Difference Between MFC and MDF Boards
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For a wide range of DIY furniture and construction projects, MDF and MFC are popular materials. While both of these materials are types of engineered wood that can be bought as panels and are more affordable than solid wood, there are some significant differences between the two. To help you decide whether MDF or MFC is best for your project, here’s a quick guide to the key differences between them.
What is MFC?
MFC, or melamine faced chipboard, is a material with a core of chipboard, which is an engineered wood product. Chipboard, also known as particleboard or low density fibreboard, is manufactured by applying intense heat and pressure to small wood particles mixed with epoxy resin.
Glued to the outside of the chipboard core are faces made of melamine. Usually around 0.3mm thick, these melamine faces are decorative although they also add durability and strength to the material.
Melamine faced chipboard is a popular choice for furniture because of its attractive appearance and affordable price point. It’s often used for kitchen worktops, floorboards, and cabinet making.
What is MDF?
MDF, or medium density fibreboard, is a type of engineered wood made from waste wood shavings turned into fibres. The fibres are mixed with a resin binder and wax; pressure and heat are applied to form them into solid boards.
Cheap, versatile, and easy to paint on, sheets of MDF are often used in furniture making or construction. There are also various types of MDF for different applications, including moisture resistant MDF, which is suitable for use in humid places like kitchens and bathrooms, and fire retardant MDF which is used to meet building fire safety regulations.
MFC vs MDF: What are the key differences?
Appearance
MDF tends to be plain, with smooth surfaces that are easy for you to paint. There are also some varieties of coloured MDF available to purchase.
If you’re looking for a more natural or stylish appearance, melamine faced chipboard is the best choice. There are a wide range of different types of MFC available with various appearances including natural wood texture, stone, and solid colour gloss and matt finishes.
So, if a high quality appearance is important for your project, MFC is a great pick. However, if you’re looking for materials that won’t be visible or will be painted over anyway, MDF may be a better choice.
Density
MFC is less dense than MDF or plywood, making it easier to transport and work with. If you’re working on a project alone, opting for lighter MFC can make your task easier.
Strength
Both MDF and MFC are very strong – ideal for building big cabinets or shelves. They’re not quite as strong as solid wood but they’re strong enough for a wide range of furniture applications.
Safety
Something to keep in mind is that MDF releases harmful particles when it is cut because of its formaldehyde content. Therefore, it’s important to wear protective gear when cutting MDF. MFC does not contain formaldehyde so it does not release these dangerous particles. However, protective gear is still recommended when working with it.
Warping and damage
Because they are made from tiny pieces of wood, neither MFC or MDF have a grain. This means that they are less likely to warp or split than solid wood.
One advantage of melamine faced chipboard is that its sturdy melamine face is scratch proof and waterproof. This makes it suitable for use in kitchens where scratches are likely, for example in a kitchen cabinet or countertop.
In contrast, MDF can be scratched, revealing the wood fibres underneath. This means it’s less suitable for projects where it is likely to be dented or scratched.
Uses
MDF and MFC have some overlapping uses, for example in many kinds of furniture making.
MFC is a particularly good material for kitchen furniture due to its long-lasting, easy-to-clean, and scratch-resistant nature. It’s very strong, which makes it ideal for use in kitchen cabinet carcasses. MFC is also often used in bedroom furniture such as wardrobes or shelving. Glossy or wood-look textures are popular options to add a luxurious aesthetic to a bedroom.
MDF also has a range of uses. Great as a building material due to its strength and affordability, it’s easy to paint on if you want to jazz the boards up. You can even opt for moisture resistant MDF for use in kitchens or bathrooms where moisture is likely. MDF is also often used in applications such as cabinet and wardrobe doors.
Conclusion
MDF and MFC both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you depends on your project requirements.
Struggling to decide between MDF and MFC? Don’t worry – you can compromise by using melamine faced MDF for your DIY project. This provides all the benefits of a melamine face on a medium density fibreboard core instead of a chipboard core.
If you’re thinking of using any of these materials in an upcoming project, visit Cworkshop. Offering an impressive range of varieties of material as well as a cut to size service, Cworkshop is trusted by professional woodworkers and amateur hobbyists alike. Take a look at their types of boards and get started with your project today.
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