MDF
By HHI Staff
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a manufactured wood product widely used in home construction. MDF is produced from fine wood fibers which are bonded with resins or glue. Denser and heavier than particle board, MDF is considered a higher-grade product.
With a smooth surface which can be easily painted along with its resistance to moisture and overall workability have made MDF as, if not more, popular than plywood.
On the other hand, MDF contains more glue than particle board and other processed woods. MDF made with urea-formaldehyde (UF) glue is considered the strongest formaldehyde-emitter used in house construction.
An especially dangerous but frequent use of medium density fiberboard is in construction of closet shelving, leaving clothing susceptible to saturation with formaldehyde. MDF is also often used for furniture and under hardwood veneer or plastic laminates in kitchen and bath cabinets and countertops.
Some U.S. manufacturers are producing formaldehyde-free MDF using agricultural waste products such as straw and bagasse, a by-product of sugar cane production. These alternative products are proving to be on-par with the performance and durability of conventional MDF.
With a smooth surface which can be easily painted along with its resistance to moisture and overall workability have made MDF as, if not more, popular than plywood.
On the other hand, MDF contains more glue than particle board and other processed woods. MDF made with urea-formaldehyde (UF) glue is considered the strongest formaldehyde-emitter used in house construction.
An especially dangerous but frequent use of medium density fiberboard is in construction of closet shelving, leaving clothing susceptible to saturation with formaldehyde. MDF is also often used for furniture and under hardwood veneer or plastic laminates in kitchen and bath cabinets and countertops.
Some U.S. manufacturers are producing formaldehyde-free MDF using agricultural waste products such as straw and bagasse, a by-product of sugar cane production. These alternative products are proving to be on-par with the performance and durability of conventional MDF.
References listed above credit sources The Healthy House Institute consulted for background or additional information.
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