MDF stands for Medium Density Fibreboard, and is an engineered wood product, often sold as boards or sheets. It is produced from the byproducts of industrial milling, either sawdust or shavings of wood. These will be dried, combined with resin and wax, and moulded into panels. MDF has several uses within construction but is largely used for furniture building, particularly on the economic side.

Furniture

MDF is commonly used for making furniture, both pre-built and flatpack. This could be shelving, cabinets, or other decorative designs. When joined together, MDF cabinets can be strong enough for general use, though they will offer a lower level of strength than normal wood. For shelving, MDF can sag in extended lengths, so a solid wood underframe will probably be needed.

Flooring

MDF boards can be used as temporary flooring, cut into attractive boards. As MDF has a shorter shelf life than real wood, this is not a permanent installation. It’s also worth remembering that MDF and water do not mix. This means that using MDF as flooring within a kitchen or bathroom can be a recipe for trouble, with boards swelling from any spilt water, though water-resistant models are available.

Skirting

MDF is used to construct smooth skirting boards for use throughout a house. Due to its lack of grain and defects, MDF can give a pristine look, and can also be coated in a wide range of colours. The ease of sculpting MDF also allows for a variety of skirting board designs.

Window Sills

Due to its smoothness and easy decoration, MDF is popularly used for window sills. MDF can be carved into a rounded shape and painted in colours such as white. When buying window sills made from MDF you should be looking to buy moisture-resistant models, due to the threats of moisture.

Panelling

MDF panels can be used as low-cost wall panelling, giving a suite of style options to your walls. From Jacobean panelling with a grid design, to vertical boards, to more experimental looks. MDF can be cut to size and installed on your wall, and painted over to give a beautiful and unique look. Using MDF for wall panelling has grown in popularity in recent years, giving texture to the walls of a home.