What is HDF?

High-density fiberboard (HDF) is an engineered wood product composed of wood fibers, wax, and resin. Stronger than MDF, it features in various applications, including laminate flooring and cabinet construction. 

The key characteristics of HDF are:

• Tough and durable with a typical density of up to 900 kilograms/cubic meter (m3)
• Smooth surface with a uniform appearance 
• Typical thickness of 3 to 8 millimeters (mm)

As you might expect, HDF board contains much smaller fibers than medium-density fiberboard (MDF), making it less prone to warping, cracking, and chipping. You get an even stronger material with super-refined HDF (SRHDF). Using even finer chips and wood pulp, it’s the high-end version of HDF board.

Understanding HDF: What is high-density fiberboard used for?

Its durability, strength, and versatility make high-density fiberboard popular in a range of applications. It’s most often used in laminate flooring as the substrate material, where it provides long-lasting strength because of its denseness. 

Here are more examples of what HDF is used for:

• Furniture construction: HDF is used to produce cabinets, shelves, tabletops, and other pieces of furniture. It reinforces structural integrity and provides a smooth, even surface for easier finishing.
• Door manufacturing: With better moisture resistance and stability, HDF is often the choice over solid wood for interior door manufacturing. HDF doors are also not on the menu for termites or other pests.
• Wall paneling: HDF boards are a more budget-friendly way to spruce up a room with wall paneling. The consistent surface creates an attractive finish, and the panels come in a range of designs.
• Drawer bottoms: The sturdiness of this material makes it ideal for drawer bottoms in cabinets. These may have to bear a lot of weight and could experience humidity or damage. Moisture-resistant, anti-crack HDF is perfect for handling this.

What is high-density fiberboard made from?

The manufacture of HDF boards uses refined hardwood or softwood fibers. These combine with wax and resin under high pressure and temperature. The immense pressure compresses the mixture into a solid panel that is highly durable.

Here’s a closer look at what high-density fiberboard is made from:

• Wood fibers: Finely processed to ensure a consistent surface
• Resin: Used to bind the wood fibers and help the board maintain its shape and strength
• Wax: Sometimes added to promote moisture resistance and improve stability

Because HDF manufacturing often incorporates recycled materials, HDF can be an environmentally friendly option for sustainability-minded DIYers. Many manufacturers use wood fibers derived from waste wood, reducing the demand for unsustainable logging practices. 

At the same time, though, the energy-intensive application of heat and pressure can have an environmental impact if derived from non-renewable or high-emission sources.

It’s also important to note that the use of certain resins, particularly those containing formaldehyde, can be a concern. This has prompted efforts to use low-emission or no-added-formaldehyde (NAF) resins.

Benefits and drawbacks of using HDF board

While there is plenty to love about HDF wood, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of. In many cases, its biggest benefits double as its biggest drawbacks. 

Understanding the pros and cons of HDF will help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for your next woodworking project.

Pros of HDF

• High density: As the name suggests, HDF is hardy and durable. This is why it’s often used as an alternative to solid wood in things like cabinetry, laminate flooring, and shelves.
• No graining: Since HDF uses very fine particles, there is no noticeable grain. Having a smooth surface makes it easy to achieve a uniform finish. It also simplifies the application of laminates, veneers, paints, or other decorative finishes.
• No cracking: As an organic substance, solid wood expands and contracts in response to changing humidity levels. This often leads to cracks in your paintwork. You avoid this with HDF, which is dimensionally stable and, therefore, less prone to expansion or contraction. You’ll be able to maintain the integrity of your finish for much longer with HDF.
• No warping: Its stability also makes HDF resistant to warping. Unlike traditional hardwoods, HDF has hardly any seasonal movement, so there’s no warping. This is a big benefit if you’re planning a cabinetry project, as it helps you avoid unsightly gaps.
• Moisture resistance: Although not entirely waterproof, HDF has moisture-resistant properties. This makes it ideal for indoor spaces with moderate humidity, like kitchens or bathrooms. That’s not to say you can get it wet without causing damage, but you won’t have to worry about it absorbing moisture from the air.
• Versatile: You can machine, cut, and shape this material for various applications. Whether for flat-panel cabinet doors or decorative wall panels, HDF is a great option for most woodworking projects.
• Affordable: HDF boards are great options for a kitchen on a budget. They’re inexpensive and just as strong as wood, with a similar look and feel and a few marked benefits. This strikes a good balance between performance and affordability.

Cons of HDF

• Weight: Its density not only makes HDF robust but heavy. Its weight prevents it from being used in large furniture installations or pieces that move around a lot.
• Drilling problems: Its hardness makes drilling holes for things like cabinet hardware tricky. You need to apply more pressure and use sharper drill bits to drill through effectively. It’s also a more brittle material than solid wood. For this reason, drilling pilot holes is recommended to avoid splintering.
• Low screw-bearing capacity: The quality and sturdiness of your HDF furniture will weaken over time if you constantly dismantle or reassemble it. This is because it has low screw-bearing capacity compared with solid wood alternatives.
• Not waterproof: Many mistake HDF’s moisture resistance with water resistance. This mistake could really cost you. If it’s exposed to water, the fibers will swell, and the damage is tough to fix. This makes HDF board unsuitable for outdoor use.
• Thickness: Being high density makes HDF much thinner than other alternatives. This limits its use in certain applications, like interior moldings or skirting boards.
• Customization limitations: HDF is harder to customize than solid wood. Routing intricate designs is more difficult because of its hard surface. Its brittleness also increases the risk of splintering or chipping.
• Contains VOCs: Some HDF products use resins that contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pose a risk of harmful out-gassing. Choose HDF products with low-emission or NAF adhesives to safeguard against this.
• Cost variability: While HDF is generally more cost-effective than solid wood, certain products could cost you more. For example, SRHDF or HDF treated with moisture-resistant finishes will be more expensive.

Is HDF board right for you?

HDF board is a great alternative to solid wood, but like any material, it’s not perfect for every project. We recommend only using HDF on indoor cabinetry since it’s not designed to handle outdoor weather. 

It’s also important to note that one of the biggest problems cabinetmakers have when working with HDF are the design options. Since they’re routed on computer numerical control (CNC) machines, there are a few limitations to be aware of:

• The hardness of HDF quickly wears down cutting tools during CNC routing.
• Achieving precision and detail with CNC routing may require specialized tools. 
• HDF doesn’t respond as flexibly to CNC routing as solid wood due to its density.

Whether you’re a cabinetmaker or DIYer, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of all material options to make the right choice for your project.

When it comes to cabinet doors, we highly recommend SRHDF. It’s an affordable choice that offers a smoother finish with a higher resistance to changing temperatures.

Learn more with The Cabinet Door Store

Understanding what HDF is will help you make better decisions for your interior design project. While it presents some challenges, HDF is a robust material that can be a fantastic alternative to solid wood. 

If you’re looking for the perfect parts and materials for your next cabinet project, we invite you to explore The Cabinet Door Store. Whether you’re embarking on a full kitchen renovation or just an aesthetic upgrade, we stock a range of high-quality products that offer durability and style. 

We also offer many different materials and styles, from high-quality HDF slab cabinet fronts to Shaker doors in rich walnut. Browse our available wood species and staining options to find the combination that’s right for you. 

When you’re ready, simply place your order online. You can also contact our friendly team for more information on how we can help bring your project to life.