Quality MDF Boards
MDF Boards
Medium Density Fibreboard, or MDF, is a type of engineered wood sheet product made from refined wood grits mixed with wax and resin. The mixture is pressed under high pressure and temperature to create flat panels. It is commonly used in construction and furniture production. Although often mistaken for plywood, MDF is easier to work with using industrial machinery and has a smooth surface that is suitable for paint and finishes.
Types of MDF Boards
MDF panels are easy to cut and shape, and can be machined into any form with a smooth edge and consistent texture. This makes them ideal for use with routers to create decorative edges and channels, with little to no sanding required. MDF panels can also be assembled using a variety of fixings, including wood glue.
Particle Board
As the name suggests, this type of MDF panelling is engineered from small particles that are bonded together with resin under extreme pressure and temperature. The process starts typically by cutting wood shavings and chippings into even smaller particles before compacting them to form the board.
Fibreboard
A fibreboard is made using a relatively lower temperature compared to particleboard. Different binding agents and resins (formaldehyde) are utilised during the process. This type of MDF is considered a little more eco-friendly since it uses wood chippings as well as organic fibre from vegetable starch and sugarcane.
Laminated MDF Board
It is made from wood fibres that are subjected to high pressure and temperature. However, some are manufactured by gluing together several thin panels and subjecting them to high pressure to come up with strong and stiff boards. Laminated boards usually are denser compared to fibre or particleboard.
Veneered Board
To come up with this type of MDF that looks and feels like wood, the board is veneered by use of decorative wood patterns. The veneers are designed into round curves using immense pressure and some stretching methods to create spiral designs over the surface.
Properties
MDF can be used in a wide range of applications, including furniture, cabinetry, paneling, and molding. It can also be painted or finished to meet specific design or aesthetic requirements. MDF has several key properties that make it a popular choice for use in a variety of applications:
Strength
MDF has good strength and stiffness properties, which make it suitable for use in a variety of applications, including furniture, cabinetry, and paneling.
Smoothness
MDF has a smooth, uniform surface that is easy to work with and finish. It is often used as a base for veneers, laminates, or paints.
Water-Resistant
MDF is resistant to moisture, but it is not completely waterproof. It should not be used in applications where it will be exposed to prolonged periods of moisture or high humidity.
Economical
MDF is generally less expensive than other types of engineered wood products, such as plywood, which makes it an attractive option for builders and contractors.
Uses
Cabinets, desks, and bookshelves, as well as interior trim and mouldings, are frequently made from MDF. It can be used for structural purposes and packing, and is frequently utilised for speaker cabinets, store displays, and fittings. It quickly gained popularity as a suitable option for numerous applications due to its consistent appearance and smooth surface. It is also very versatile because it is simple to cut, route, and machine into different shapes and sizes.
Interior trim and moulding
MDF is commonly used for interior trim and moulding, such as baseboards, door frames, and crown moulding, because it can be easily cut and shaped to fit.
Speaker cabinets
MDF is often used to make speaker cabinets because it is strong, stable, and has good acoustical properties.
Store displays and fixtures
MDF is used to make store fixtures and displays, including shelves, mannequins, and display cases because it can be finished to a high standard and has a pleasing appearance.
Structural applications
It is a popular building material that is commonly used in structural applications, like the construction of load-bearing walls, because of its strength and ease of shape and cutting.