LumberCalcs: The Straight-Grain Figures for the Hand-Hewn Builder
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MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

For painted trim, cabinetry, and indoor projects needing a perfectly smooth, uniform surface -- not for structural or outdoor use.

Runner-up: Baltic Birch · Retake the quiz

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Why this fits you

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  • You need a perfectly smooth surface for painting -- no visible wood grain.
  • The project stays indoors, away from moisture.
  • You\'re not relying on it for structural strength.
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MDF is made from wood fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure, giving it an extremely smooth, uniform surface with no grain telegraphing through paint -- the standard choice for painted trim, molding, and cabinetry doors. It\'s heavier than plywood of the same thickness, has no structural rating, and swells and degrades quickly if it gets wet, so it\'s strictly an indoor, dry-application material.

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How it compares

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OptionBest forFinishCost
CDX PlywoodStructural sheathingUnfinished, C/D grade faces$
OSBBudget structural sheathingUnfinished, strand pattern$
ACX / Marine-Grade PlywoodOne visible face, moisture exposureA-grade face, C-grade back$$
Baltic Birch PlywoodFurniture, cabinetry, fine joinerySmooth both faces, visible edge plies$$$
MDFPainted trim, indoor cabinetryUltra-smooth, uniform, no grain$$
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Buying checklist

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  • Never use MDF anywhere it might get wet -- it swells and falls apart, unlike solid wood or plywood
  • Prime and seal all edges before painting, since raw MDF edges absorb paint differently than the faces
  • Not a structural material -- don\'t substitute it for plywood or OSB in load-bearing applications
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Run the numbers

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Lumber Cost CalculatorPlywood Calculator
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Frequently asked questions

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Can MDF be stained like wood?

Not attractively -- MDF has no visible wood grain, so it\'s meant for painted finishes rather than stained ones where grain pattern matters.

Is MDF stronger than plywood?

No -- MDF has no structural rating and is not a substitute for plywood or OSB in load-bearing sheathing applications.

What happens if MDF gets wet?

It swells, softens, and can permanently deform or crumble at the affected area -- MDF has poor moisture resistance compared to plywood, so it should stay strictly indoors in dry conditions.

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Other Plywood Type Finder results

CDX PlywoodOSB (Oriented Strand Board)ACX / Marine-Grade PlywoodBaltic Birch Plywood
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