MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a popular engineered wood product, made from a mixture of wood waste, resin, and wax, that is shaped into solid boards and sheets through a combination of heat and pressure. 18mm MDF boards will be cut to that specific thickness, and sold in a range of dimensions. MDF brings several benefits to a building project, with a smooth appearance that can be easily shaped in many different ways and decorated with paint for a precision finish. MDF is cost-effective, explaining why it is so often used within economy furniture. It can also be covered with veneers to give the visual impression of a real wood product.
Compared to authentic wood and other engineered wood products, the strength of MDF can be quite low. Other drawbacks of MDF include its natural issues with water, which can make it warp, and that it can release formaldehyde when cut, which is harmful to humans. The lifespan of MDF is another potential issue, with only a 14 to 20 years window before issues start to arise.