HDF (high-density fibreboard) is also referred to as hardboard. It is made from wood fiber extracted from pulped wood waste and chips. This is a type of engineered wood product and HDF for flooring is much harder and stronger as compared to MDF which means Medium density fibreboard. The density of HDF is greater than 50 pounds per cubic foot or 800 kg per cubic meter and due to high density, it makes a perfect stabilizing material for laminating the floors.
It cannot be used outside due to its water absorbing capability. When a board is formed under high pressure and temperature by adding oil to it, the board will transform into a polymer and gives resistance against moisture, hardness, and strength.
MDF is also a type of engineered product and made up of wood wastage fibers glued together with resin under pressure and heat. The density of MDF is 600-800 kg/m3. These characteristics make it an ideal material for laminating the floors and engineered floor. MDF is regularly used in making shelving, storage units, furniture and cabinetry, decorative modeling and doors. MDF is also used in acoustic enclosures such as subwoofers and loudspeakers.
Now the question is which material is to be preferred by the consumer.
Solid wood’s strength varies depending upon the species of wood, but still, in comparison to all other engineered products available in the market, Solid wood is the firmest and strong option. Whereas HDF is proven to be the most strong material among all fibreboards. MDF is less strong than HDF but it is still stronger than other particle boards.
Uses
- Solid wood is widely used for making furniture and other accessories such as doors, and spars for ships, aircraft, ladders, boxes, window frames, crates, and general millwork. It is also used in constructing durable furniture, both outdoor and indoor as well. Solid wood is also used for making wooden frame structures and flooring.
- HDF is used for the type of furniture where a frequent load is likely such as in government offices, cinemas, and hotels, etc. Furthermore, it is also available in the perforated form, through which it can be used for hanging various tools of any workshops. It is resistant to moisture and can be used as core material for laminate floors.
- While MDF is mostly used in making kitchen or room cabinets, furniture, and shelves in any storage unit while sometimes widely used in decorative wall cladding. Transparent partitioning can also be done using MDF by carving various patterns in order to give it a traditional look.
Cost
- Solid wood is natural material; it is scarce which makes it the most expensive as compared to engineered types of wood.
- HDF is expensive as compared to MDF as more temperature and pressure is applied during its manufacturing.
- MDF is cheaper than HDF but expensive in comparison to other particle boards.
Durability
- People have been using solid wood for thousands of years, and it can be sanded many times during the course of its lifetime. So, Solid wood is undoubtedly more durable than HDF/MDF engineered woods.
- HDF can last a number of years without experiencing being worn out which makes it a durable material.
- The normal age of MDF is up to 10 years if it is kept in a dry environment and it extends, even more, when it is laminated. Laminated MDF lasts for to 20 years before it needs to be replaced.