The Advantages of Using MDF Wood

What is MDF Wood?

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood that is made by breaking down hardwood/softwood residuals into very fine particles and fusing them together with resin and wax under high heat and pressure. When compared to other types of engineered wood, such as plywood, MDF wood is considerably denser, stronger, and more durable. 

Not All MDF Wood Are Made The Same

There are various types of MDF wood which are distinguished by density, size, type of glue, moisture content, thickness, eco-friendliness, and wood species. As you can probably guess, the better the materials of the MDF wood, the higher the costs. However, high-quality MDF wood justifies the higher price tag as it can give several clear benefits.

What Are The Advantages of Using High-Quality MDF Wood?

1. MDF wood is less impactful on the environment. By utilizing hardwood and softwood residuals that typically would be burnt or thrown into a landfill, the process of making MDF wood does not contribute to the ongoing deforestation issues that are happening across the globe. Considering the current state of the climate, it is essential to try and lessen the impact that typical wood manufacturing has on our environment. In essence, because MDF wood is created through a recycling process, using MDF wood is a means to save trees and lessen the impact that wood manufacturing has on the environment. This makes MDF wooden products perfect for those individuals who are more environmentally conscious.
2. MDF wood is resilient to moisture damage. The engineering process of MDF wood allows for a structure that is hard to flex, crack, and warp. Since MDF wood is capable of expanding and shrinking without different parts of the wood working against each other, this makes MDF wood much more suitable for preventing warping caused by exposure to airborne moisture.
3. MDF wood has a smooth and polished surface. Since MDF wood is made using very fine particles, it does not have a noticeable grain. The end result is a wooden board that has a better and smooth finish when compared to other types of wood. This is important when trying to buy products that are painted since it also allows for a smooth and consistent layer of paint that is both smooth to the touch and pleasant to look at.
4. High-end MDF wood is durable and long lasting. When MDF wood first entered the market, it was seen as a cheap and flimsy alternative to real wood that had no way to compete in terms of durability. Fortunately, due to rapid advancements in technology, there are now several ways to create MDF wood that is both durable and long lasting in exchange for a higher cost of materials. It is important to distinguish the good from the bad when it comes to MDF wood as there are many manufacturers who choose to cut costs by using flimsy materials.

Why You Should Avoid Low-Quality MDF Wood

As mentioned earlier, not all MDF wood is made equally. By using cheaper materials, such as the base wood or the type of resin, there are ways to lower the cost of manufacturing MDF wood. While doing so allows manufacturers to save on costs and would allow consumers to buy cheaper products, it comes at the cost of quality and durability. Low-quality MDF wood is not as durable and can often lead to splinting and cracking. Since the particles won’t be as finely processed, the moisture resistance of low-quality MDF wood is considerably lower when compared to using high-quality MDF wood.

Low Quality MDF Wood Releases High Levels of Formaldehyde

One thing to keep in mind is that lower quality MDF wood also typically has higher concentrations of formaldehyde which is a chemical that can cause adverse health effects such as headaches, throat irritation, and in some cases damage to the liver. Due to this issue, there is a standard set by the US Federal government to make sure every piece of engineered wood is deemed safe for household use. The first of two levels, P1, has twice the amount of formaldehyde emissions than the second level, P2. So it is very important to make sure to choose high quality MDF wood that ideally meets the P2 standard. At FENLO, we verifiably meet the P2 standard set by the California Air Resources Board to ensure all of our products are safe for everyday household use. At the end of the day, all the negative downsides of using low-quality MDF wood do not outweigh the marginal benefit of lower costs.

Why We Use MDF Wood Over Solid Wood

From utilizing energy efficient LEDS to using an advanced UV coating technique, we at FENLO try to keep the environment in mind when creating all of our products. This is why we choose to use MDF wood over something more conventional like solid wood since we do not want to contribute further to our environmental impact. Using solid wood can lead to the loss of trees which in turn can cause climate change, desertification, soil erosion, and a host of other issues. Not only do we care about the environment, but as a company we also strive to make sure we are delivering high-quality, reliable home décor to all of our customers. This is why we choose to use MDF wood that is manufactured from high quality materials and that meets all health and compliance standards. The end result is reliable home décor that is both aesthetically pleasing and built to last. Learn more about our desk with wireless charging and who we are as a brand.