What is MDF and Why Should I Use It?

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is a pressed wood product that offers several advantages over solid wood for a project like this. It’s less expensive than solid wood, and the smooth surface looks great painted. Unlike strips of lumber, which can be bent or twisted, strips ripped from MDF are perfectly straight, simplifying installation, and the material is flexible enough to conform to slightly wavy walls.

MDF isn’t perfect, though. It’s heavy and the 4 x 8-ft. sheets are hard to handle without help. Some stores will cut it into smaller pieces for you. Also, the dust generated by cutting and sanding MDF is so fine that it’ll drift and settle on everything in sight unless you take special precautions. Collect the dust with a vacuum or dust collection system if possible. Otherwise, try to do most of your cutting outdoors.

Family Handyman