MDF

MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is a board made by breaking wood down into fibres, mixing them with resin binders and pressing them under high heat and pressure. It has none of the grain, knots or direction of solid timber; the density is similar throughout the board. It is one of the most common materials for furniture, cabinet doors, wall panelling, skirting and decorative panels.

Where MDF shines

Its surface is very smooth, so it takes paint, lacquer and foil well. The edges are dense and uniform too, which means they can be routed into profiles, and carved or grooved details come out clean. That is why it is the base material for lacquered doors and moulded shaker-style fronts. It comes raw, melamine-faced, wood-veneered or in high-gloss finishes.

Limits

• Moisture: standard MDF swells when it gets wet. Moisture-resistant grades exist for wet areas and are usually recognizable by a green core.
• Screw holding: screws hold well in the face, but screws driven into the edge can loosen over time, so suitable fixings matter.
• Weight: it is heavier than particleboard of the same thickness, so hinges and runners are chosen accordingly for large doors.
• Dust: cutting produces very fine dust, so extraction and protective equipment are important in the workshop.

MDF and particleboard are often confused. Roughly speaking, particleboard is an economical choice for carcasses and shelves, while MDF is preferred where a surface will be machined or painted. In visualization, MDF itself rarely shows; the lacquer, veneer or melamine finish on top is what gets modeled as the visible material.