This is a little below the sophistication of Fine Woodworking contributors, but I would like to know if MDO (the stuff sold for outdoor signs, etc.) would be appropriate for building an outside doghouse with my grandchildren for their Golden Lab’s christmas.
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Replies
Feeb,
MDO probably won't hold up well outdoors. It is partly made of paper.
An editor on our home building staff suggests CDX a.k.a. plywood.
Sincerely,
Gerald
Excuse me for contradicting the editors at FHB, but while it is true that MDO is plywood with a paper face applied to it, the paper is impregnated with a phenolic compound that makes it weather resistant. It was specifically developed to give a sturdy smooth surface for sign painting and art work meant to be exposed to the weather.
So MDO will hold up well outdoors, but should be painted to prevent long term degradation by sunlight. The edges of the MDO aren't any more weather resistant than any other form of plywood and should be sealed with paint, or covered by trim. Any wood that touches the ground should be pressure treated or rot resistant.
John White
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