--- title: What is MDF? description: Medium Density Fibreboard, or MDF, is extremely popular - but how much do you really know about this all-star Plyco product? We put together an extensive look at what goes into making MDF and what exactly this product is. image: https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/mdf-header-desktop.jpg --- [![plyco-logo-icon\_65x@2x](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1506/5624/files/plyco-logo-icon_65x@2x.png?v=1537174952 "plyco-logo-icon_65x@2x")](https://plyco.com.au) ![search](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/search.svg "search") ![](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/search.svg) [![user](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/Plyco%20Assests%202020/user.svg)Login / Signup![cross](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/Plyco%20Assests%202020/cross.svg)](https://plyco.com.au/account/login) **[My account](https://plyco.com.au/account/login)** [![](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/Plyco%20Assests%202020/shopping-cart.svg)Cart](https://plyco.com.au/cart) Login to my account Enter your e-mail and password: New customer? [Create your account](https://plyco.com.au/account/register) Lost password? 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Read More - [MDF](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/mdf) - [z\_attract](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/z_attract) # [What is MDF?](https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-mdf) [Read More →](https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-mdf) ### Categories ![Arrow](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/3842749/hubfs/Pack-1%20Assets/Fold%20Arrow.png?width=13&height=8&name=Fold%20Arrow.png "Arrow") - [architectural plywood (13)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/architectural-plywood) - [artificial intelligence (7)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/artificial-intelligence) - [bamboo (10)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/bamboo) - [birch plywood (29)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/birch-plywood) - [cladding (3)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/cladding) - [competition (6)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/competition) - [complete guides (22)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/complete-guides) - [construction plywood (10)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/construction-plywood) - [cut to size (2)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/cut-to-size) - [Decoply (22)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/decoply) - [egger (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/egger) - [event (3)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/event) - [featured customer (16)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/featured-customer) - [forestone (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/forestone) - [formply (4)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/formply) - [general plywood (45)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/general-plywood) - [inspiration (7)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/inspiration) - [jobs (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/jobs) - [kitchen benchtops (13)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/kitchen-benchtops) - [laminate (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/laminate) - - - [All Posts](https://blog.plyco.com.au) # What is MDF? - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [This post is part of Plyco's Guide to MDF.](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-mdf) [Medium Density Fibreboard](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all/products/mdf), or MDF as it’s far more commonly referred to, is an extremely popular and well-known timber product. In fact, if you asked people if they knew what MDF was, it’s likely the majority of them would say yes – even those who aren’t actively involved in using timber products. However, do most people actually know what MDF is, besides it being a type of timber? At Plyco we always want to offer our customers more information on our products than they can shake a plywood board at, which is why today we want to take a deeper look at Medium Density Fibreboard. [![Download Our Decoply Brochure](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/4078144/5b58d9ce-c476-4139-91af-78ae7cb596f0.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/4078144/5b58d9ce-c476-4139-91af-78ae7cb596f0) The basic overview of MDF is that it is a wood product created by breaking down both hardwood and softwood into wood fibres, which are then combined with wax and resin that form panels when extreme temperature and pressure are applied. This process is what makes MDF sheets so special. In fact, the special process is what allows MDF to be both stronger and much denser than particleboard! When it comes to timber, MDF is a bona fide heavyweight. ## **Getting chippy with MDF** In Australia, the species primarily used to bring Medium Density Fibreboard panels to life is [Radiata Pine](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all/products/radiata-bc?variant=36869282640). After the trees are cut down they are debarked and are sent to an MDF plant, where they go through the chipping process. Here the log will be put through a special machine that can contain anywhere from 4 to 16 blades. If any of the chips it creates are too large they can be sent through the machine again, while chips that are too small can be used as fuel. That’s what we call recycling! ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1506/5624/files/HDF-MDF-production-process-Li-and-Pang-12_large.png?v=1521068737) > The MDF circle of life Our precious, perfectly sized chips are then washed and double-checked for defects before being heated or steamed for up to two minutes to soften the wood. The chips will then be joined with wax and fed into a defibrillator to maintain a high pressure and temperature while the wood is ground into a pulp. The next step in our MDF timber process sees the product enter a blowline to be joined with resin. It is then dried quickly as it enters the expansion chamber and starts to expand into a fine and lightweight fibre that is stored until it is required at the forming line. This dry fibre is sucked into the top of a pendistor, which evenly distributes fibre into a mat below and is sent to a hot press to bond the resin and set the strength and density of the product. After pressing is complete the MDF is cooled and it’s now ready to be shipped off to the team here at Plyco! **** > A visual look at how MDF is made ## **Environmentally conscious MDF** Mass production of MDF only began in the 1980s, but since then there have been significant strides made to make the product far more environmentally friendly. The use of non-toxic binders is now increasingly common and using raw materials like [bamboo](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all/products/bamboo-narrow-grain) that are fast-growing and renewable has begun to take off, meaning production is having significantly less impact on the environment. One of the unique traits of Medium Density Fibreboard is that it has no knots or rings, making it more reliable when it comes to cutting compared to natural woods. MDF is also an ideal product for veneering. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1506/5624/files/Shopify-MDF-1_1024x1024_b153f7ec-3a23-44c0-925c-3633e39f233e_large.jpg?v=1521068961) > Plyco's magnificent MDF The strength of MDF combined with the ease of veneering means that it has a quite an extensive range of applications it can be used for. MDF is kind of like that kid you knew at school who was somehow amazing at every single sport! Some of the applications it’s perfect for are cabinetry, joinery, shelving, furniture and commercial and domestic fit-outs. MDF really does have a laundry list of ways it can be used! ## **Water off a duck's back** Medium Density Fibreboard is usually used for internal applications as it isn’t great at resisting moisture. However, Plyco offers a [high moisture resistant variety of MDF](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all/products/white-mel-mdf-mr-satin)! This option allows you to safely apply MDF anywhere that it may be exposed to water, like in kitchens, laundries or bathrooms. We also have White Melamine MDF available for purchase, which combines our high-quality MDF with a clean, hard-wearing melamine surface on both faces. Last, but not least, we have our extensive range of [Veneered MDF](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all/products/veneered-mdf)! At Plyco we carry 12 stock veneers, but if you see a different veneer that’s commercially available we’ll source it and apply it just for you! ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1506/5624/files/QuadroVenAmerOak-2_1024x1024_9454b985-14da-4539-b394-068c7f35f4cd_large.jpg?v=1521069068) > Plyco's MDF with a [Crown American Oak](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all/products/veneered-mdf?variant=36895721424) veneer applied Now that you know a little bit more about MDF and what the production of it looks like, why not move on over to our [online store](https://plyco.com.au/search?q=mdf)and check out our awesome range!? You can buy a whole variety of MDF boards there. We’re sure you won't be fibre-BORED by it! Alternatively, you can also check out [some](https://blog.plyco.com.au/mdf-board-applications) [more](https://blog.plyco.com.au/types-of-mdf-panels)[posts](https://blog.plyco.com.au/mdf-sizes-and-thicknesses)in our Guide to MDF. This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ![Search\_Image](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Search_Image.png?width=15&name=Search_Image.png "Search_Image") ### Complete Guides - [The Plyco Guide to Legnoply](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-legnoply) - [The Plyco Guide To Easycraft](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-easycraft) - [Plyco’s Guide To Wall Panelling](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-wall-panelling) - [The Plyco Guide to MicroPanel](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-micropanel) - [The Plyco Guide to Architectural Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-architectural-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to Construction Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-construction-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to Cladding](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-cladding) - [The Plyco Guide to Melamine](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-melamine) - [The Plyco Guide to Riga Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-riga-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to Formply](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-formply) - [The Plyco Guide to Quadro Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-quadro-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to MDF](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-mdf) ### Popular Posts ## Subscribe For The Latest News ## Related Posts ## [Featured Customer Plywood Projects: Caple Builders](https://blog.plyco.com.au/featured-customer-plywood-projects-caple-builders) There are a plethora of talented customers that walk through Plyco’s doors each and every day, specialising in all matter of creative projects. It’s v... [Plyco Team](https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team) 9 May 2019, 2:35:06 pm ## [Answering The Most Frequently Asked Plywood Questions](https://blog.plyco.com.au/answering-the-most-frequently-asked-plywood-questions) During the course of a regular week here at Plyco we’re asked many questions. Some of these questions we have addressed specifically through in-depth ... [Plyco Team](https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team) 9 May 2019, 2:35:06 pm ## [What is the Difference Between MicroPanel and Laserply?](https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-the-difference-between-micropanel-and-laserply) MicroPanel. Laserply. The new kid on the block and the veteran of the laser cutting game. The release of our new MicroPanel range has intrigued many o... [Plyco Team](https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team) 9 May 2019, 2:35:06 pm ABOUT PLYCO - Plyco staff dream of pine scented car fresheners. - A proud manufacturer, distributor and retailer of timber-based panel products, Plyco is 100% Australian owned. Sourced from all over the world in all sizes, thicknesses and grades, you could say our factories are the United Nations of timber.  [Read more.](https://plyco.com.au/pages/about-us) Company - [About Us](https://plyco.com.au/pages/about-us) - [Blog](https://plyco.com.au/blogs/news) - [Contact Us](https://plyco.com.au/pages/contact-us) - [Cut To Size](https://plyco.com.au/pages/cut-to-size) - [FAQ](https://landing.plyco.com.au/faq) - [Laserply Club](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laserply-club?smile_deep_link=home) - [Plyco New Zealand](https://plyco.co.nz/) - [Project Inspiration](https://plyco.com.au/pages/featured-customer-projects) - [Refund Policy](https://plyco.com.au/policies/refund-policy) - [Schools Laserply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/schools-laserply-program) - [Shipping](https://plyco.com.au/pages/shipping-information) - [Terms of service](https://plyco.com.au/policies/terms-of-service) Collections - [Architectural](https://plyco.com.au/pages/architectural-plywood-collection) - [Birch](https://plyco.com.au/pages/birch-plywood-collection) - [Caravans](https://plyco.com.au/pages/caravans) - [Cladding](https://plyco.com.au/pages/cladding-plywood-products) - [Construction](https://plyco.com.au/pages/construction-plywood-collection) - [Flooring](https://plyco.com.au/pages/plywood-and-particleboard-flooring) - [Kitchen Benchtops](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laminated-kitchen-benchtops) - [Laserply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laser-cut-plywood-collection) - [Marine](https://plyco.com.au/pages/marine-plywood-collection) - [Tabletops](https://plyco.com.au/pages/tabletop-plywood-collection) - [Veneered Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/collections/veneered-plywood) - [Wall Panelling](https://plyco.com.au/pages/wall-panelling) Featured - [Decoply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/decoply-plywood-products) - [Formply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/formply-plywood-products) - [Laminex Surround](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laminex-surround-products) - [Legnoply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/legnoply-products) - [MDF](https://plyco.com.au/pages/mdf-panel-products) - [Melamine](https://plyco.com.au/pages/melamine-sheet-products) - [Micropanel](https://plyco.com.au/pages/micropanel-products) - [Particle Board](https://plyco.com.au/pages/particleboard-panel-products) - [Spotless Laminate](https://plyco.com.au/pages/spotless-laminate) - [Shadowclad](https://plyco.com.au/products/shadowclad) - [Vanply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/vanply-products) - [Weather Groove](https://plyco.com.au/pages/weather-groove-products) © Plyco - Timber and Plywood Panels Follow Us - [![facebook (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/facebook%20(1).svg) ![facebook](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/plyco1) - [![twitter-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/twitter-grey.png) ![twitter-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/twitter-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) - [![instagram (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/instagram%20(1).svg) ![instagram](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) - [![pinterest-grey (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/pinterest-grey%20(1).png) ![pinterest-color (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/pinterest-color%20(1).png)](https://www.pinterest.com/plyco1) - [![youtube-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/youtube-grey.png) ![youtube-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/youtube-color.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdtNTBMWaIGmWbg29R_C9-w) - [![vimeo-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/vimeo-grey.png) ![vimeo-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/vimeo-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) - [![linkedin-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/linkedin-grey.png) ![linkedin-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/linkedin-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Plyco Team", "url" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team" }, "dateModified" : "2019-11-27T03:01:34.969Z", "datePublished" : "2019-05-09T04:35:06.000Z", "headline" : "What is MDF?", "image" : [ "https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/mdf-header-desktop.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-mdf", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/PLYCO%20Logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Plyco Pty Ltd" } } ```