9mm MDF: Popular Uses and Types Available

One of the thinner boards available, 9mm MDF brings a range of uses to both construction and furniture. MDF has become a popular building material due to its malleability, its ease of decoration, and its affordability. In this guide to 9mm MDF from Building Materials Nationwide, we’ll explore how MDF is made, the types of 9mm MDF sheeting available, and where they can be used.

What is MDF?

Medium-density fibreboard, commonly sold as MDF, is an engineered wood product produced from waste wood fibres like sawdust and shavings, joined together with resin and wax, and hot-pressed into boards in a variety of thicknesses. MDF is used for both furniture and non-structural applications within a building, due to its low cost and ease of shaping. 

MDF doesn’t have a grain like real wood, meaning it can be easily cut and sculpted. MDF can also be easily painted, or covered with veneers or laminate to look like real wood. There are a few key drawbacks to MDF, such as its poor performance in water, and its comparatively short lifespan of 14 to 20 years. It’s also worth remembering that when cutting MDF full protection should be used due to the dangerous chemicals that can be released, including a gas mask and eye protection. MDF should not be cut in a confined space, and you should ensure adequate ventilation when sanding and cutting MDF.

What Types of 9mm MDF Are Available in the UK?

When shopping for 9mm MDF within the UK, you’ll have several options available to you, designed to be used within different areas of a building or different types of products.

Moisture Resistant 9mm MDF

Standard MDF boards will absorb water easily, and can often be rendered unusable due to warping. This makes it unsuitable for use within areas of a home with high levels of humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

An alternative is moisture-resistant MDF, which uses a special resin within construction to protect the board against certain levels of moisture. It’s worth bearing in mind that moisture-resistant MDF is far from waterproof, meaning that exterior or submerged uses will still not be possible. But for things like kitchen cabinets or bathroom counters, a moisture-resistant MDF should be used. Moisture-resistant MDF will often have a green hue, which is simply a dye added to aid identification.

Fire Rated 9mm MDF

Within communal buildings like office blocks, flats, and shopping centres, materials that inhibit a fire or slow its passage must be prioritised under building regulations. Fire-rated MDF can form an important aspect of this, designed to resist the progression of fire when installed within buildings. For non-structural fire-rated panelling, MDF can make a solid choice.  These boards will often be dyed red for identification, much like moisture-resistant MDF.

Veneered 9mm MDF

Combining the authentic look of real softwood or hardwood, and the price point of MDF, veneered boards will be covered with a thin layer of real wood on both sides, giving the impression of an authentic beam. This is useful within furniture, giving a rustic and attractive look.

9mm MDF Strips

A popular contemporary style of wall design involves panelling, using materials like MDF to create striking patterns on a wall. 9mm MDF is sold in strips which can be used to make lines, grids, or other more experimental ideas. This MDF can be painted to blend with the wall, and you can use water-resistant MDF strips to create panelling within a kitchen or bathroom. Buying MDF in strips can save on time cutting compared to larger sizes.

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Where Will 9mm Be Used?

There are a variety of applications for 9mm MDF within both furniture construction and non-structural elements of a building.

Furniture

While 9mm MDF sheets will be on the thinner end, they can still serve a wide variety of applications within furniture buildings. MDF is a staple within economy and flat-pack furniture, due to the many ways it can be decorated, the ease with which it can be cut, and its comparatively low cost. For everything from cupboards to chests of drawers and stands, MDF will be used to give a smooth surface in a range of colours and finishes. For furniture that is used within a kitchen or bathroom, using moisture-resistant MDF is a necessity.

Skirting Boards

9mm MDF will be suited to making attractive skirting boards for a property, easily cut to shape and painted. This can make for a decorative and cost-effective skirting option. When looking to install skirting within a kitchen or bathroom, you should be looking to use a moisture-resistant option.

Panelling

9mm MDF strips can be cut and used to make attractive wall panelling, such as grids across a whole wall or the lower part of it, or vertical beams across a wall. This is a popular contemporary look in homes, where both the wall and the panelling are consistently painted to create a fetching, textured look. Moisture-resistant 9mm MDF strips can be used to make wall panelling within a kitchen or bathroom.

What Does 9mm MDF Weigh?

MDF will have a high weight compared to other engineered woods due to its density. When buying a traditional 9mm MDF board you’ll be looking at a weight of about 5.5kg per m². 9mm is among the thinnest MDF boards commonly available, bringing with that a comparatively lower weight. 

Browse Our Selection of MDF for Sale

Building Materials Nationwide offers a range of sheet materials including MDF for sale, as part of our comprehensive range of building supplies. We stock 9mm MDF in both standard and bendy forms, perfect for use within a wide array of projects. Our full range can be delivered across the UK, allowing us to work with customers across the building industry. We also offer trade accounts for industry members, getting access to our full network of suppliers, our express delivery options, and the services of a dedicated account manager. Sign up for a trade account through our website today.