Standard MDF MDF Board

MDF stands for medium-density fibreboard. As the name suggests, an MDF board is made of wood fibres that have been compressed to a medium thickness, producing a panel that is denser than particle board but less so than HDF (high-density fibreboard).

MDF is an engineered wood product made from a mixture of raw and recycled wood. It is typically formed into flat sheets to use for furniture, shelves, cabinets and moulding. MDF panelling is also used in construction for soundproofing, decorating and reinforcing walls. These boards feature a unique uniformity which plywood and chipboard cannot match. They have an exceptionally smooth surface that can easily be painted or laminated for decorative applications.

An MDF board is made by breaking down ethically sourced hardwood and softwood into wood fibres. The fibres are mixed with formaldehyde resin and wax to bond them together. The mixture is then fed through a powerful hot press. Using high temperatures and pressure, this machine neatly compresses the fibres into a smooth sheet to produce the final product. This process is what gives the MDF board its impressive durability to withstand extensive wear and tear.

1. Sand the edges with sandpaper for a smooth starting surface. We recommend using 120 grit sandpaper for the best results
2. Apply at least two coats of MDF primer to prepare the MDF board for painting
3. Ensure that you sand between each coat of primer to seal it fully and remove any drips
4. Apply two or more layers of paint to the MDF and sand between each layer to remove imperfections. We recommend using interior wood paint with a gloss or satin finish for decorative projects

MDF boards can be cut with a circular saw, table saw or a jigsaw. These boards are well-known for being a material that is conveniently easy to cut, shape and drill.

Circular Saw

When it comes to cutting with ease, a circular saw is your best bet. This method guarantees precise, straight cuts every time, even on thicker boards. For the cleanest results, operate the saw at approximately 3000 metres per second with a blade that has around 60 teeth. Consider using a saw horse for larger boards to help with balance.

Jigsaw

A jigsaw works well for curved cuts or complex designs. To ensure accuracy, use a narrow blade that is between 7 and 12 TPI. During cutting, make sure to keep a slow and steady pace for maximum control. Avoid forcing the blade into the board to reduce the risk of snapping or warping it.

Table saw

This tool is best for achieving sharp edges when making straight cuts in MDF sheets. Use a moderate pace when cutting to avoid jagged and messy edges.

Moisture-resistant MDF

These boards are specially engineered to resist moisture to prevent swelling. While standard boards usually absorb moisture and are prone to sagging, moisture-resistant MDF can effectively resist warping and withstand exposure to moisture for long periods. This is due to the addition of moisture-repellent resin during the manufacturing process. These properties make it a great option to use in areas with higher humidity, including bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.

Fire-rated MDF

This type of MDF board has been safely designed to slow the spread of fire. It is produced by adding fire-retardant chemicals to the wood fibres before they are pressed. These boards are most commonly used in commercial buildings like offices, hospitals and schools where materials must comply with fire safety regulations.

Standard MDF

This is the most common type of MDF sheet. No additional coatings or processing needed, just a classic board ready for cutting and painting. These sheets are easy to machine cut and can be used for a variety of general applications, including furniture, shelving and wall panels.

Decorative MDF

These boards are typically lacquered or bonded with melamine or veneer to create a beautiful front profile for interior designs. While it's possible to overpaint them, they can also be left untouched to show off the finish. They are best used to create decorative MDF wall panels, decorative mouldings, cabinets and shelves.

At Builder Depot, our MDF is made of mostly recycled materials and can be purchased in individual or bulk orders. We stock many sizes of MDF at excellent trade prices. While our standard 18mm MDF is a popular choice, we can also provide 6mm MDF, 9mm MDF, 12mm MDF and much more.

We also have a range of styles for you to choose from. For a customisable or decorative look, choose our gorgeous veneered or white MDF. If you're looking for specialist boards for safety and resilience, consider upgrading to our fire-rated or moisture-resistant MDF.