How to fix aluminium edging onto an MDF board

aluminummdf

I bought a 12mm sheet of melamine-faced MDF to use as a (black) whiteboard (chalk pens, works nicely) and some aluminum angle to use as edging (hoping to attach it to the sides and the front).

I was planning to screw the aluminum into the sides of the MDF but I have read some horror stories about splitting MDF that way.

I was wondering if anyone could advise how I might approach screwing it together safely, or else suggest any better ideas?

Best Answer

Drilling holes should help keep the MDF from splitting, take care to keep the holes as far from edges as you can and as straight as possible. Use short screws unless the aluminum edge will need to support the weight of your board (i.e. hanging on the wall by the top frame).

If you don't want visible screw heads you can alternatively use a strong adhesive such as epoxy.