MDF and HDF-What you need to know.

These days, MDF and HDF has become the most popular wood type. I bet most people do not even know the meaning let alone the composition, style, maintenance, advantages and disadvantages.

This write-up is to give readers on what is to be known about these two most popular modern wood types.

In terms of Raw Material, MDF’s (Medium density fibreboard) production process involves grinding of wood chips into fibres and binding them with synthetic resin under heat and pressure. It is stronger and more dense than normal particle board. It has a density of 600-800kg/m3 which is responsible for its high resistance to high humidity areas such as bathrooms or washrooms.

HDF (High Density Fibreboard) is an engineered wood product made from wood fiber extracted from chips and pulped wood waste. HDF is similar but much harder and denser than particle board or medium density fiberboard (MDF). It has a density greater than 800 kg/m³.

Speaking of Style and Finishing, MDF has a consistent structure and density and a very smooth surface which makes it suitable for routed, lacquered and painted finishes. Due to its small particles and fibers, it can be easily worked upon by carpenter as it can be cut into shapes very easily which gives the end product a smooth finish. It does not have any grain and it can be finished by applying paint on it.

HDF is a much stronger board compared to MDF and it also give a smooth and uniform surface wherever it is applied.

For Maintenance, both can be maintained by taking the same precautions

· Keep the board away from water as it can damage it.

· Clean the board with a clean soft cloth to remove the dust.

· Do not mop with damp cloth.

Below are the basic advantages of MDF

· Carpenters find it easy to work with

· Board can be molded easily

· It has Medium density

· Less expensive than hardwood and solid wood.

For HDF

· HDF comes with a smooth surface.

· HDF is High density board which has more strength compared to MDF and Particle board

· HDF is a great solution for indoor and outdoor furniture, wall paneling, furniture, room partitions, and doors.

For Disadvantages

· Considering its strength in relation to hard wood, MDF is not to be used in applications where heavy load is expected to be borne by the board.

· HDF is more like the best board when compared with particle board and MDF. Although a lot of carpenters prefer wood block board compared to HDF as they are more confident about the nail holding capabilities of natural wood.

· MDF boards do not have very good holding strength for nails/screws. If a furniture piece needs to be moved frequently or dismantled and then rebuilt frequently then the MDF board is likely to loose the grip on the nails