The term "MDF block board" is not a standard name for a single material but most commonly refers to blockboard that has been faced or veneered with Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF). This construction combines the properties of both materials to create a versatile panel.
Understanding the Components
To understand what MDF-faced blockboard is, it's helpful to look at its constituent materials:
What is MDF?
According to the reference, MDF consists of compressed wood fibres. These fibres are mixed with a resin and pressed together under high pressure and temperature. This process results in a panel that offers a smooth and uniform finish, making it excellent for painting, routing, and machining. However, MDF is generally less strong and stable in humid conditions compared to other panel types like blockboard or plywood.
What is Blockboard?
The reference states that blockboard incorporates a core of softwood strips. These strips, typically 20-30mm wide, are glued edge-to-edge and then faced with layers of veneer or particleboard on both sides. Blockboard provides better structural strength compared to MDF, especially over longer spans, and is relatively lightweight. Its core structure gives it good stability.
What is Likely Meant by "MDF Block Board"? (MDF-Faced Blockboard)
Given the definitions, "MDF block board" likely describes blockboard with MDF layers on its outer surfaces.
- Structure: It has the standard blockboard core made of parallel softwood strips. Instead of traditional wood veneers or standard particleboard, thin sheets of MDF are glued onto both sides of this core.
- Purpose: This construction aims to leverage the strengths of both materials. The blockboard core provides internal strength, stability, and good screw-holding capabilities in the core strips, while the outer MDF layers offer a perfectly smooth, consistent, and easy-to-finish surface.
This hybrid panel offers enhanced performance for specific applications where both structural integrity and a flawless finish are required.
Key Characteristics
MDF-faced blockboard combines desirable traits:
- Strength & Stability: Benefits from the sturdy, stable blockboard core. As the reference notes, blockboard offers better structural strength than MDF alone.
- Smooth Surface: The MDF facing provides an exceptionally smooth, uniform surface, ideal for painting or applying lacquers without the need for extensive surface preparation typical of wood veneer or particleboard.
- Edge Finishing: While the core requires edging, the MDF face machines cleanly, allowing for neat edge banding.
- Relative Lightness: Often lighter than solid MDF panels of the same thickness.
Common Uses
Due to its combination of strength and finishability, MDF-faced blockboard is often used in:
- Furniture Carcasses: Providing a stable and strong structure that can be easily finished.
- Shelving: Especially for long spans where resistance to sagging is needed.
- Cabinet Doors and Panels: Offering a flat, stable surface for painting or other decorative finishes.
- Worktops: As a core material to be laminated or faced with other materials.
Comparison to Other Wood Panels
Understanding the difference helps clarify the niche for MDF-faced blockboard. The reference provides key distinctions:
| Feature | MDF | Plywood | Blockboard | MDF-Faced Blockboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Compressed wood fibres | Layers of wood veneers | Core of softwood strips | Softwood strip core with MDF facing |
| Finish | Smooth and uniform | Varied veneer grades, grain | Varies (requires facing) | Smooth and uniform (MDF face) |
| Strength | Lower structural strength | Better structural strength | Better structural strength | Good structural strength and surface integrity |
| Core | Uniform fibre throughout | Layers of cross-grained veneer | Edge-glued softwood strips | Edge-glued softwood strips |
Note: The reference states, "MDF consists of compressed wood fibres, while plywood uses layers of wood veneers, and blockboard incorporates a core of softwood strips." It also notes, "MDF offers a smooth and uniform finish, whereas plywood and blockboard provide better structural strength."
MDF-faced blockboard sits between standard blockboard (which might have wood veneer faces requiring more finishing) and solid MDF (which lacks the same core strength and stability).
