MDF and HDF – or medium-density fiberboard and high-density fiberboard – are two of the trendiest materials in woodworking these days. They’re both engineered by combining wood fiber and glue under immense pressure and heat, and are a suitable alternative to real wood. The recycled nature of their construction makes them environmentally friendly, and the pressure used to create them makes them highly durable. But they carry vastly different price tags, with HDF costing a good deal more than its less dense sibling. So what sets them apart?

What’s the Difference?

It’s tempting to assume that higher density means HDF is always the better choice, but the price isn’t the only thing that differentiates it from the much cheaper MDF. Due to its higher density, HDF is much thinner – and therefore not suitable for creating pieces such as interior moldings or skirting boards. While neither version does well around water, HDF is more water-resistant than MDF, and its density does also make it stronger.

MDF, on the other hand, is much more suitable for furniture and decorative pieces. It’s highly affordable, and has a smooth surface that lends itself well to being painted. Using veneer on MDF can also create the illusion of solid wood. While it’s not as strong as HDF, it’s still a very durable material that won’t expand or contract with heat and humidity. There are various kinds of MDF, such as bendy or ultralite, and each are best suited to specific purposes.