Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is manufactured by grinding up residual hardwood or softwood pieces into fine particles, mixing them with wax and a resin binder, and then applying high heat and pressure. It typically has more density than plywood. Despite being constructed of separated fibres, it can be utilized as a building material just like plywood. Among the numerous applications of the MDF sheets, the most popular one these days is the jali design. In addition, MDF board price depends on multiple factors like grade, finishing- laminated or veneered, thickness, etc.
It developed as a substitute for solid wood by utilizing the huge waste of wood chips and sawdust produced by lumber mills.
Large-scale mass production of MDF boards began in the 1980s. Today, these boards have become a bankable option for builders, woodworkers, and architects for the features they offer.
This article aims to shed light on the following aspects related to MDF boards:
Contents[show]
Medium Density Fibreboard is generally made up of 82% wood fibre, 9% urea-formaldehyde resin glue, 8% water, and 1% paraffin wax.
Its density is typically between 500 kg/m3 (31 lb/ft3) and 1,000 kg/m3 (62 lb/ft3). It is denser than other woods because of the presence of heavy resins.
This material is turned into panels by pressing it together under high temperature and high-pressure conditions, often using a defibrator.
After the formation of the board, professionals sand it down to smooth irregularities and give it a soft finish. Oil, varnishes, and paints may then be coated over the board. Moreover, the finishing sometimes requires laminates and veneers.
For better-quality boards, add more wood fibres to the container.
This forms almost the same board but with a higher density. The quality and finish of this board are also superior.
Also see: Plywood sheets – What you need to know about them? |
These boards are used by manufacturers and construction companies because they are strong, lightweight, and paintable. Furthermore, these have a consistent thickness that makes accurate cutting easier. The following are some noteworthy properties of this building material–
There are several advantages of using this board-
Also see: Room partition designs: Your inspiration & buying guide |
As much as there are pros to using the Medium Density Fibreboard, there are cons to it too and it’s better to be aware in order to make an informed decision-
Medium Density Fibreboard can be dangerous to use if the correct safety precautions are not taken. Hence, here are some important points to remember while working with them-
Medium Density Fibreboard comes in three different varieties-
Manufactured from high-quality wood veneers attached to medium-density fibreboards, the veneered MDF Board gives a more natural appearance to wood.
That is why today’s builders substitute solid wood with veneered MDF.
This board is made by wrapping a 1-2 mm thick hardwood around the MDF board using heat and pressure.
These veneered boards need more care and maintenance than laminates.
These can be used in offices, conference halls, and home interior walls.
Generally, Veneered MDF is a more cost-effective option since the veneer coat protects the fibreboard and makes it safe for usage.
Also see: Laminate vs Veneer: Which one should you opt for? |
Laminated Medium Density Fibreboard has a unique surface finish which makes it a great substitute for plywood.
The laminate coating is an additional layer added to the fibreboard surface making it scratch-resistant and highly durable.
Depending on your requirement, the board can be laminated on one side or both sides.
Laminate MDF boards are extensively used in partitions, panels, cupboard shutters, doors, tabletops, etc.
Medium Density Fibreboard is available in two grades-
These boards are primarily used for indoor applications due to their poor moisture resistance. They are available in raw form, with a finely sanded surface, or with a decorative overlay. They are popular in the following areas of application-
Image Source: kathuriya.com
MDF jali design is an appealing option for the home. It is a brilliant ceiling design idea.
This false ceiling adds exquisite detailing to an otherwise dull bedroom ceiling.
MDF cornices look great adorning the walls of your home. They add a royal and luxurious touch to the home.
Image Source: Silver Springs Woodworks
Image Source: FrenchyFancy
A plain white cornice outlines any area with a pleasing simplicity.
Image Source: Armstrong Flooring
This soothing and classic black & white combination is a great design idea for MDF Board flooring.
Black works magically with this predominantly neutral-toned room.
Image Source: Civil Engineering Discoveries
As mentioned above, MDF jali designs are an attractive design option for doors.
This symmetrical pattern makes the entrance to your home stand out from the mundane.
Image Source: Deco Group
This modular kitchen design has a dominant presence of laminated MDF for furniture.
This kitchen combines a rustic aesthetic with a modern set-up.
Image Source: bathpanelstore
The blush pink exterior of this bathtub made of MDF panels is eye-catching.
A waterproof MDF sheet is the best choice for bathroom furniture.
Image Source: Walmart
MDF can be shaped to resemble a horizontal or vertical striped pattern.
A vertical pattern gives the illusion of length to a room while the MDF texture adds to the style quotient.
Image Source: badkamer-voordeel
For obvious reasons, a waterproof MDF sheet is the best choice for bathroom cabinets.
They make for sturdy and stylish bathroom accessories.
Image Source: Design Chronicle
This MDF wall panelling is exquisite. It makes your wall seem three-dimensional and gives it an artistic look.
Image Source: Wattpad
Emphasize your bed with this MDF jali design wall panel. It adds elegance to your bedroom.
Image Source: SKLUM
For a more classic feel, opt for an MDF board TV table instead of getting it wall-hung.
The drawers provide additional space for one to store their Blu-Ray stack!
Image Source: This Old House
This kind of cabinet is perfect for the kitchen workspace. It is stylish in a subtle way due to the presence of two complementary colours.
Image Source: Shutterfly
If you thought that only neutral shades would work on cornices, you are in for a surprise!
MDF wood cornices look just as stately in a matte black finish.
Image Source: Venetian design
If you want an enclosed but visible space for your place of worship, then MDF wood panels along with an MDF jail design will do the trick.
Image Source: Decor Units
This slidable MDF sheet is a great option to lower the cost. You don’t need to invest in multiple sheets- just the one would do.
Also, the MDF jali design makes the temple look beautiful.
Image Source: Article
The dining room furniture can be upgraded to a wooden exterior with MDF tops for the metal table and chairs.
Image Source: About Flooring
These MDF sheets replicate the look of a wooden floor and make for a warm atmosphere.
Image Source: Pinterest
The plain blue vertical grid look of this MDF wall panel is classy and looks great in a study room.
Image Source: Civil Engineering Discoveries
Decorative MDF sheets are art pieces unto themselves. This MDF design for partition adds to the overall look of the living room.
Image Source: ArchiExpo
These efficient sliding Medium Density Fibreboard doors save space that would be needed to allow the opening of the door.
ASIS Exterior Grade MDF offers uniform thickness and a homogeneous structure.
These boards are high on moisture resistance, termite resistance, borer, and fungus resistance also. Moreover, these boards are eco-friendly and possess very low levels of formaldehyde emissions.
ASIS pre-laminated MDF is available in 43 contemporary designs and colours with 2 distinct finishes namely suede and matte.
They are available in Grade I (exterior MDF); Grade II (interior MDF); one-side laminated; both-side laminated; one-side bare; both-side balancing variants.
Action Tesa MDF boards have the best routing characteristics due to special German technology used to press the boards in a way so that compression pressure can reach its core.
Thus, the core is densified which is required for high-quality routing.
Century Prowud Medium Density Fibreboard is borer, termite, fungus, and highly moisture resistant. Additionally, it is made with a higher density, and to a higher standard.
These products are perfect for creating durable furniture of all shapes and sizes, as well as stunning interiors of every design.
The brand offers the following two ranges in MDF boards-
Vir Medium Density Fibreboard, from the house of Rushil Décor, is a new-age product, a great alternative to solid wood and plywood. Also, it is a favourite of OEMs, SCPs, and conventional wood furniture manufacturers across India.
Vir products are as follows-
Archidply Medium Density Fibreboard is extensively used in partitions, panels, false ceilings, cupboard shutters, and panel door inserts, among others.
Products from this brand are-
DURATUFF MDF boards find application in both interior and exterior decoration & furniture making.
They provide the following products-
Good quality MDF board price ranges from Rs 40 per square foot to Rs 120 per square foot. Also, the laminated MDF board price is higher than the plain MDF board price. The MDF board price highly depends on the thickness and grade of the material.
The standard size of MDF boards across most brands is 2440mm (8 ft) x 1220mm (4 ft). Thus, the MDF Board price is also standardized.
Other variants of size are available as per specifications. Thus, the MDF Board price also slightly varies.
MDF sheets are available in a great range of thicknesses from 5 mm to 30 mm, as per the application.
Sr. No. | Brands | Grades | Sizes | Thickness |
1. | VIR | Interior and Exterior | 8 ft x 4 ft | 7.5mm, 7.8 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 11mm, 12mm, 15mm, 16.7 mm, 17mm, 18mm, 22mm, 25mm, 30 mm |
2. | Archiply | Interior and Exterior | 8 ft x 4 ft, 8 ft x 6 ft | 5.5 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 16.7 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 25 mm |
3. | Action TESA | Interior and Exterior | 8 ft x 4 ft | 5.5 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 25 mm |
4. | Pioneer Panel | Interior and Exterior | 8 ft x 4 ft | 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm,17 mm, 18 mm, 25 mm |
5. | CROSSBOND | Interior and Exterior | 8 ft x 4 ft | 7.5 mm, 9 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm,16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 25 mm |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
B U Y H E R E |
MDF boards are the result of the pursuit of substitutes for natural wood. It aimed to make use of the high levels of waste produced by lumber mills.
In recent times, it has emerged as a sustainable building material.
Besides being a strong and sturdy material, an MDF board also offers great flexibility in design.
While there are many reasons for using it, there are also drawbacks. Major drawbacks include the release of formaldehyde as well as expanding and warping issues. However, it remains easy to overcome all of these drawbacks by taking precautionary measures.
Safety measures can minimize these problems to a significant extent.
The categorization of MDF boards into different types depends on their finish, their density, and their special features.
Wall panelling, flooring, doors, cabinets, and other storage units mainly use MDF boards.
The designs and applications of MDF sheets are plenty.
If manufactured and installed correctly and with precision, MDF sheets are one of the best composite wood products on the market.
It takes a professional approach to succeed in the market and win a place in the hearts and minds of…
Doors are the sliding or hinged barriers that separate an entryway from being closed or opened. These entryway barriers are…
The paint industry of India is one of the fastest-growing industries in Asia. The domestic paint industry is estimated at…
Stairs are a very crucial component of any multistorey building project, residential or commercial. Stairs are the building feature that…
The tile selection is one of the most exciting aspects of a bathroom makeover. When it comes to tile designs,…
Salone del Mobile.Milano 2024 saw a record-breaking turnout of 361,417 guests, surpassing the numbers from 2022 by 100,000. This was…