Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Not Applicable (Engineered Wood Product) · Engineered
- Type
- Engineered
- Origin
- Manufactured globally in industrial facilities using various mixed hardwood and softwood residual fibers
- Hardness
- Approximately 500 to 1,000 lbf depending on density (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable; highly susceptible to moisture, swelling, and fungal decay if exposed to water
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Grain Pattern
Uniform, smooth, and non-directional with no visible natural grain pattern or figure
Color & Appearance
Light to medium tan or straw-yellow throughout the core, with a dark grey surface layer or laminate applied to the face
Hardness (Janka)
Approximately 500 to 1,000 lbf depending on density (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; highly susceptible to moisture, swelling, and fungal decay if exposed to water
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Low cost, typically sold by the sheet (e.g., $30 to $60 per 4x8 foot sheet depending on thickness)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern manufactured material, estimated less than 5 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Highly sustainable as it is primarily manufactured from wood waste, sawdust, and recycled wood fibers; widely available with FSC-certified options
Common Uses
Cabinetry, shelving, furniture components, speaker boxes, molding, and painted millwork
Geographic Origin
Manufactured globally in industrial facilities using various mixed hardwood and softwood residual fibers
Workability
Cuts, routs, and shapes exceptionally well with very clean edges due to lack of grain, but dulls carbide tools quickly due to resin binders. Produces fine, hazardous dust when machined
Finish Recommendations
Requires priming and painting, or edge-banding and laminate application, as raw MDF edges are porous and absorb liquids easily
Notable Features
Composed of breakdown wood fibers combined with synthetic resin and wax under high temperature and pressure; completely stable and uniform with no warping from natural grain stresses
