What is MDF?
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is made by bonding wood fibres together under high pressure. These are then pressed into boards. The result is a smooth-surfaced board which has an even texture throughout. It is very economical as it uses all the waste wood, even the tree bark, from normal timber production.
Some manufacturers offer items constructed with a substrate of MDF. MDF stands for medium density fiberboard. It is superior to particle board because it is made with wood fibers compressed together with adhesive, not large particles as found in particle board. MDF is therefore much denser and much stronger than particle board, and resists warping. MDF products usually offer a savings in cost compared to solid wood.
MDF belongs to the hardboard family of products which are made from wood fibers glued under heat and pressure. Medium Density Fiberboard typically has densities between 33 and 50 pounds per cubic feet while High Density Fiberboard (HDF) ranges between 50 and 80 pounds per cubic feet. Hardboard was first produced in 1924 by W. H. Mason, founder of Masonite Corp. The term Masonite is therefore often used to denote hardboard products, especially HDF. Physical and dimensional tolerances for MDF are specified in ANSI A208.
