MDF is short for Medium-Density Fiberboard. MDF consists of thin panels made from wood fiber, resin and wax. When it comes to engineered wood, MDF is often considered a level above plywood. It is denser, stronger and more durable. For these reasons, it has almost as many applications as solid wood.

Where is MDF Board Used

MDF finds its most common use in kitchen cabinets. Most kitchen cabinets comprise of both solid wood and MDF elements. MDF Board is usually found on the doors and interior paneling for the reasons stated above (easier to paint, easier to clean, does not warp and so on).

But it is not just the kitchen where MDF finds its use. In the bathroom where there is a lot of moisture, MDF is the preferable choice over solid wood. This is because it does not get damaged with humidity and temperature changes in the bathroom. When getting MDF for use in the bathroom or any other damp environment, check that it is specially made to be moisture resistant. Normal MDF boards will easily get damaged when they come in contact with water.

For fire protection, fire retardant MDF Board is recommended. While this type of MDF is more common in commercial areas, it can also be used at home to provide fire protection especially in places like the kitchen and bedrooms.

Another consideration when using MDF Board, is when it is compared to plywood.  This is not necessarily a comparison you would do for kitchen cabinets, but in other construction instances choosing a plywood vs MDF may be a choice you need to consider.

MDF can also be used purely for aesthetic purposes. A good example of this is wainscoting. Unlike past years when wood was the sole wainscoting material in use, today there is a variety of materials used including MDF Board. MDF wainscoting can be customized in many styles and can be used in the kitchen, living room, or even bathroom.

Another area where MDF is used is in shelving. Whether it is the inside of a cabinet, an open wall shelf, or a bookshelf, MDF is preferred because of its smooth surface. But be careful about placing heavy weight on it as it can sag with time. If you plan to place heavy weights on the MDF shelving, consider reinforcing it with solid wood.

Finally, MDF is widely used as a material for both interior and exterior doors. There are specially made MDF boards designed to be stylish, hardy and durable. In fact, MDF doors can provide more customization options than solid wood doors.