Manufacturers make medium density fiberboard (MDF) composites from scraps that they would normally throw away, making MDF a more environmental-friendly product. While it is not yet available at every home improvement store, it is gaining popularity among woodworkers all over the world. One of the major advantages to medium density fiber board is that it is inexpensive. MDF is also moisture resistant compared to unfinished wood, but not waterproof enough to be suitable for outdoor projects. It is smoother than wood and doesn't warp. A thin veneer or vinyl coating often covers visible edges to create a more attractive look.

Most training involves learning to test and grade MDF composite wood or discovering how to work with composite materials safely due to formaldehyde content. Here are some great ways to increase your level of medium density fiberboard (MDF) composites education and training:

1. Discover the many uses for MDF composite materials.

2. Get training in person or online for working with fiberboard composites.

3. Check out the latest news and trends in the fiberboard composites industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn more about how you can use MDF composite materials

You can use MDF to make many different applications, including furniture, cabinets, molding and other woodworking projects. You can easily paint or stain it.

I recommend: ATC Panels offers detailed information on the uses of all its MDF products. McGraw-Hill Construction has a descriptive page about projects utilizing composite panels.

Take a training course in fiberboard composites

You can take seminars and training courses in person or online, which can teach you more about MDF. Some courses may allow you to earn valuable emissions testing certification.

I recommend: The Composite Panel Association offers a variety of training courses in choosing, grading and testing corrugated medium density fiberboard. As of January 1, 2009, emissions from composite wood are subject to California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations. Crown Marketing offers specific information on its website and CARB training.

Keep up to date with the latest news and trends for fiberboard composites

The composite wood industry is constantly advancing. Continue your training by keeping up to date with the latest news online. Recent trends in fiberboard composites include working with alternative binding resins, using less formaldehyde during manufacturing and incorporating better moisture resistance.

I recommend: Wood and Wood Products by Industrial Strength Woodworking is an industry news magazine that provides current information. You can also sign up for its email newsletter or read its blog. Industrial Equipment News regularly publishes articles about MDF and other fiberboard composites. You can search its website by category.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always wear a filtered mask when working with medium density fiber board. The particles are very fine and can contain formaldehyde and other chemicals. Painting MDF with a latex paint can reduce formaldehyde emissions.

Medium density fiberboard is a wood product made from very fine wood particles. It is much more durable than particle board and resists warping like wood. MDF composite materials can be used in place of wood for many construction and renovation projects. Medium density fiberboard MDF gives builders a finer, more uniform surface on which to place wood or vinyl veneers. Fiberboard composites take paint beautifully as well.

Buy MDF boards for trim, cabinets and other surfaces where you previously used wood or particleboard. Buy medium density fiberboard for about half the price of solid wood. Though medium density fiberboard prices are nearly double those of particle board, you will have a more durable and better looking product. Use carbon cutters to cut MDF composite wood.

1. Create chair rails and wall trim with medium density fiberboard

2. Use MDF composite wood for kitchen and bath renovations

3. Buy medium density fiberboard in bulk

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create your own trim or buy MDF boards already designed

Many carpenters and builders who have discovered the beauty of medium density fiberboard (MDF) composites save every spare piece to use later in trim and to fill corners or small spaces. There are a number of stores and big box home improvement stores that have medium density fiberboard for sale already cut and primed and made into your preferred style.

I recommend: Lowes has preprimed medium density fiberboard for sale that is already designed for trim work. You can buy medium density fiberboard in a number of different styles, by the yard. It is easy to measure and cut, and Lowes typically offers contractor rates. Blackstock Lumber will take your specs and create custom MDF composite for you.

Avoid moisture and humidity problems with MDF composite materials

While MDF composite wood works well in every room of residential and commercial construction projects, it is particularly valuable to make counter and cabinets in high-humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Buy medium density fiberboard to make furniture for these rooms as well for long-lasting pieces.

I recommend: Buy medium density fiberboard in sheets cut to your specifications at The Wood and Shop Inc. ATC Panels sells MDF composite sheets that are laminated with thermally fused melamine for a finished product.

Find a MDF composite wood wholesaler for your big projects

While you can find medium density fiberboard for sale at most home improvement stores now, not all commercial lumber yards carry it. You may want to invest some time in finding your own wholesale supplier of MDF to keep your density fiberboard prices lower.

I recommend: Import medium density fibre board from China through Dezhou Senhua. Wood Planet sells wholesale MDF and lumber. The company also acts as a go-between for buyers and sellers of wood and MDF.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fiberboard composites also are good for the environment, which can give your company a higher green rating, because it is made from recycled wood.

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a useful material made up of wood fibers. Medium density fiberboard composites work well for various applications including cabinetry, furniture making, flooring and more.

MDF can also act effectively as an insulator for heat or sound. Care must be taken when handling MDF because it is partly comprised of a resin that contains formaldehyde. It is possible to buy medium density fiberboard composites with varying amounts of formaldehyde.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Similar to particleboard, Medium Density Fiberboard is a wood composite made from fibers that have been glued together. It is smooth and does not warp, making it ideal for use as molding or cabinetry and allowing it to be easily painted.

I recommend: WiseGeek details MDF and explains why MDF is better than other types of wood or particleboard for certain applications.

Chicken feather fiber

Chicken feather fiber can be used in MDF composites. MDF composites that contain chicken fibers are sometimes referred to as MDF-CFF composites.

I recommend: The US Forest Service explores MDF-CFF composites.

Moisture resistant MDF

Moisture resistant MDF contains resins that make it water resistant. This MDF usually contains recycled materials.

I recommend: Norbord discusses using moisture-resistant MDF in various PDF files.

Fire resistant MDF

MDF composites can also be treated with fire resistant coating, making them fire resistant to varying degrees depending on the coating used.

I recommend: Panel Source has helpful information on fire resistant MDF composites.

Pre-primed MDF

Most MDF composites are pre-primed, meaning they are already coated. These composites are ready to be installed and painted.

I recommend: Lowe's provides helpful information and sales of pre-primed MDF products.

Sustainable MDF

Sustainable MDF composites are made with resin that contains no formaldehyde. This type of composite is safer for the environment and complies with global emission standards.

I recommend: Sierra Pine has valuable information about sustainable MDF composites.