|> > I am looking to box in an existing cistern and fit a back to wall pan. |> > Bearing in mind the presence of water and other unmentionable fluids (I |> > have an 11 year old son with poor aim), what should I use to box in the |> > cistern and provide a false back for the pan? |> > I am reluctant to use mdf due to water/moisture present. |> > Probably end up painting the final install. |> |> MDF is essentially lots of sawdust mixed with a resin; water-resistant mdf |> is sawdust mixed with a water-resistant resin. The water-resistant mdf I've |> purchased is a light-green hue. It cut's like mdf, and paints like mdf ( I |> can't believe it's not mdf |> I placed a 'lump' of the stuff on th area where the dishwasher and washing |> machine sit - just-in-case-. It's more expensive than the 'usual' mdf; I |> bought mine off SLH.
One problem is the material swelling, warping and breaking up; the other is paint adhesion. Hardboard is a right b*gg*r, even when well sanded, and I assume MDF is similar. I would advise plywood - there is no need for marine ply, but external is better for damp locations.
We have a cheap hardboard door to a shower room, and it has flaked badly. And that is despite THOROUGH sanding and proper painting.
Oh, and if wiping clean is critical, use a solvent-based gloss.
Regards, Nick Maclaren.