MDF is short for medium density fiberboard. MDF and particleboard are two forms of inexpensive wood-based sheet goods used by home and furniture builders, sometimes as substitutes for plywood.
Construction
Very fine particle waste wood products, much more like layers of paper than wood, make MDF. Particleboard comes from very coarse sawdust mixed with special glues.
Water-Resistance
MDF is reasonably water-resistant, although you do not want to expose it to water if you can avoid it. Particleboard will soak up water easily, lose its stability and can fall apart.
Appearance
MDF has a very smooth texture and does not need edge banding; it also takes finishes well. Particleboard simply does not look good---any exposed edges will need to be finished, as will its flat surfaces.
Building Use
MDF is often used for built-ins. Particleboard is best used for under-flooring. Either material can become shelving and some types of furniture.
Warnings
Neither MDF nor particleboard is solid wood, so neither is as strong nor holds screws as well as solid wood. Some applications require special fasteners to use with these products. If you build with either material, use recommended glues in addition to any fasteners.
Related posts
Particle board can be an economical choice for many wood-working projects.Particle board can be a cost-efficient and flexible material for many woodworking projects. Particle board is a kind of fi...
Oriented strand board (OSB) is engineered particle board consisting of three or five layers of wood flakes arranged so that the board is strong and stiff along its length. OSB is used in many stru...
Both OSB and plywood can be used in the same applications, but have different characteristics.Oriented strand board and plywood are types of wood panels that are each made by compressing and gluin...
Drywall is pressed gypsum, which is used in modern walls as the surface material. Cement board is also used in the walls of showers and bath surrounds, where there's going to be a lot of moisture....
Have a tape measure on hand when calculating square footage.You can install a wood ceiling as a transition from a basic drywall ceiling in a remodel or when building a new home. The wood ceiling m...
