Is MDF Wood Safe?

While getting our kitchen renovated, our designer suggested we opt for MDF wood for the cabinets. I wasn’t sure about this wood or is MDF safe when painted. So I asked him to give me some insight. I then learned that MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. They are safe and adaptable wood used for a variety of purposes.

Where is MDF wood used?

MDF is widely used for cabinetry purposes but this type of wood can also be used for crafting:

• Indoor furniture

• Shelves

• Doors And panels

• Modilings and trim

• DIY projects and others

Like you, I was also concerned about is MDF furniture safe or not after painting so here is what the experts shared about it:

• MDF furniture is generally safe for use

  but one should seal the MDF with a primer to enhance paint adhesion and reduce the risk of emissions. 

• Opt for water-based or low-VOC paints to minimise chemical exposure. 

• Ensure proper ventilation during painting and drying. 

MDF wood is therefore more toxic than ordinary plywood, as MDF has a higher density and requires more glue to bind together. This results in a greater amount of formaldehyde resin-filled glue in MDF (per square foot) than plywood.

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While purchasing some of my home furnishings, I was hesitant regarding purchasing MDF wood furniture. As the question, “Is MDF wood safe?” kept on coming in my mind. According to my research there is no such straight forward Yes or No for this question. There are mixed reviews about the safety of MDF wood. 

MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is one of the engineered woods that is most frequently used to make furniture for everyday use. 

Is MDF safe to use in the home?

As I already mentioned that there is a mixed opinion regarding the same let us divulge into both the positive and negative opinion regarding the same;

• Why MDF is considered unsafe:

MDF is considered unsafe because of the use of a compound called Urea-Formaldehyde, also known as Formaldehyde and UF, in the manufacturing of MDF boards.

The adhesive mixture used to bind the wood fibres together contains formaldehyde, which is known to cause health concerns like watery eyes, and respiratory disorders, and has been somewhat connected to cancer. Formaldehyde is released from the surface of MDF boards into the environment, where it could eventually make its way into our bodies.

• Why is MDF considered safe?

1. If the amount of Formaldehyde is controlled during the manufacturing of MDF, it still would emit Formaldehyde but in truly negligible amounts, much smaller than the scientifically proven safety threshold. 

2. Additionally, the product is actually environmentally friendly. MDF wood panels are made entirely of recyclable components that can be recycled and reused. It is a sustainable choice to make when looking for home décor solutions because they do not decompose and are not harmful to the environment.

Hence, it is completely your decision as to whether to buy MDF furniture or not. However, if you already have MDF furnitures in your home, I’d like to provide you with a few suggestions;

• New furniture should be kept outside (or away from indoor living areas) until the smell goes away.

• Open your windows as much as you can to let air in.

• Keep your home cool and dry because off-gassing will rise in warmth and humidity.

• MDF furniture should never be chopped or sanded as this will emit formaldehyde particles into the air.

I hope this answers your query about “Is MDF wood safe?” I hope this helps:)

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