to using it for crown molding when necessary.
Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking when I saw it. MDF is pretty much garbage all the way. Looks good initially but eventually reveals its low quality.
Thumbs up
MDF is a fantastic choice for many parts of a home. With the right primer and paint, it can withstand the test of time.
Just remove the MDF and replace it with real wood. Best of luck with your project!
MDF is not durable. It likely got wet due to some reason. Even regular cleaning can lead to this issue over time.
It’s made of MDF, which is essentially compressed sawdust held together with non-waterproof glue. If it gets wet, it’s pretty much useless. But the upside is that it’s budget-friendly, so you can probably redo two rooms for just 100 bucks.
That skirt is made of MDF and it got wet.
Came here to echo this sentiment and advise against reinstalling MDF baseboards. I’ve heard horror stories about how it reacts to moisture, although I haven’t personally experienced it myself, except for a cheap coffee table that swelled and popped from spills.
Your floor is wet from mopping.
When dealing with wet areas, I opt for PVC trim. It’s completely resistant to moisture.
Water
Is your dog or cat urinating on it?
MDF is not suitable for areas exposed to any moisture. It will be ruined and will need to be replaced.
Water
Do you happen to have a dog that tends to pee all around the house? That’s the situation I’m dealing with.
The first issue is that your trim is constructed from cardboard (MDF). The second issue is that it has been exposed to moisture, potentially from repeated contact with a wet mop or a flood.
MDF works great as trim…just not in bathrooms or other places with moisture. A good primer and paint can really make MDF stand out.
Your maid tends to use excessive water when mopping near your MDF moldings.
Haha, everyone loves to criticize MDF, right? But honestly, it’s a great product for specific uses. Just avoid using it in wet areas. MDF baseboards are totally fine with the right primer and paint.
Oh, something like this? LOL
Tomas Eny for sure.
If you paint all sides before nailing and touch up nail holes and rubbed off paint, then reinstall and repeat.
Haha , fair point. Can you share a story about making custom trim and working with MDF without explicitly saying it? Your advice seems to be a bit off.
Hey , you mentioned using the right primer and paint. It’s as simple as that to avoid these issues. I just wanted to highlight that most people forget to paint the bottom, cut ends, or nail holes, and that old mop always comes in handy.
Damage caused by water
Inexpensive foundation that got saturated with water
Poor quality compressed cardboard became damp
Using MDF for baseboards is not the best idea.
Oh, that looks like water has caused some damage.
Is it cat or dog urine?
Looks like it’s in pieces now.
It seems that they are no longer in a good place in their relationship and have chosen to go their separate ways.
So, this product is made of mdf and unfortunately got wet over time causing this issue.
The inexpensive trim got wet and now it’s similar to compressed cardboard
That MDF is absorbing moisture and expanding, so be sure to keep it dry
This is constructed from paper
Inexpensive, moist, not truly wood – it’s deteriorating!
It’s not actually made of wood!
MDF is similar to pressure-treated wood in the sense that you need to seal any cuts before installing. And yeah, it’s not the best option for anything other than a wavy wall in a desert.
It appears to be garbage from the beginning, and then it got wet…now it’s wet, swollen garbage
There’s water on the ground, seeping in, damaging the imitation wood.
Do you have any pets? That material seems like it absorbs liquid like a sponge, so if your pet urinates on it…yuck.
MDF. If it gets wet from mopping or other sources, better to remove it and replace it with wood.
Yeah, that inexpensive pressboard stuff expands and falls apart at the slightest hint of moisture. Should remove it and opt for real wood.
Switch to real wood. MDF can swell if exposed to water.