You’ve probably heard of MDF, but you may not know what it is or how it’s made. MDF is a wood product that is made from recycled materials. This makes it eco-friendly, but it still contains some chemicals that are toxic to your digestive and respiratory systems. This is why you should keep your kids away from MDF and never let them chew on it.
Less prone to water damage
One way to protect your MDF-covered surfaces from water damage is to use a high-quality primer. MDF will absorb liquids and expand if it’s not well sealed. You can purchase oil-based primer that’s specifically designed for MDF. MDF is also not very strong and will strip screws very easily. It’s also heavy and dense, making it difficult to work with without help.
Water damage to MDF can also be repaired by using fans. The right conditions will help MDF dry out quickly. If it’s too soft or discolored, you might have to install a heat-drying system to help it dry out quickly. You can also sand the water-damaged part until it’s flat again, but you won’t get the same quality as it was before the water damage.
While MDF doesn’t completely resist water damage, you can make it more resistant by coating it with a waterproof sealer. You can also choose to paint it, but be sure to use a waterproof paint before applying the paint. This will make your home MDF less susceptible to water damage, but you must make sure you keep it protected from daily wear and tear.
Easy to work with
One advantage of MDF is that it’s cheap and easy to work with. It has a consistent surface, making it an excellent substrate for veneering. The smooth surface also makes it ideal for decorative edges. It can be cut with a band saw, scroll saw, or jigsaw.
The edges of MDF should be treated with a drywall sealer before painting. This will prevent them from becoming wet and swollen. You can also use a water-resistant paint. Make sure to apply it evenly. Allow it to dry for four hours. Then, you can apply a final layer of paint.
Another clever use of MDF is to build pull out drawers underneath stairs. McGarry Interiors Ltd developed these drawers, which not only make great shoe racks, but also provide plenty of storage space under the stairs.
Economical
The growth of the home furnishings industry in China was stimulated by domestic demand in the early 1990s, as living standards rose in the country. This demand prompted the opening of new factories and the introduction of modern technology to existing plants. The industry grew exponentially, and many foreign firms shifted their operations to the country. Those companies that made furniture there chose to use MDF.
MDF is also environmentally friendly, because it uses recycled components. It’s also made from wood, which is a sustainable resource. Wood waste from MDF manufacturing is recycled, which increases the material’s environmental benefits. MDF can be made from different types of wood, such as pine and spruce. Many manufacturers also use recycled paper and cardboard, and some have even used corn silk, coconut husks, and sugarcane.
Home MDF is an excellent option for making cabinets. The resulting product has superior strength and is more durable than conventional wood. Unlike particleboard or plywood, it won’t warp or crack when installed. It can also be fabricated into unique shapes. Its low cost and high quality make it an excellent choice for many applications.
Fire-retardant
MDF contains urea-formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. It irritates the eyes and nose and can increase your lifetime risk of cancer. Studies have shown that urea-formaldehydes cause an extra six to 30 cases of cancer per 100,000 people.
In addition to being fire resistant, MDF is also waterproof. It is also ideal for furniture that is exposed to high temperatures, as it won’t warp or burn. Additionally, MDF makes a great smoke barrier and can be varnished or covered with melamine or laminate. This makes it a good alternative to solid wood boards.
MDF can be used in cabinets, closets, and other interior decor. It is also lightweight and does not warp in humid conditions. However, you should be careful when working with it, as screws can easily split the panels if not properly anchored. To prevent this, you should counter-bore the holes before drilling. Moreover, if you’re using MDF to build shelves, it is wise to support them with solid-wood edging or vertical dividers.
The fire-retardant properties of home MDF can save your furniture and your home. While the material may be light in weight, it is very strong and is lightweight, making it easy to move. Similarly, it doesn’t attract termites, which can cause huge damage to your furniture and home.
