MDF is a building material that’s commonly used for trim and baseboards, shelving, cabinets, and furniture. Its acronym stands for medium-density fibreboard. It’s a substitute for wood made of wood fibres pressed and moulded together at high temperature with wax and resin. The result is a sturdy product that can be produced from recycled wood.

Like anything else, MDF has its pros and cons. In its favour:

• it’s cheaper than wood
• it’s stronger than wood and particle board
• it doesn’t contain knots
• MDF doesn’t form splinters
• it can be made from recycled wood
• it doesn’t split as easily as wood

The disadvantages of MDF:

• cutting MDF releases urea formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, into the air
• unfinished MDF releases urea formaldehyde into room air at a slow rate – all surfaces should be finished to prevent this release
• it’s heavy
• water destroys interior MDF; it swells, stains, and loses its shape if it gets wet
• smooth nails don’t hold well in MDF

MDF is considered an environmentally friendly product by some because it uses recycled wood. Its chemical content, however, especially the urea formaldehyde off-gassing, is not in its favour from an environmental point of view. Formaldehyde free MDF is available.