HMR MDF Board – Uses & Applications

Uses and Applications Of HMR (Highly Moisture Resistant) MDF Board

When it comes to constructing a structure that will accommodate several people, it is necessary to find the best material to build it. There are many options available in today’s time, but nothing provides more at the price of less than Medium Density Fibreboard.

Created from deconstructed wood and specific additives, Medium Density Fibreboard helps create safe and comfortable spaces. One new type of MDF is called Highly Moisture Resistant MDF. Following is a look into what HMR MDF, the advantages it brings to the user, and the many areas that it can be applied to. 

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What is HMR MDF Board?

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is is the recent advancement in interior woodwork. It is engineered wood which is created by first breaking natural wood. Hard or softwood is reduced to its fibres. This process is achieved with the use of a defibrillator. The wood fibres are then combined with wax and resin binder to form panels. The constituents of MDF are generally 82% wood fibre, 9% urea-formaldehyde based resin glue, 8% water, and 1% wax. The mold is subjected to high temperature and pressure to form MDF panels. The final product is stronger than standard plywood and denser than particleboard.

Highly Moisture Resistance (HMR) MDF is a special type of panel created to be placed in areas of high humidity or which may have occasional wetting. HMR MDF is best applicable for areas like kitchen cupboards, bathroom vanities, laundry cupboards, and shelvings.  

Advantages of HMR MDF

Physical Properties

HMR MDF is sold at a lower price than regular natural wood but has much to offer when it comes to strength. MDF is created by deconstructing wood and adding additives to make it durable. Therefore, it is free of defects that may along with natural wood like knots and cracks. MDF doesn’t warp under varying conditions and has even distribution in its properties all along. Other than resin, binding agents like lignin provide better durability. MDF also provides longevity as it doesn’t lose its form over time.

Moisture Resistance

MDF is mixed with additives like wax and resin. These substances guarantee protection from moisture damage which natural wood is known for over a prolonged time. This has made MDF a great fit for areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

Manufacturability

Medium-density fibreboards are easier to construct for manufacturers comparative to particleboard. Due to its surface properties, medium-density boards are easier to laminate and veneer. The same property also helps to make painting them very economical as they are less paint absorbent than particleboard. Due to its flexible structure, MDF can bend and be cut into various shapes without compromising its strength, increasing their versatility.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation

Other than domestic households MDF has applications in commercial space. For thermal insulation, MDF boards are an efficient and cheap solution. Due to insulation the heat /cold loss inside the room is reduced and helps you save money on your electricity bill. A 12mm MDF board can provide thermal insulation equivalent to a 150mm brick wall. Due to the porous, yet durable structure, MDF boards are a great fit for acoustic insulations in recording studios.

Ecological Compatibility

Commercial and domestic areas must be ecologically sound. MDF is a great fit for ecologically compatible areas. They have lesser formaldehyde emissions when compared to particle boards which make them less toxic and more environmentally friendly. They are a perfect fit for kitchens and nurseries or kids’ rooms.

Price

Budget is an important factor to be kept in mind when it comes to construction. MDF is known to be 60-70% cheaper than natural wood, making them cost-efficient.

Applications of HMR MDF

Furniture

One of the prime applications of MDF boards is in the furniture industry. As companies strive to build durable products, MDF is a good option. Furniture producers utilize MDF boards specifically designed to create high-end products. Most of the expensive furniture like bookshelves and entertainment centers are constructed with MDF. They are favoured due to their low-density to durability ratio. This helps companies build strong products at about half the cost. Companies like IKEA are famous for the use of MDFs in their furniture.

Cabinetry

Medium Density Fibre Boards are an excellent fit to construct cabinets. These cabinets can then be given finish using solid wood lamination on the top. Other than kitchen cabinets and shelvings, MDF have other home interior applications like doors, moldings, and floors.

Fire Resistance

Other than being thermal and acoustic insulated, medium density fibreboards are also fire resistant. Commercial buildings, stores, and offices alike, prefer their interiors to be built with MDF for added safety. This also helps them meet building safety requirements implemented by their national law. Homeowners have also taken a liking to this property and have their garage or other rooms constructed with MDF for better safety.

Vapour Repulsion

Medium Density Fibreboards are best suited for regions that are known for humidity. Natural wood is known for morphing and molding in humid areas. Other than damage to property, it also invited bacteria and fungus. MDF is suited for such areas and act as a vapour barrier for home and commercial spaces. The material can fight moisture damage and dry out over long periods. This helps avoid damage due to rotting and warping.

Sound Proofing

The most common use of medium density fibreboard’s soundproofing can be seen in recording studios, theatres, and auditoriums. Speaker manufacturers use MDF in their speakers as they reduce vibration noise. Less commonly known, but construction companies use medium density fibreboards to reduce the noise created by their heavy tools.

Roofing

The best exterior application of medium density fibreboard is in roofing. Its water-resistant property makes it the perfect fit to use for backing when setting shingles or a low sloped roof.

HMR (Highly Moisture Resistant) MDF Board – Conclusion

Building a structure is a big responsibility. The builder and the project owner both owe it to the future inhabitants to build a comfortable space. With all the building blocks available to us, Highly Moisture Resistant MDF is the best. They are made of wood with none of its imperfections. Available at half the price with double the durability, it is a favourite of manufacturers and users.