False chimney breast

[Thecasementkid]

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of decorating the lounge, and "the misses" wants a false chimney breast to house the flat screen TV etc. The build is easy enough, framing out of 3"x 2" and I was going to use MDF to enclose the frame for strength.

My query is this. I want to paper the breast with a decent grade lining paper, as I am doing with the walls. Should I get a plasterer to skim it first, indeed can they skim over MDF at all? Otherwise, can I paper directly on to the MDF? I'm anxious not to see end joints anywhere.

Your assistance, as usual, is invaluable and appreciated.

 

[noseall]

why bother with m.d.f. at all.

fix the 3"x2" framework, then drywall screw plasterboard directly to the framing. you can then bead, scrim and skim or mud the joints and nail heads and paper direct.

set the upright studs at 450mm centres, with maybe a nogging at mid span.

 

[Thecasementkid]

Thanks for the advice. Under normal circumstances i'd use plasterboard, but it's got to support a heavy TV so I thought MDF would give far more strength.

 

[markie]

In that case put noggins in before you plaster board, then you know you've got a good fixing. MDF is not the best for holding screws for a heavy-ish objected,