If you’re updating your house, you may be looking for alternative types of plywood to complete your projects.

Or, if you’re a distributer, you may be interested in expanding the products you offer to better serve your customers. Either way, Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) is an inexpensive and durable option that can provide many benefits when you’re working with wood.

MDF is an engineered wood composite. Unlike many types of plywood, it’s created by breaking down hardwood and softwood into wood fibers and then pressed together to create a solid piece.

It’s similar to particleboard, but is much stronger and denser with fewer gaps between the wood fibers.

Some of the advantages of MDF include:

• Price – MDF is generally less expensive than other types of plywood
• Texture – MDF is very smooth and lacks any knots in the surface
• Customizable – MDF is easy to paint or apply a veneer to because of its smooth surface
• Reliable – MDF is consistent throughout each piece, so you can avoid splinters and make smooth cuts
• Easy To Use – Because of it’s smoothness and consistency, MDF is a great material to use when cutting in design details

As with any working material, there are also some disadvantages to using MDF. These include:

• Water Resistance – MDF absorbs water and other liquids, and will deteriorate over time
• Weight – MDF is a dense material, making it very heavy
• Durability – While MDF is harder than many types of wood, the inside layers are soft, making it easy to damage if dropped or if you use screws in it
• Stain – MDF can’t be stained because there is no wood grain. If you did try to apply a stain, it would absorb into the wood and the results wouldn’t look good

When MDF was created, it was originally exclusively used to make furniture because it allowed for intricate designs and easy customization.

Now it’s also used for baseboards, doors, shelves, and in craft projects, like wood blocks, plaques, and cutouts. It’s a great substitute for the less durable particleboard, and can replace certain types of plywood for interior designs and decorations.

As MDF has gained popularity, it’s a great product to have on-hand as an alternative wood option for your customers. You can recommend it for interior use and can combine it with certain types of plywood to create a truly unique look. Find out more about MDF today and decide if it might be a good investment for your company.