In the modern AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry, many alternatives to solid wood are being used for various purposes. These alternatives are typically more sustainable and cost-effective while retaining physical characteristics that are similar to solid wood. One such material is MDF. Continue reading to learn all about what this MDF is, types of MDF boards, their uses in construction, the advantages and limitations of MDF wood and the MDF price in India.
What is MDF?
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a product made by combining wood residues such as fibres, chips and shavings with binders made of wax and/or resin. An MDF sheet or panel is an engineered wood material produced as a result of the wood residuals being subjected to high pressures and temperatures. Functioning as a substitute for natural solid wood, MDF has been a popular material since its development in the 1980s and has many diverse applications in buildings.
Properties and Advantages of MDF Material
- Cost Effective: Since they are mass-manufactured in factories, MDF products are much cheaper than natural wood and even other engineered wood products like plywood.
- Compressive Strength: MDF boards have high density and compressive strength, giving them the ability to bear light to moderate loads well.
- Finishes: Laminates, veneers, paints and stains that can mimic natural wood patterns or any other finish desired can easily be applied to MDF, depicting its versatility.
- Uniformity: Defects in timber, such as cracks, knots and shakes, are common issues in natural wood products. However, MDF has a uniformly smooth and hard surface with repetitive patterns and no such defects, as it is a result of factory manufacturing processes.
- Sustainability: Waste materials (i.e., residual fibres/ chips/ shavings) from the manufacture of other natural wood products are used to make MDF boards. This means that no trees have to be cut to produce them. They are also completely biodegradable and recyclable, making them sustainable construction materials.
- Resistance to Pests: Unlike natural wood, MDF is resistant to attacks by pests like termites, fungi and insects. This is because various chemicals are used for the manufacturing and finishing of MDF products.
Types of MDF Board
Apart from standard MDF boards, the following types of MDF are commonly available:
- Ultralight MDF Board: Low density matrices of wood fibres makes these boards around 30% lighter than typical MDF boards. These are generally used to make products that do not bear any loads.
- Fire Resistant MDF Board: Fire-retardant chemicals are added to the wood fibres during the manufacturing process of such boards. Compliance with guidelines defined in different national codes (such as the Indian Standard Code IS 12406:2003) ensures that these boards do not help in the spread of fires.
- Moisture Resistant MDF Board: Water-resistant resins are utilised to manufacture these boards, which can be used even in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Laminated MDF Board: A pre-laminated or laminated MDF sheet/ board has an additional thin layer bonded to it for decorative and functional purposes. Laminates can have different colours, textures and finishes and protect the underlayers from damage.
- Veneered MDF Board: A thin layer of natural wood (called a veneer) is attached to a typical MDF board to make it veneered. Such boards look exactly like natural solid wood but without being as expensive.
Uses of MDF in Buildings
MDF is used in many non-structural applications in buildings, including:
- MDF Flooring: MDF can be used as a substrate material above rough concrete slabs for levelling. Veneered and laminated MDF boards can also be used for flooring, although these are not ideal for exterior and wet spaces like bathrooms.
- MDF Doors: Since it can be easily cut and machined to produce diverse patterns with additional elements like trimmings, a painted MDF board is an ideal material for doors. It is also a much cheaper alternative to solid wood doors.
- Acoustic Insulation: While it cannot absorb sound, MDF can block sound waves. Often, materials like rockwool and foam (which have good acoustic absorption properties) are fixed to MDF boards to create soundproof spaces.
- MDF Panelling and Cladding: Exterior wall cladding as well as interior wall panelling can be done with MDF boards. However, for exterior applications, waterproof MDF variants must be used.
- Furniture: Tables, chairs, bookshelves, kitchen cabinets and other storage units can be made with MDF. Laminates or veneers produce a natural wood aesthetic in these furniture pieces.
- Decorative Elements: MDF is often used to make decorative features like wainscoting, shelves and mouldings on interior surfaces.
Limitations of MDF Wood
- Water Absorption: MDF boards can absorb water more easily and are more vulnerable to high temperatures than natural solid wood, making them more prone to warping.
- Weight and Density: MDF boards are much heavier than other engineered wood boards like plywood. This means that they are more difficult to work with.
- Toxicity: Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is used in the resins of MDF. The cutting, sawing and other working processes done on MDF have also been studied to produce VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), making their safety questionable.
- Tools Required: Drilling and screwing along the edges of MDF can cause splits, cracks or small nibs around the screw hole. Regular blades can quickly become blunt when used on MDF and special tungsten carbide-edged blades are required for proper working.
MDF Price
MDF sheets/ boards are available in various thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 50mm. The standard size is typically 4ft x 8ft. Some of the common MDF board prices prevailing in India currently are:
- Standard MDF boards: ₹10 – ₹120/ sq ft (4mm to 25mm thickness)
- Exterior grade/ moisture resistant MDF board: ₹20 – ₹200/ sq ft (4mm to 25mm thickness)
- Veneered MDF boards: ₹50 – ₹1500/ sq ft (4mm to 25mm thickness)
However, these values are approximate and the actual MDF sheet price can vary depending on factors like location, type, design, special properties, availability and brand.
Ensuring the Best MDF in Your Building
Ensuring the right type, brand and quality of MDF for use in various building applications requires industry expertise and knowledge of market trends. Brick & Bolt, a tech-enabled construction company, works with the leading manufacturers, suppliers and brands in India to ensure the supply of the best quality materials like MDF boards at the lowest prices. With premium quality assured by 470+ tests conducted for every project, the company has become a reputed leader in the construction industry. To use the best quality MDF material in your commercial or residential building project, get in touch with Brick & Bolt today!
Hemali Patel