MDF

MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is basically an engineered wood product formed by breaking down softwood into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.

Most of the furniture in the Singapore market nowadays are made of MDF. They are of relatively higher density and better quality than most of the chipboard furniture in the market.

One will ask “so what if its density is higher?” Due to its higher density, it is less prone to damage when moving house or when being shifted from 1 place to the other, as compared to particle board furniture. Higher density will mean that the fibre and the “compactness” is higher, thus when a screw is screwed in, the screw are being held more tightly and less room for movement. Advantages being that there are less tendency for the screws to be loosen and leading to the whole structure to be shaky.

Pros of MDF:

• Less expensive


• Generally easier to work with


• Is consistent in its strength, and is consistent in its size (width, length)


• Shapes well.


• Stronger than chipboard

Cons of MDF:

• Denser than plywood or chipboard (the resins are heavy)


• Swells and breaks when waterlogged


• May warp or expand if not sealed

Given the cost to quality relation and the benefit, I would recommend MDF furniture over most furniture if a customer is with a relatively tight budget constraint and yet would like the furniture to last over a reasonable amount of time.