Is MDF Waterproof?
Is MDF Waterproof? Or Does The Type of MDF Make a Difference?
Oftentimes, our experts here at Cabinet Timbers are asked whether any of the wood panel products we stock are waterproof or can be used in applications that require moisture resistant materials. We like to tackle common questions about our product range by providing a thorough answer so you can stay well-informed when shopping for all the wood products you need. That’s precisely why we wrote up our previous guide on whether plywood is waterproof.
But is MDF waterproof? As one of the more popular wood materials behind plywood panels, MDF board (or medium-density fibreboard) is characterised by its fabrication, having been manufactured using fine wood dust fibres that are bonded together with a heat-treated resin.
Much like plywood panels, MDF board is useful in constructing cabinets, shelving, furniture, and a range of other indoor applications. And whilst MDF board can be used for wall or ceiling lining in kitchens, laundry rooms, and other high-moisture interiors, MDF board itself isn’t actually waterproof – however, it can be manufactured or even treated to improve its resistance to moisture.
We’ll be going into detail asking is MDF waterproof, the qualities of MDF board today, including an overview of how MDF can be waterproofed, and where you’re more likely to find these moisture-resistant boards.
The key points, methods and applications to see is MDF waterproof are:
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Is MDF waterproof?
The short answer to ‘is MDF waterproof’ is that standard MDF is not waterproof. Whilst MDF can be exposed to minimal levels of moisture as you may expect to find in a kitchen cabinet or shelving, excess exposure to moisture will result in MDF boards warping due to water absorption.
Although MDF isn’t waterproof, the resin bonds that hold MDF boards together do contribute to the water-resistance of these wood materials. That’s why you can actually find MR MDF (or ‘moisture resistant medium-density fibreboard’) in our product range here at Cabinet Timbers. If you’re after moisture resistant MDF, it’s often more cost-effective to secure MR MDF that has been manufactured to boast denser, moisture-repellant formaldehyde resin bonds rather than buying standard MDF and treating it to boost its water resistance.
How to waterproof MDF
As we touched upon, the easiest way to secure waterproof MDF is to purchase MR MDF rather than treating standard MDF independently. If you are looking to waterproof standard MDF, then much like the waterproofing plywood process, you will need to treat your boards with a high-quality wood sealant, varnish, stain, or even a moisture-resistant paint.
The ‘how to waterproof MDF’ process typically begins by first applying a latex primer before then applying the wood sealant, varnish, stain, or paint that would improve the moisture-resistance of your MDF boards. The key is completely sealing your MDF to support its moisture-resistance – this means covering all corners and edges thoroughly to avoid any gaps in your applied sealants.
How can MDF be water-resistant?
So if standard MDF isn’t waterproof, what’s the difference between standard MDF board and MR MDF? The answer, of course, lies in the quality of the resin between all the wood fibres. As we mentioned, MR MDF boards are manufactured with dense formaldehyde resin bonds. The higher-density construction of MR MDF boards make it trickier for moisture absorption to occur, which is basically how these MDF boards can be called ‘moisture-resistant’.
Unlike plywood, however, MDF doesn’t boast 4 different wood grades, namely because MDF is made with repurposed wood fibres and as such, the quality of MDF board faces is largely uniform. This means that the debate of MDF vs. plywood largely boils down to the quality of the resin bonds. As A-Grade plywood typically uses phenolic resin bonds rather than formaldehyde, marine-grade plywood is always going to be more moisture-resistant than MR MDF, which is still only suitable for indoor applications.
Key applications of waterproof MDF
MR MDF or water-resistant MDF isn’t suitable for outdoor applications. This means that your moisture-resistant MDF is best suited for use in interior environments that may experience some level of moderate moisture content.
Some examples include:
- Kitchen, laundry, and bathroom spaces
- Cabinetry and shelving
- Wall and ceiling lining
- Moulding and trims
- Furniture
Do you need waterproof MDF for your next project?
If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room using MDF, then you can benefit from securing high-quality moisture-resistant MDF boards directly from our team at Cabinet Timbers.
Our range of moisture-resistant MDF is available in the following board ranges and sizes:
- 4.75mm, 9mm, 12mm,16mm,18mm, 25mm,– 2400×1200
- 18mm – 3600×1200, 3600×1800
You can also receive obscure panel shapes and custom sizes when you utilise our MDF cut to size services.
As a local and family-owned and operated building materials supplier, Cabinet Timbers is always proud to offer our customers with only the highest quality wood panel products at the most competitive price points. If you’d like to know more about is MDF waterproof, how to waterproof MDF, our range of MDF board or other wood products, simply contact us via our website or call (03) 8353 2222 to connect with our team directly.
For more information about MDF, is MDF waterproof and how to waterproof MDF:
- Learn More: What is MDF? The Ultimate Guide
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