MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard

MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard is formed by breaking down softwood into wood fibers and combining it with wax and resins. In other to break down softwood, steam is used to ensure that the resulting wood fibers are fine. The process of combining these fine wood fibers together to form MDF requires heat and the application of pressure. The finished MDF product is a flat board as shown below.

Though MDF had been produced before the 1980s, large scale production did not being until then. The production process used for producing medium density fiberboard, MDF is the same as that used for producing low density and high density fiberboards. The difference in low, medium and high density fiberboards lies in their density values shown in table below.

MDF is a very smooth surfaced board with a consistent structure and texture. It should not be used in outdoor applications since it swells upon contact with water. The consistent texture of MDF makes it very easy to machine. Below you can view two samples of machined MDF doors.

MDF is used in the production of furniture, kitchen and bathroom countertops, stereo speakers, laminate floors etc.

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