Moisture Resistant MDF Board - Materials Market

How Does Moisture Resistant MDF Work? 

MR MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a commonly used particle board that is manufactured from high-quality wood fibres (small strands of mixed hard and softwoods) and bonded with a special moisture-repellent resin. 

The synthetic resins employed in the manufacturing process imbue the boards with excellent resistance to wet conditions. 

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Compared to alternate moisture-resistant materials, moisture resistant MDF presents an inexpensive solution for both DIY and construction while offering the durability of a moisture-resistant sheet.

Is MR MDF Waterproof? 

Moisture resistant MDF will perform steadily in humid environments and places where there is some moisture present, such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, it is not suitable for exterior use or submergence in water. 

Boards that are sold as water-resistant/waterproof MDF will perform the same as boards described as moisture-resistant - it is simply a different way of describing the same product.

It is important to stress here, that Moisture Resistant MDF is not a waterproof board; it is merely resistant to water and moisture. Therefore, it may be best to use a different material when doing work on exterior areas that are prone to be caught in the elements.

Can You Paint Moisture Resistant MDF? 

MR MDF is excellent at taking to paints and adhesives. Thanks to its free-knot and smooth surface, the sheets can be stained or painted. 

Should your project so require, you can also utilise laminates and veneers.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Moisture Resistant MDF Over Real Wood? 

Moisture-resistant MDF offers many benefits, perhaps the most significant of these is that MDF sheet does not have any natural defects associated with standard wood such as knots, kinks, grains or whorls. It is, therefore, much easier to cut into various shapes and sizes without distortion or warping. 

This makes for much more reliable work and saves time and material wastage during the building process. 

Is MR MDF Environmentally Friendly? 

Due to the fact that moisture-resistant MDF is made from recycled materials, it is a highly sustainable material. It is manufactured primarily from wood fibres, shavings and other "off-cuts" of wood that usually would be discarded. 

Is All Moisture Resistant MDF Green? 

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a great, versatile material for construction and decorating. While we offer many MDF varieties, choosing the right one for your task can often be overwhelming. Please note that while we have created this guide to assist you in choosing your MDF, ultimately it is your responsibility to research what material best suits your project.

This guide will take you through the different practical uses of our MDF sheets, giving you the best material for your project. For this guide, we will be primarily focussing on the differences between our standard grade MDF, moisture-resistant MDF and fire-rated MDF, though we can also provide melamine board and veneered MDF sheets if you require a material which you don’t wish to paint and will be used for visual purposes.

MR MDF is treated during the manufacturing process to create greater water repellency and resistance to humidity and dampness. The wood fibres in MR MDF are coated with hydrophobic wax and resin which inhibits swelling and structural breakdown.

The properties associated with moisture-resistant MDF make it ideal for applications in environments such as kitchens or bathrooms, for example as an alternative to wood wall panels, where humidity and moisture levels are higher and may damage real wood. It can be used for utility rooms and laundry rooms, as well as boiler rooms, cubicles and washrooms in commercial settings.

• Density and Weight: MR MDF has a density of around 720 - 750kg/m3. A x x 18mm sheet weighs approximately 39kg.
• Strength: Similar to standard MDF, MR MDF provides sturdy construction and good fastening strength for hinges and hardware.
• Machining: It cuts, drills, shapes and finishes the same as standard MDF. It glues well and takes finishes nicely.
• Moisture Resistance: As the name suggests, MR MDF can withstand higher levels of humidity and short-term water exposure without swelling or losing structural integrity. It offers increased dimensional stability in damp environments when compared to standard MDF. The edges should still be sealed where very prolonged dampness is expected.
• Cost: MR MDF costs up to 50% more than standard MDF due to the special moisture-resistant treatment
• Applications: MR MDF is ideal for bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinet doors and carcasses, laundry shelving, and other projects where moisture resistance is critically needed.

In those instances where safety is paramount, fire-retardant (FR) MDF can provide up to an hour of fire protection. FR MDF is manufactured to meet strict fire safety standards and codes required for commercial, public and multi-occupancy residential buildings. The panels are impregnated during production with chemical additives that inhibit ignition and slow the spread of flames.

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Commonly used in schools, hospitals, offices or cinemas, our flame-retardant MDF boards provide the best support when used in applications such as doors, kick plates or partitions. Flame retardant MDF has a pale red tint in its appearance, though it takes well to paints and primers.

Please note, that to prevent affecting the Flame Retardant properties, an appropriate flameproofing paint should be used.  If you are in doubt, please consult a qualified engineer or architect. 

• Density and Weight: Fire retardant MDF has a density of approximately 750kg/m3. A x x 18mm sheet weighs around 39kg.

• Strength: Comparable to standard MDF, fire retardant MDF provides sturdy construction for furniture and fixtures.

• Machining: FR MDF cuts, drills, shapes and finishes the same as standard MDF.

• Moisture Resistance: Similar to standard MDF, fire retardant MDF is not suitable for prolonged dampness. The edges should be properly sealed against moisture.

• Fire Rating: Our fire-retardant MDF are class C panels, meaning they achieve a fire resistance performance of 30 minutes.

• Cost: The special fire-inhibiting treatment increases the cost of FR MDF by up to 100% over standard MDF. 

• Applications: FR MDF is required for wall panelling, doors, cabinets, office furniture and displays in hotels, schools, hospitals, apartments, nursing homes and other high occupancy buildings where fire safety is paramount.

For most general DIY projects, standard MDF offers the best value for money. It's easy to work with using basic woodworking tools, accepts paint and varnish nicely, and provides a stable material for building furniture, cabinets, shelving units, trims and displays. Be sure to properly seal any cut edges to prevent swelling from moisture.

Moisture-resistant MDF is the ideal choice when the finished project will be exposed to significant humidity and dampness. It performs very well in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other wet areas while maintaining the same great machining qualities as standard MDF. The added moisture resistance is worth the moderate extra cost for increased longevity.

Fire retardant MDF should be chosen when constructing projects that must comply with strict fire safety regulations. The flame retardant chemicals do increase the cost noticeably but are necessary to achieve certified fire resistance ratings. FR MDF is required by law for many public and commercial buildings.

All of our MDF is readily available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. We only stock MDF from trusted, reputable brands, including Medite, Kronospan or Egger. 

The company is the world’s best engineered wood supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.