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MDF vs HDF Wood: How are They Different?

High Density Fiberboard For Flooring

Also referred to as hardboard, a high density fiberboard (HDF) for flooring is a type of engineered wood product. It’s made from wood fiber extracted from chips and pulped wood waste. HDF for flooring is similar but much harder and denser than particle board or medium density fiberboard (MDF) for flooring. It has a density greater than 50 pounds per cubic foot or 800 kg per cubic meter. This makes for a perfect stabilizing material for laminate floors and engineered hardwood flooring.

Like other types of fiberboard for flooring, a HDF for flooring cannot be used outside because it absorbs water. A tempered form of hardboard is made by adding oil that becomes a polymer when the board is formed under high temperature and pressure. This gives it resistance against moisture, hardness, and strength. This tempered hardboard can be used in construction siding.

Medium Density Fiberboard For Flooring

Medium density fiberboard for flooring, or MDF, is also an engineered product. It is made up of wood wastage fibers glued together with resin or glue under heat and pressure. It is similar to particle board but denser. MDF has a density of 600-800 kg/m³. It also doesn’t warp or swell easily in high humidity areas like bathrooms or washrooms. Once again, these characteristics make it an ideal core layer material for laminate flooring and engineered floors.

MDF is also regularly used in the making of furniture, cabinetry, wall panels, shelving, storage units, decorative molding, and doors. Due to its insular qualities in sound and heat, MDF, is also used in acoustic enclosures such as loudspeakers and sub-woofers.

Do you have flooring with fiberboard in your home?

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