What is Medium Density Fiberboard MDF?

MDF is a combination of sawdust and shavings from other bits and pieces of wood in an industrial mill. They dehydrate those wood fibers and mix them with resin as wax before getting formed into panels. The process apply’s high heat and intense pressure on those panels

MDF is affordable and has a wide range of applications similar to plywood or engineered wood products. MDF is known for having no knots, warping, etc. like real wood gets and it’s easy to work with.

Advantages of MDF

MDF has a lot of advantages including buying it with fire retardant mixed in, it’s usually less than $50 depending on where you live, comes in 2 easy to work with formats ½ and ¾ inch, it is more pliant, etc.

Pros and Cons of MDF

Moisture resistance is low so you’ll want to apply a layer of a waterproof membrane to any side that is touching a sink, dishwasher, etc. This also means that the wood is prone to expanding so you’ll need to make sure that you are concious of what type of project and that it’s the right fit for what you want to do.

This being so compressed means that it is heavier than plywood, which for being easier to work with can offset needing an extra pair of hands. With the silky smooth wood means it is easier to stratch or more likely damage a clean edge. So make sure to put down something to protect the wood or make something where you change the edges and scuff up the top.

Pro's

• Budget friendly
  • Corners and edges are prone to damage
  • Needs moisture barriers
  • Dustier and needs proper safety equipment like you would for wood

Con's

• Corners and edges are prone to damage
• Needs moisture barriers
• Dustier and needs proper safety equipment like you would for wood

Before you do a project we always recommend researching the materials, techniques and pro’s and con’s of what you want to make. So checkout our YouTube for more step by step tutorials on epoxy, DIY and all your favorite cost saving projects.

As always……………….

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