| Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is type | | | | used often for doors because it insulates sound and |
| of wood that is similar to particleboard. It is made out | | | | heat very well. Taken in conjunction with its smooth |
| of wood waste fibers glued together with resin, heat, | | | | surface and ability to take paint well, it is an ideal |
| and pressure. Medium density fiberboard can be used | | | | material for doors. The wood is also very flexible in the |
| for a variety of projects because of its characteristic it | | | | type of treatments that it can take such as nailing, |
| is smooth and uniform consistency. It also will not warp | | | | gluing, screwing or stapling. The only drawback to |
| which makes it an ideal choice for cabinetry and | | | | medium density fiberboard is the resin that is used to |
| molding projects. The MDF is often used in place of | | | | strengthen the wood. This resin contains formaldehyde |
| plank wood, particleboard or high density fiberboard | | | | so care should be taken when cutting it to reduce the |
| because when sawed it produces a fine even edge. | | | | amount of dust that is airborne. Try to reduce |
| Because of how smooth the surface is, it takes well to | | | | exposure to MDF whenever possible. |
| painting and only needs a primer and two coats of | | | | When medium density fiberboard is used for cabinets |
| paint to have an attractive finish unlike some other | | | | and other wood working projects, it is very often |
| wood products that may require more sanding and | | | | covered in a veneer or laminate of real wood to |
| additional coats of paint. Because it does not warp, it is | | | | disguise the MDF, especially along edges that may be |
| also used quite a bit in bathrooms for cabinets or in | | | | visible. MDF is also a great wood to use for those who |
| other high humidity applications. | | | | are environmentally conscious. Because it is made |
| Home builders, cabinet makers and carpenters use | | | | from scraps and other waste products it is friendlier to |
| medium density fiberboard for furniture, shelving, | | | | the environment. Instead of these items going to a land |
| flooring, molding and doors. The wood is very versatile | | | | fill they are recycled. |
| and can be used for a number of applications. It is | | | | |