Getting MDF wet - How big of a problem?

[2panther]

I am hoping to go to home depot tonight to pick up some MDF to start my cabinet and unfortunately I don't think the sheets of MDF will fit the in back of my Grand Cherokee so I'll need to rent the HD truck.

It's cold and snowy here and the HD truck is an open bed, if the sheets of MDF get a little wet from the snow and what not is it a big deal (I'm visioning the MDF turning to an oatmeal like consistency) when wet. I only live about 5 miles from HD so it's not a long trip just wanted to check.

[kingflynn]

Five miles won't kill it.  If one side of one piece got fuzzy, you could face it inside the cab.  I would rather wrap it in plastic though.  Take a tarp, or dropcloth if you have one from home.  If not go to the paint dept. and they have really cheap disposable dropcloths.

[clockwork]

I drove my MDF home in a mini blizzard (about a 10 minute drive) with the HD truck and it looks fine.

[Tahnok]

There's no reason for the board to get soaked on the drive home though. Bring a tarp to throw over it (and a way to secure it). If needed, bring something to sit the board up on so that it's not sitting in a pool of water in the truck bed. The board may need to be refinished, but it shouldn't ruin it.

[leapinlew]

There's no reason for the board to get soaked on the drive home though. Bring a tarp to throw over it (and a way to secure it). If needed, bring something to sit the board up on so that it's not sitting in a pool of water in the truck bed. The board may need to be refinished, but it shouldn't ruin it.

Thats good advice.

[Spaz Monkey]

Not to hijack, but what happens if it does get wet?  And what can be done?

[leapinlew]

Not to hijack, but what happens if it does get wet?  And what can be done?

To answer your questions:

It expands.

Buy more MDF.

[clockwork]

If it expands, then just cut it in half.

[xmenxmen]

Wipe it dry quickly and it probably will not expand.