Mdf

[shuhu]

Hi


I know that it is a type of wood, but does anyone knows what the initials "M.D.F." stand for?? I'm from Mexico and I have no idea what the equivalent (translation) would be. )

Or better yet, if anyone here knows the name in spanish that would be great too.

 

[The-Wolf]

Medium Density Fiber board

it is made from sawdust that has been mixed with a resin and compressed at very high pressure
to create a workable material.

there is aslo LDF & HDF (low & high respectivly)

 

[Rodders]

Its also carsonagenic (spelling) so dont go breathing the dust!!!!

 

[eric1514]

It's also not a good choice for any application where there is a chance it might get wet.

Eric

 

[Ginge]

Yes it is a carsonagenic its even worse than aspestos!!!
Be carfull its not fatall or anything buts not at all good for you.

 

[shuhu]

thanks

but, really!!?? than why almost everyone here uses it to build their tank stands?? I tohught it was like the best choice

 

[eric1514]

I think it is used because it is cheap compared to plywood /w a hardwood veneer, it is dimensionally stable and it is strong. These properties recommend its use for cabinets and you will see alot of it used in kitchens, baths and K/D furniture. However, it is usually protected with a laminate of some kind because it will absord water and fail.

Personally, I would use a hardwood plywood over a 2x4 frame. I like the look of wood. All you can do with MDF is paint it or cover it with a laminate. But I'm a sloppy water changer.

YMMV,
Eric

 

[Rooster]

thanks

but, really!!?? than why almost everyone here uses it to build their tank stands?? I tohught it was like the best choice

Because it strong AND cheap ! You can build a stand without a frame with MDF, but i prefer 3x2 clad with either "contiboard" or real wood.

 

[Stephensd30]

The other downfall of MDF is that if it gets wet it will swell up. Not as bad as particle board used to, but it will swell if exposed to water.

I manage a local lumber yard/home center in East Tx and you can get a piece of 3/4" MDF for 24.88 or you can get a piece of 3/4 BC Yellow Pine for $32.88. It is well worth the extra few dollars. The BC will give you a nice paint grade side. If you are looking to stain then you could get 3/4 Fir but that gets pricey ($36.88).

You probably didn't want/need all of that info, but it is well worth the extra few dollars and get a plywood. (MHO )

 

[shuhu]

@ Dawn_S

thanks for the info, it helps so that I can have an idea of the aprox. costs, since I'm from Mexico so it's more expensive to buy from you than around here What about Fir and Pine, do these swell up if they get wet?? and I'm asuming that after MDF (in terms of costs and resistance) you would use Pine or is there something else cheaper but around the same strengt than Pine? ... btw, what is BC?


So basically if I cover the MDF with other type of wood than it would be "ok" as long as no water comes in contact with it? Most DIY projects explained here do that, right? they simply cover it with plywood or something else...

 

[Aquascaper]

All wood will swell, warp and rot when it comes into contact with water unless it is treated in some way.

The easiest and cheapest way to 'seal' wood is to coat it with a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue. You can get this from any hardware store (its the stuff they let kids use at school - the stuff that you can coat your hand with then peel off). To prepare it all you do is add a little water till its easily spreadable then paint it onto the wood. A good few coats will ensure that it's absorbed into the wood and when dry it will form an impervious layer (take extra care to do the edges well).

HTH

 

[thefishykid]

anything to do with or go near to water i would not use mdf. i myself would buy mirine ply. all you need is 2by 2 lenths 2 inch by 2 inch square it comes in all sorts of lenths from 5 foot to 20 foot make up your frame cut the marine ply to frame then light stain or varnish to finish all the wood then is the same flat and level for the tank to sit on

 

[Aquascaper]

Marine Ply is no different to MDF + a PVA coating in that they are both composite wood sheeting that has been treated to be impervious to water. In my opinion MDF + a PVA coating is more resistant to water if done properly.

The main difference is that Marine Ply is expensive, MDF and PVA isn't. If you've got the money and can't be bothered with the hassle of sealing MDF go with the Ply, if you're on a budget go with MDF + PVA, simple

Each to their own I supose

 

[Stephensd30]

@ Dawn_S

thanks for the info, it helps so that I can have an idea of the aprox. costs, since I'm from Mexico so it's more expensive to buy from you than around here What about Fir and Pine, do these swell up if they get wet?? and I'm asuming that after MDF (in terms of costs and resistance) you would use Pine or is there something else cheaper but around the same strengt than Pine? ... btw, what is BC?


So basically if I cover the MDF with other type of wood than it would be "ok" as long as no water comes in contact with it? Most DIY projects explained here do that, right? they simply cover it with plywood or something else...

The BC is just a "B" grade on one side and a "C" grade on the other. The "B" side will give you a good side for sanding & painting. Marine Ply is really good, but it is very expensive as Aquascraper said. I am not sure about the PVA glue treating as I have absolutely no knowledge on it. It really all comes down to personal choice & budget. Check out what you have available to use, your budget and go from there. Whatever you choose to use, you will have to seal with something (paint, PVA, Stain & Polyurathane, etc....) Researche, use the internet....there's tons of how to sites out there.

Just because someone doesn't know/understand about one way to do something doesn't make it the wrong way. I am going to do some research on the MDF & PVA glue myself because it would provide my customers with a very cost effective solution in a lot of situations. Thanks for posting the suggestion Aquascraper. My rule of thumb has always been never use MDF where there's any chance of water contact, but maybe that will change



Good luck with your project and I look forward to seeing what you design & build.