What is fiberboard?

Fiberboard is a type of engineered wood. To make it, manufacturers take wood fibers basically wood pulp mix them with strong adhesives, and compress them under intense heat and pressure.

The result is a board that is incredibly uniform. Unlike particleboard, which is made from larger wood chips (think of the texture of oatmeal), fiberboard is made from fine fluff (think of the texture of flour). This makes it much denser, heavier, and smoother than other engineered woods, which is why it’s a favorite for cabinetry and furniture.

The Three Types of Fiberboard:

• LDF (Low-Density): This is soft and light. You’ll mostly see it used for soundproofing, insulation, or bulletin boards.
• MDF (Medium-Density): The industry standard. It’s hard, flat, and perfect for cabinets, shelving, and molding.
• HDF (High-Density): The toughest of the bunch. It’s usually thin and used for things like laminate flooring cores or the hard backs of bookcases.

Why MDF is the “King” of Painted Cabinets

In the kitchen world, MDF is actually preferred over solid wood for painted cabinets. Because it has no natural grain, knots, or rings, it provides a perfectly smooth canvas.

• It doesn’t move: Solid wood expands and contracts with humidity, which cracks the paint at the joints. MDF is stable, so your paint job stays flawless.
• It cuts cleanly: You can route intricate designs (like Shaker profiles) into it without the material splintering or chipping.

FAQ

Is fiberboard the same thing as particleboard?

No. They are cousins, but not twins. Particleboard is rougher, lighter, and weaker—you can see the wood chips in it. Fiberboard (specifically MDF) is dense, heavy, and has a smooth surface that feels almost like a solid block.

Can I use it in a bathroom?

You have to be careful. Standard fiberboard acts like a sponge if it gets wet, and it will swell up. If you are using it in a bathroom or near a sink, you need to buy MR-MDF (Moisture-Resistant MDF), which is treated specifically to handle humidity.

Is it eco-friendly?

Generally, yes. It’s a great way to use up wood waste. It’s made from sawdust and scra