What is MDF?

Posted: 2nd February 2023 | Author: Adam Brown

What is MDF?

Close up of a carpenter with a stack of MDF boards in a workshop

If you’re trying to choose the right sheet materials for a project, one option you’re bound to come across is MDF.

But what actually is MDF, how is it made and what benefits does it have to offer? We’ll be answering all of these questions and more here in this handy guide. This should help you work out whether it’s the right choice for your building job.

So, let’s start with the basics.

What does MDF stand for?

MDF stands for Medium Density Fibreboard. It’s an engineered wood material, which tends to come in large panels of various thicknesses. Its surface is smooth and free of natural defects.

You can cut and shape MDF boards using standard woodworking tools, which makes it pretty easy to work with. It’s non-structural, but has lots of different uses.

How is MDF made?

MDF is made by combining wood fibres with synthetic resin adhesive. Firstly, wood residuals are broken down into fine particles. It’s usually softwood, especially in the UK and Ireland. However, some manufacturers of MDF will use a percentage of temperate hardwood if locally available. These wood particles are combined with a wax and resin binder, which is then heated and compressed. This forms highly durable panels.

What is MDF used for?

MDF is a highly versatile material, one that is sanded smooth and easy to work with. This makes it suitable for lots of different applications. Here are just a few examples of the kind of projects it could be a good fit for:

• Internal joinery - MDF is commonly used for internal joinery work, such as door frames, doors, skirting boards, boxing in and architectural mouldings.
   
• Furniture - MDF is ideal for making low-cost furniture. It’s easier to work with than solid wood, and offers a smooth, perfect surface. You can cut it to almost any shape you want (although watch out for the dust) with almost no need for sanding. Crucially, MDF can also be easily painted for an impressive finish. You just need to make sure you seal the MDF first, with something like an oil-based primer.
   
• Panelling - as it can be painted and finished any way you like, MDF is the ideal choice for creating expensive-looking wall panelling at a fraction of the cost.
   
• Cabinetry and shelving - MDF is a good choice for building cupboards and cabinets. It’s not as strong as solid wood, but can still support some weight when used as shelving. For larger cabinets, it’s common to use solid wood for structural elements and then MDF for parts such as doors.
   
• Flooring - while it may not be as strong as solid hardwood, MDF nonetheless has a use in flooring structures. It has insulating and soundproofing qualities, making it a good choice as an underlay material.
   
• Soundproofing - as we’ve mentioned, MDF has some impressive soundproofing qualities. This makes it an effective material for lining the walls of a new home music studio, for example.

Now, can it be used outside? Most types of MDF aren’t really suitable for outdoor use, as it can swell, warp and eventually decay when exposed to moisture.

However, you can buy water-resistant MDF boards which can be suitable for some outdoor projects. For example, for a shed roof with a waterproof lining over the top.

Is MDF sustainable?

If sustainability is important to you for your upcoming project, it’s useful to understand a little more about how MDF is made. Plus, how long it lasts, and whether it can be recycled when it comes to the end of its usable life.

Firstly, there’s the manufacturing process to consider. MDF is made from waste or inferior wood materials that aren’t suitable for much else. This otherwise wasted material is effectively repurposed in the making of MDF. It’s also good if the manufacturer has used wood from a sustainable source.

MDF is made by bonding these waste wood particles with synthetic resin adhesive. Depending on the manufacturer, grade and type of board, this adhesive can potentially contain formaldehyde. This is a pollutant which can negatively affect indoor air quality.

Due to the high temperatures and pressures required to bond these materials together, MDF panels can take a lot of energy to manufacture. This energy could come from renewable sources, however.

MDF is generally considered to be a very durable material, if used for the right purposes. For example, if you plan to use it anywhere near moisture, you need to choose a moisture-resistant variety or your MDF won’t last very long. Similarly, if you’re using it to make furniture, it’s a good idea to seal, paint and finish the MDF properly to help it last for longer.

The last thing to consider is whether your used MDF can be recycled at the end of its usable life. It used to be the case that it was considered very difficult to recycle, but the good news is that many local household waste recycling centres now accept MDF.

The Author: Adam Brown

With a background as a Mechanical Engineer, I started Nationwide Supplies alongside my brother with a vision to modernise what seemed a stuck-in-its-ways industry in the builders merchant sector.  Since 2011 it has been my goal to source quality products at the correct prices to be able to offer a saving to customers along with high quality customer service which offers quick delivery and superior technical knowledge in the industry.  

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