MDF
(Medium-density fibreboard)
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally denser than plywood. It is made up of separated fibres, but can be used as a building material similar in application to plywood. It is stronger and much denser than particle board.
The name derives from the distinction in densities of fibreboard.
Sustainability
43%
Price index
85%
Our index
67%
Description
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Description
Benefits
- Is an excellent substrate for veneers
- Some varieties are less expensive than many natural woods
- Consistent in strength and size
- Shapes well
- Stable dimensions (less expansion and contraction than natural wood)
- Takes paint well
- Takes woodglue well
- High screw pull-out strength in the face grain of the material
Drawbacks
- Denser than plywood or chipboard (the resins are heavy)
- Low grade MDF may swell and break when saturated with water
- May warp or expand in humid environments if not sealed
- May release formaldehyde, which is a known human carcinogen and may cause allergy, eye and lung irritation when cutting and sanding
- Dulls blades more quickly than many woods. Use of tungsten carbide edged cutting tools is almost mandatory, as high speed steel dulls too quickly
- Though it does not have a grain in the plane of the board, it does have one intothe board. Screwing into the edge of a board will generally cause it to split in a fashion similar to delaminating
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