What Is MDF? Everything You Need to Know

Medium-density fiberboard, or MDF as it is more commonly known, is a type of engineered wood-product that is often used in the construction trades, furniture-making, and similar applications. MDF is sold in large flat sheets of various thicknesses, and it can be cut and shaped using ordinary woodworking tools.

MDF is common in painted woodwork, cabinetry, furniture, and sometimes even in structural walls and flooring. It's more affordable and a better choice where the surfaces need to be painted because it has a smooth, dense surface that is ideal for paint.

Learn what MDF is, how it's used, and how it compares to other common building materials.

What Is MDF?

MDF is a manufactured product that is composed of pulverized wood fibers mixed with resins and wax, before being pressed into flat panels under high temperatures and pressure. It is used as a building material in residential and commercial buildings and in cabinetry and furniture-making. MDF is available in several different types, depending on the needs of the job:

• Beadboard is a type of MDF made with faux tongue-and-groove patterns. It is often used to make easy, inexpensive wainscotting treatments and other wall paneling effects.
• Slatwall is a particular type of MDF panel that has deep-lipped grooves. These panels are often used for commercial display walls or for special shelving or storage systems.
• Moisture-resistant MDF makes use of special resins that make it a good choice in bathrooms, kitchens, and floors, where high humidity can cause standard MDF to swell.
• Fire-retardant MDF is often specified where construction needs to have extra fire resistance. Most commonly, it is seen in commercial buildings.
• Ultralite MDF weighs one third less than standard MDF, so it is popular for use in theater sets or tradeshow booths, where structures must be periodically assembled and disassembled.
• Bendy MDF is processed in a manner that allows the panels to readily curve. Architects often specify this material to create curved walls and trim.

MDF vs. Real Wood

MDF can be used in place of real wood for a variety of jobs, like cabinetry, furniture making, or even some construction projects. However, there are jobs that are not suitable for MDF, which is when construction experts rely on the strength, durability, and longevity of real wood.

• MDF is an engineered wood product that is created when a mixture of pulverized wood fibers, resins, and wax is pressed into sheets by applying heat and pressure to the wood fiber mixture. This wood is affordable, easy to work with, and relatively uniform throughout the material, making it a great option for furniture, finishing projects, or surfaces that will be painted.
• Wood is cut and prepared directly from trees, like pine, acacia, or cedar. This natural manufacturing process ensures that real wood remains tough, durable, and relatively resistant to moisture. Real wood is also stronger than MDF, though it's more susceptible to seasonal expansion and contraction during extreme temperature changes. Additionally, real wood tends to be more attractive to pests, like ants and termites.
  

MDF vs. Plywood

MDF and plywood are both common types of engineered sheet goods used in the construction and furniture trades.

• MDF is made from pulverized wood fibers blended with resins and pressed into sheets under temperature and pressure. These heavy, strong construction panels can be used in many of the same ways as high-grade plywood. The surface of MDF is very smooth, making it excellent for use in painted or veneered cabinetry and furniture.
• Plywood is a type of engineered wood that is made by gluing thin sheets of veneer together in alternating right angles to create a tough, durable cross-grain pattern. This type of wood doesn't weigh as much as MDF, but it tends to be stronger and more water-resistant. Use plywood for exterior building projects, flooring, or even furniture making.
  

Benefits and Drawbacks of Working With MDF

There are many reasons why MDF is a popular construction material, but this engineered wood isn't the right choice in every situation.

Uses for MDF

MDF is a highly popular building material because of the low cost and impressive versatility. This type of engineered wood has even replaced plywood in many applications, especially if the project or surface will be painted due to the smooth finish.

• Furniture making
• Cabinetry
• Shelving
• Flooring
• Decorative projects
• Speaker boxes
• Laminate countertops
• Wainscoting
• Doors and door frames
• Tradeshow booths
• Set construction