Why are the shelves, desktop and safety rails made from MDF? What is MDF?
Medium Density Fiberboard, or MDF, is a composite wood product. It is a recycled product, made out of wood waste fibers glued together with resin, heat, and pressure. MDF is appropriate for many applications, from cabinetry to furniture, because it is very smooth, uniform, and wont warp. This means that paint or polyurethane (see previous question) take well, leaving an attractive, finished surface. The reason we use it for the shelves, desktop and safety rails is because it is very smooth and bed sheets and blankets will not snag on it if the loft is left unfinished. The MDF MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is available here. Since it is a recycled product, the color will vary based on the amount of recycled material. Shown below are a sample of the colors.
Medium Density Fiberboard, or MDF, is a composite wood product. It is a recycled product, made out of wood waste fibers glued together with resin, heat, and pressure. MDF is appropriate for many applications, from cabinetry to furniture, because it is very smooth, uniform, and wont warp. This means that paint or polyurethane (see previous question) take well, leaving an attractive, finished surface. The reason we use it for the shelves, desktop and safety rails is because it is very smooth and bed sheets and blankets will not snag on it if the loft is left unfinished. The MDF MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is available here. Since it is a recycled product, the color will vary based on the amount of recycled material. Shown below are a sample of the colors. The backboard of the shelves is made from Hardboard. It is also referred to as Masonite.
