Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), standard or HMR (3mm, 4.75mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm, 25mm, 32mm)
Fibre/Strand-Based Panel
ATLAS CODE
COM-TBC-FSP-003
Category composite
Material Family Timber-Based Composite
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
690-770 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
-0.8 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Combustible
Lifespan
25-50 yrs
Description
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is made from wood fibres bonded with resin under heat and pressure, producing a smooth, uniform panel used for joinery, furniture and interior linings.
Typical Uses
- Interior wall linings
- Cabinet construction and furniture
- Drawer bottoms and backing boards
- Architraves and skirting boards
- Shop fitting and display units
- Acoustic panels (perforated variants)
- Decorative mouldings
- Door cores
Recycled Content 0-20
Renewable Content 82-87
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon -0.8 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 9-11 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Uniform density enables consistent machiningSmooth surface ideal for painting and laminatingNo grain direction allowing flexible designExcellent screw holding in faceAvailable in E0 low-emission gradesWide thickness range availableCost-effective compared to solid timberFSC/PEFC certified options available
Cautions
Poor moisture resistance in standard gradesNot suitable for exterior applicationsPermanent thickness swell when wetRequires edge sealing to prevent moisture ingressDust extraction essential during machiningLower structural strength than plywoodHeavy compared to alternative panelsCannot be used in wet areas without HMR grade
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-TBC-FSP-003
Density (Dry) 690-770 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 0.75-0.85
Porosity 45-55 %
Water Absorption 15-35 %
Hardness 400-600
Surface Roughness 3-10 μm
UV Resistance Low
Chemical Resistance Moderate
pH Tolerance 5-9
Compressive Strength 10-15 MPa
Tensile Strength 0.5-0.7 MPa
Flexural Strength 22-27 MPa
Shear Strength 0.60-0.70 MPa
Elastic Modulus 2300-2800 MPa
Impact Resistance Low-Medium J/m
Poisson's Ratio 0.25
Creep Resistance Low
Abrasion Resistance Medium
Thermal Conductivity 0.12-0.15 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.02-0.27 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 2200 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 8-12 μm/m·K
Ignition Temperature 280-300 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 25-35
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05-0.15
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 10-90 %
MDF was developed in the 1960s as an improvement over hardboard. Australian production commenced in the 1970s with the first plants established in Mount Gambier. The industry has evolved to produce increasingly sophisticated products including moisture-resistant, fire-retardant, and ultra-low emission variants. Current Australian capacity exceeds 600,000m³ annually.
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-TBC-FSP-003
Flame Spread Index 7-8
Smoke Developed Index 3-5
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 280-300 °C
Fire Resistance Rating Not rated hours
Heat Release Rate 120-150 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion Standard wood products
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) -0.8 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 9-11 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
LEED Points Materials credits eligible
VOC Emissions ≤0.5 g/L
Skill Level Intermediate
Crew Size 1-2
Installation Time 2-4 hr/m²
Curing Time 0 hours
Setting Time 24 min
Temperature Range 10-35 °C
Humidity Range 35-65 %
Required Tools
Tungsten carbide saw blades (60-75 teeth)Dust extraction system mandatoryRouter for edge profilingPilot drill for screws
Certifications Required
None specificTrade qualification recommended
Weather Limitations
Interior onlyProtect from moisture during installation
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-TBC-FSP-003
Material Cost $15-80
Installation Cost $40-80
Annual Maintenance $0-5
Market Availability Readily available
Lead Time Immediate-7 days weeks
Design Life 25-50 years
Warranty Period 0-10 years
Maintenance Interval 5-10 months
Service Temp Range -20 to 60 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Poor
Dimensional Stability 0.03-0.06
Certifications Held
EWPAA certificationJAS-ANZ accredited testingFSC/PEFC availableGlobal GreenTag Level CGECA certified optionsE0 formaldehyde emissions ≤0.5mg/LGREENGUARD Gold available
Fire Code Compliance
Group 3 material classificationAS 1530.3 tested
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Volume One and TwoDtS compliant when meeting AS/NZS 1859.2:2004ISO 16893:2016ISO 16895:2016EN 622-5:2009
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.