What are the properties of MDF?

Answer 1

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a wood substitute form which is made from fine wood fibres in a resin which is bonded under heat and pressure. It is manufactured by a dry process at a lower temperature than other fibreboards e.g hardboard. The natural glues and resins contained within the wood are not effective. MDF therefore uses artificial bonding agents / resins. The resin used is usually urea formaldehyde, but some fibreboard including exterior or marine quality board will use stronger glues such as phenol formaldehyde. MDF may be used instead of plywood or chipboard. It is dense, flat, stiff, has no knots and is easily machined. It is made up of fine particles and therefore does not have an easily recognisable surface grain.

Can be obtained in natural colour in various thicknesses or self coloured. Requires sealing if likelyhood of moisture ingress.