Unlike solid wood or plywood furniture, MDF furniture is not very strong and durable but is resistant to termites. It has to be handled with care. In case it gets damaged, it is difficult to repair it. Note that the drawers of MDF furniture cannot hold excess weight.
Normal MDF boards will easily get damaged when they come in contact with water.
As mentioned earlier, the only other time we would not recommend using MDF in baseboard applications is in high moisture areas like bathrooms. Even if water isn't directly falling onto it, MDF can slowly absorb moisture in bathrooms where 45 minute steam showers are happening more often than not.
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) performs much better than real wood in at least some areas. It is a composite material of high quality. MDF is made from resin and recycled wood fibers. It is pressed to produce dense sheets that remain stable in all weather conditions.
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is used in a variety of ways, but the most common are the construction of furniture items such as cupboards and stereo cabinets. Like most building materials, MDF is vulnerable to mold growth if it is exposed to too much dampness and not enough sunlight.
Standard MDF can get wet and get damaged by water and high moisture in the air just like most wood products. It does not hold up to water very well. Because of how standard MDF is made, it sucks moisture like a sponge, and will swell, distort, and almost become useless if not treated or sealed.
They won't eat the MDF. MDF is artificial wood that is made by attaching layers of pulpwood with glue. MDF is used to make trims around your doors or windows inside your home. The glue used in making the MDF can also act as a repellant for termites.
The safety of MDF furniture depends on the concentration of chemicals used to bond the furniture. Urea-formaldehyde is one of the major concerns in MDF. In high concentrations, it's known to cause respiratory diseases and aggravate asthma and allergies. Besides, it's a known carcinogen.
As MDF is full of potentially toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde and VOCs, MDF furniture is not a safe choice. The best option is solid wood furniture with a natural finish.
Under current legislation softwood dust, hardwood dust and formaldehyde are considered to be hazardous to health. Both softwood and hardwood dusts are known to be respiratory sensitisers and may cause asthma and other respiratory problems.
When it comes to strength, plywood is the winner.
MDF is a softer material than plywood and tends to sag or split under pressure. That's why it's important to reinforce it if you're going to using it to build shelves or other weight-bearing furniture.
Particleboard is fine for utilitarian work, but MDF is preferred for furniture projects. MDF is smoother, takes better detail, holds screws better and paints very well once its edges are sealed. Whichever one you choose, use only carbide cutters, because the binders in the wood are very abrasive.
Advantages of MDF
– Medium Density Fibreboard lacks grain, and it is easy to drill and cut without risking damage. Its high density makes it suitable to use machines on it. – It has a smooth surface without kinks and knots. – The panel can be stained or painted to mimic natural wood.
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is inexpensive, durable, and a good choice for many woodworking and carpentry projects.
With proper ventilation and perfect sealing of the material, MDF can be used in the bathroom without any problem. As an added precaution, you can seal the backs and edges around MDF cabinets with oil-based sealer and a few coats of poly sealer.
Using MDF for your kitchen cabinets is a good idea
Using MDF for kitchen cabinets or kitchen cabinet doors combined with solid wood casings is a good idea. Not only is MDF an affordable option but it is durable and doesn't warp. It can be finished in a variety of ways from painting to staining and varnishing.
With so many pieces made of MDF, it follows that they will eventually wear down and become chipped, dingy, or just dated-looking. Fortunately, you can paint MDF and bring these pieces back to life. You can even build new cabinets, shelves, and furniture from MDF and paint them—resulting in a smooth, glass-like finish.
You can prevent the growth of mold on MDF boards by sealing the wood or particleboard means you can cover both outside and inside of the MDF furniture that will protect the wood from absorbing continuous moisture .
Add one cup of bleach and ¼ cup of mild dish-washing liquid. Saturate a clean sponge in the bleach-water mixture. Scrub the MDF with the sponge. Scrub the parts the moldy areas as well as the surrounding areas.
Moisture-resistant MDF sheets are already resistant to moist areas and humidity, however, you can improve its hydrophobia by coating it in an appropriate waterproof primer or paint.
MDF panels hold screws as well as most natural woods, but drill a pilot hole first. You also can join this wood composite with spiral grooved dowels, coated staples, and ring shank nails.
MDF can remain in proper condition for up to 10 years. Particle-boards can last for up to 25 years. Costlier than particle-board. Cheaper.