SpecialtyStainless.com - Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

	Materials July 29, 2010

Medium Density Fiberboard - MDF

We use MDF for the wood backer or wood substrate build up for most residential stainless steel and copper countertops.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a panel core material made from finely chopped sawdust, wood shavings and other wood by-products. Made in a way similar to particleboard, the fine wood fibers are combined with a synthetic resin and joined together under heat and pressure. MDF uses fibers rather than particles, so the final panel has a characteristically smooth, hard surface with edges that can be precisely machined with standard woodworking tools as easily as wood.

Panels are typically used in the manufacture of furniture, kitchen cabinets, doors parts, mouldings, millwork and laminate flooring. MDF is preferred by many do-it-yourselfers and pros alike because:

The surface is flat, smooth and uniform
It is stable and 30% stronger than particleboard
It is free of knots, finger joints and grain patterns,which makes finishing operations easier and more consistent
It is available in a variety of sizes and densities
It holds screws and nails well
It has a primed lacquer finish and can be easily painted
Trim waste is significantly reduced in comparison to other substrates
It promotes sound amplification and reduces vibration, making it ideal for building speaker boxes for home stereos
It can be cut and routed like wood, using standard woodworking tools

Like particleboard, caution should be used to keep the product from contact with water or excessive moisture as this can damage it, causing bulging and damage to the structural integrity of the product.