MDF

What is MDF?

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product. Technically, MDF contains a mixture of recycled solid wood, wax, and resin bonded together under high temperatures and high pressure to create a uniform wood-like product that is far cheaper than real wood.

MDF is typically made up of:-

MDF is primarily used for internal applications because it is typically not moisture resistant, although some forms can be made moisture resistant and fire retardant.

It is available in raw form with a fine, sanded surface or with decorative overlay such as wood veneer, melamine paper or vinyl. Unlike solid wood, MDF does not contain knots or rings, making it more uniform during cutting and in manufacturing

Typical MDF has a hard, flat, smooth surface that makes it ideal for veneering, as there is no underlying grain to telegraph through the thin veneer as you would see with plywood.

MDF may be glued, doweled or laminated.  Special screws are available with a coarse thread pitch, but sheet-metal screws also work well. Like natural wood, MDF may split when woodscrews are installed without pilot holes.

Why chose MDF?

Advantages of bespoke furniture made with MDF:-

MDF is an economical choice. It's inexpensive to make so costs less than solid wood.

MDF uses recycled wood in its construction and is environmentally friendly, thereby helping to save trees.

MDF is easy to paint in many different colours, whereas solid wood doesn’t take the same variety of colours.  We have our own dedicated spray-shop at Colinton Furniture.

A smooth material throughout, MDF does not have knots that can blemish the surface of a piece or make components difficult to attach.

MDF will not expand and contract due to heat and humidity the way solid wood can.

Shaping MDF is easier than shaping solid wood, making it easier to do more elaborate designs. Cutting grooves on the reverse side makes it flexible and shape well.

Wood veneer can easily be attached to MDF to give it the look of genuine wood.