Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a great, versatile material for construction and decorating. While we offer many MDF varieties, choosing the right one for your task can often be overwhelming. Please note that while we have created this guide to assist you in choosing your MDF, ultimately it is your responsibility to research what material best suits your project.
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This guide will take you through the different practical uses of our MDF sheets, giving you the best material for your project. For this guide, we will be primarily focussing on the differences between our standard grade MDF, moisture-resistant MDF and fire-rated MDF, though we can also provide melamine board and veneered MDF sheets if you require a material which you don’t wish to paint and will be used for visual purposes.
MR MDF is treated during the manufacturing process to create greater water repellency and resistance to humidity and dampness. The wood fibres in MR MDF are coated with hydrophobic wax and resin which inhibits swelling and structural breakdown.
The properties associated with moisture-resistant MDF make it ideal for applications in environments such as kitchens or bathrooms, for example as an alternative to wood wall panels, where humidity and moisture levels are higher and may damage real wood. It can be used for utility rooms and laundry rooms, as well as boiler rooms, cubicles and washrooms in commercial settings.
In those instances where safety is paramount, fire-retardant (FR) MDF can provide up to an hour of fire protection. FR MDF is manufactured to meet strict fire safety standards and codes required for commercial, public and multi-occupancy residential buildings. The panels are impregnated during production with chemical additives that inhibit ignition and slow the spread of flames.
Commonly used in schools, hospitals, offices or cinemas, our flame-retardant MDF boards provide the best support when used in applications such as doors, kick plates or partitions. Flame retardant MDF has a pale red tint in its appearance, though it takes well to paints and primers.
Please note, that to prevent affecting the Flame Retardant properties, an appropriate flameproofing paint should be used. If you are in doubt, please consult a qualified engineer or architect.
Density and Weight: Fire retardant MDF has a density of approximately 750kg/m3. A x x 18mm sheet weighs around 39kg.
Strength: Comparable to standard MDF, fire retardant MDF provides sturdy construction for furniture and fixtures.
Machining: FR MDF cuts, drills, shapes and finishes the same as standard MDF.
Moisture Resistance: Similar to standard MDF, fire retardant MDF is not suitable for prolonged dampness. The edges should be properly sealed against moisture.
Fire Rating: Our fire-retardant MDF are class C panels, meaning they achieve a fire resistance performance of 30 minutes.
Cost: The special fire-inhibiting treatment increases the cost of FR MDF by up to 100% over standard MDF.
Applications: FR MDF is required for wall panelling, doors, cabinets, office furniture and displays in hotels, schools, hospitals, apartments, nursing homes and other high occupancy buildings where fire safety is paramount.
For most general DIY projects, standard MDF offers the best value for money. It's easy to work with using basic woodworking tools, accepts paint and varnish nicely, and provides a stable material for building furniture, cabinets, shelving units, trims and displays. Be sure to properly seal any cut edges to prevent swelling from moisture.
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Moisture-resistant MDF is the ideal choice when the finished project will be exposed to significant humidity and dampness. It performs very well in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other wet areas while maintaining the same great machining qualities as standard MDF. The added moisture resistance is worth the moderate extra cost for increased longevity.
Fire retardant MDF should be chosen when constructing projects that must comply with strict fire safety regulations. The flame retardant chemicals do increase the cost noticeably but are necessary to achieve certified fire resistance ratings. FR MDF is required by law for many public and commercial buildings.
All of our MDF is readily available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. We only stock MDF from trusted, reputable brands, including Medite, Kronospan or Egger.
Hey guys, I have an inquiry for a commission for making some beehive insert frames. of them LOL but they are asking about using water-resistant MDF. Has anyone had any experience lasering this kind of material? He’s trying to find a MSDS sheet but I don’t think that’s going to happen
I’d suggest cutting the item out first, then coating them with either a clear glossy or matte coat.
MDF that already is coated may have a known/unknown coating that may not be pew pew safe.
I know of moisture-resistant MDF, but I believe it’s meant to be resistant to humidity, not weather. Marine-grade plywood would probably be more appropriate, but I’m not sure if there are issues with laser cutting it.
There’s so many different companies and brands of this product it’s impossible to be sure without an msds for the specific product but it’s most likely safe to cut. They usually mix some various type of wax into the fibers impart the water resistance. I’m surprised bees will tolerate the smell laser cut panels.
I would think that would be a job for a cnc router.
that is a LOT of burning.
Thanks guys!! It would be a huggee project if I win the bid.
Any advice on cutting this material? I just got the msds for the material they requested https://www.pbplywood.com/liveagent/-Safety-Data-Sheet-for-Moisture-Resistant-MR-MDF-
I hope you get the bid! It sounds like you’ll need to order another Glowforge, perhaps! What’s the thickness and size of the frames you’re cutting? I offer a smaller (10x15”) wood puzzle and that outline takes 3 minutes to cut with 1/4” Baltic birch; 40,000 of those would be 2,000 hours of cutting (or, a year of 40-hour work weeks)!
yeah, i was thinking this sounded like a job of the scale that really is beyond a reasonable workflow for the GF. it would cut WAY faster on a higher power unit and, at that scale, there’s probably a more efficient (financially and time wise) way to make them than laser cutting.
CNC is slower (@ home/small business scale). I’d be looking at some kind of hammer die/knife that would cut the material really (like multiple times per second) fast. Same way paper is cut commercially. 40K is an enormous number - follow on activities are gonna be something…think of the packaging, boxing, palletizing, etc.
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