A question from one of our faithful readers, Danielle Duckworth.

“I’m just wondering if you can use MDF as a paneling type? What I mean is can you use it like you would use drywall? If so, what would you use to putty between the seams and fill in the nail holes?”

Dear Danielle,

You may be able to use MDF in place of drywall, although there are a few things to consider. First off, building codes require that panels thinner than 1/4″ be backed with a non-combustible material (i.e., drywall, gypsum wallboard). Much depends on which MDF material you are using. Oftentimes, decorative MDF wall panels do not meet these codes. Even if you are using (as I imagine you are) thicker, 4′x8′ panels, fire safety is something to think about. That being said, MDF is often powder-coated to protect against fire; you’ll need to know your product’s history. (more…)

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In an effort to promote the sustainability of natural stone products, the Natural Stone Council has released an environmental survey of the natural stone industry. The NSC, an organization made up of trade and business associations that promote Genuine Stone over synthetic materials, completed the survey to analyze quarries and processing operations and their impact on the life cycle of the materials that end up as your countertops, floors, and other applications in and out of the home.

The survey addressed all types of stone, including sandstone and marble, but was dominated by limestone and granite, the two leading sectors of the industry. The NSC received answers from over 40 companies comprising 64 quarries and 45 processing plants. They hope to advertise natural stone as an eco-friendly option for homeowners. Granite, our favorite countertop stone, has long been a topic of debate, for both its health and environmental impacts. But this survey hopes to garner an all-encompassing A-plus, or at least form a solid groundwork for getting there, for natural materials in the face of synthetic materials, such as recycled countertops, that carry a green label and have been popular in the green building movement.

There are several areas that the NSC survey focused on, including:

(more…)

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