What is MDF? The Ultimate Guide

Our Ultimate MDF Guide:

Of all the modern building and construction materials available today, wood panel products are arguably amongst the most versatile and cost-effective. The timelessness of timber combined with more uniform compositions makes materials like plywood panels highly useful in a range of construction applications. 

But as our specialists here at Cabinet Timbers know all too well, all of the different wood panel products used today come with their own unique qualities and characteristics. A good woodworker understands how best to process their selected materials to get the strongest results from any finished product. And considering we’ve already shared our ultimate guide on plywood, we thought it was about time that we answered another age-old question relating to one of our other popular materials: “What is MDF?”

As your local building materials supplier, we’ve got all the information you need on MDF to determine whether this material is the right selection for your next woodworking or construction project. Read on for all our expert insights, ranging from how it’s made to how you can cut, paint, and install this versatile wood material with great success.

Here’s what we’ll be covering in our guide and to learn what is MDF today:

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What is MDF?

MDF board or medium-density fibreboard is a type of wood panel product that’s manufactured using wood fibres. Unlike plywood which is constructed using timber plies or layers, these boards typically uses repurposed wood dust fibres that are then bonded together using a heat-treated formaldehyde resin and applied pressure. This process makes medium density board denser and stronger than other similar wood fibre materials like particle board.

what is mdf

How is MDF made?

MDF is made by first gathering wood dust fibres. This typically involves processing wood logs through chippers and chip hoppers following the debarking process. The chip hopper is designed to filter produced wood chips to ensure they’re cut down to uniform sizes. Any chips that are too large are collected to be sent through the chipper again, and any chips that are too small can then be used as fuel for the mill. This practice is foundational to all sustainably operated timber processing plants.

Once the chips have been collected, they’re then washed and heated or steamed to ensure they’re soft and malleable enough to be ground into a wood pulp and then rapidly dried into a fine and lightweight fibre. Once this next phase has been completed, the application of resin and subsequent heat treatment and tempering process turns our fine wood fibre into a uniform ‘mat’ of fibre and resin in a rolling machine that’s called a ‘pendistor’. This ‘mat’ is then sent to a hot press that’s designed to heat set the resin, transforming our fibre mat into a solid plank of newly manufactured MDF.

Check out our full write-up on how they are made for a detailed step-by-step overview of this unique production process.

What is MDF used for?

As MDF is denser and stronger than particle board, this wood material is used for a wide range of different construction and woodworking applications. Here are just some of the more known and popular uses:

  • Cabinetry and shelving
  • Doors, interior panelling (wall and ceiling lining)
  • Acoustic panelling
  • Trimming and moulding
  • Flooring and platforms
  • Joinery
  • Retail displays and fitouts
  • Furniture production

Due to the dense composition of MDF, it can be a less malleable material for furniture production than other alternatives like plywood. As a result, it is primarily used to produce simple furniture with straight edges, like tables and chairs. It is a popular material with flatpack furniture producers, as it provides high-strength components at minimal production costs. Which is detailed between our MDF vs Plywood comparison.

Working with MDF: cutting and painting

Thanks to its largely uniform composition, a medium density board can be easily cut and painted so long as the correct processes are used. Thankfully, learning what is MDF and more importantly how to cut MDF correctly to minimise risks of damaging your boards isn’t too dissimilar to learning how to cut plywood

The best tip we can provide is that it cannot be cut easily by hand, so put your Stanley knives away. Due to the high-density makeup of the board, however, using extra sharp blades is vital to avoiding splintering or other types of damage to your boards. Using a circular saw or table saw is preferable for this reason, but a jigsaw can be used if you’re looking to make curved cuts.

As for the best methods for painting MDF, it’s wise to begin with ensuring the surfaces of your boards are smooth and ready for easy paint application. Sanding is key here, as is the application of primer coats to ensure your painted MDF maintains its fresh colour over the long term.

How to select the right MDF for your next project

If you think MDF may be a good fit for your next construction or woodworking project, then hopefully our guide has aided you in identifying the right type of board for your unique needs. For home renovations or commercial property developments, fire retardant and moisture-resistant MDF are guaranteed to be cost-effective construction materials that are also highly durable and high-performance. 

For furniture makers looking to experiment whilst keeping production costs low, bendy and standard MDF are guaranteed to be great investments for your workshop. Our specialists here at Cabinet Timbers can also work with you to determine which sizes and types are the best investment for you.

Why use Cabinet Timbers as your trusted MDF supplier?

At Cabinet Timbers, we believe that quality materials are foundational for quality results. That’s why we make efforts to ensure that our range of MDF boards delivers only the highest quality materials at reasonable price points. When you shop our range of boards, you can be rest assured that you’ll receive the materials you need to do your project justice.

Secure quality MDF and other timber products from your local suppliers here at Cabinet Timbers. Explore our full range of boards or check out our wood specials for added savings today.

Have any more questions about what is MDF or about our range of products? Then be sure to contact our friendly team here at Cabinet Timbers by phoning (03) 8353 2222 today, or by filling out our web enquiry form.

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