What is MDF and why is it used?
Len, What is MDF and why is it used? What should I know about it when buying a piece thats has it and how do I tell it’s being used?
- Thanks, Tom
Hi Tom,
MDF means “Medium Density Fiberboard”. It is used in the furniture industry in a number of applications but the only applications that you want to see on a piece of furniture that you would buy is: MDF used as dust bottoming ( a panel that fits under the drawers in a case piece that is intended as a barrier for dust, a back panel for a case piece (wooden panels are best but MDF is not a total turn-off), and possibly as a core material. If used as a core you would not see it or be aware of it at all. HDF (High Density Fiberboard) is more often used for cores and is better but not dramatically better).
Now if you see MDF used in any other application it is a cheap, you don’t want to buy it piece. You know it is being used because by law a manufacturer has to tell you what items go into the production of a piece but they don’t have to tell you exactly where it is used. A good sales person should be able to tell you where on the piece you will find it. The places where I said it is ok are very visible with the exception of the core material. Good luck and don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.
Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition