What is MDF?

[TheGameAh]

I know this is a ridiculously stupid question.  Every other post here mentions MDF for the control panel or for the entire cabinet.  

However I just went to the Home Depot and asked them where there sheets of MDF were.  Everyone looked at me like I was an alien, and I didn't know what it was generally used for to describe to them.  What should I be asking or looking for?

[Mike]

It stands for medium density fiberboard. And they have it at home depot it's right next to the plywood. It looks like particle board but better so it won't chip.

[SirPoonga]

It stands for medium density fiberboard. And they have it at home depot it's right next to the plywood. It looks like particle board but better so it won't chip.

Actually, mdf can chip, but not from a drill or saw.

To add, MDF is extremely easy to work with.  However, you will want like two coats of primer because in humidity it will suck up moisture.

You know how plywood is just glued large chunks of sawdust.  MDF is basically power sawdust glued together.

[atomaka]

I'm suprised the Home Depot people didn't know what it was.  That would make me think twice about buying there

I was suprised at how clean the board cuts too.  I didn't think it would work out as well as it did.

[AlanS17]

The Home Depot people didn't know what a lazy susan was, either.

[GroovyTuesdaY]

I'm suprised the Home Depot people didn't know what it was.  That would make me think twice about buying there

I was suprised at how clean the board cuts too.  I didn't think it would work out as well as it did.

Oh, so i wasn't the only one that got a goofy look when i asked HOME DEPOT and LOWES to show me where the MDF was. lol.   Sometimes those people. sheesh.      And then i had to find out on my own that there is different grades of all these types of MDF and plywood.   OYE.  
If in doubt call a REAL lumber yard lol.    If you still have questions about what wood is what, keep asking till you get an asnwer that YOU understand.
Dont let people make you feel stupid, just explain that you  have never really
messed with different types of wood and want some help understanding more about all the different types.   After you make it clear your basically a dumbass, They will  "usually" try to bring it down to your level, but no promises.  

good luck!
g~

[TheGameAh]

Well, in that case, is there a certain grade of MDF I should be looking for?

[Wienerdog]

Well, in that case, is there a certain grade of MDF I should be looking for?

This isn't a direct answer, but if you are using T-Molding, I would look for MDO first (Medium Density Overlay).  It is basically plywood with an MDF veneer on the outside (thin layer of MDF).  I was able to find it at Menards in the Chicagoland area.  The reason I single out people that are using T-Molding is that you don't have the clean edge that you would get with solid MDF.  It seems that most people use T-Molding, so there are only benefits of the plywood core (strength and weight).  Okay, I guess the higher cost is not a benefit, but it's just money, right?

[JODY]

At least Home Depot carries it.  Lowes doesn't...at least not in St. Louis.

[Snarbald]

Well, in that case, is there a certain grade of MDF I should be looking for?

This isn't a direct answer, but if you are using T-Molding, I would look for MDO first (Medium Density Overlay).  It is basically plywood with an MDF veneer on the outside (thin layer of MDF).  I was able to find it at Menards in the Chicagoland area.  The reason I single out people that are using T-Molding is that you don't have the clean edge that you would get with solid MDF.  It seems that most people use T-Molding, so there are only benefits of the plywood core (strength and weight).  Okay, I guess the higher cost is not a benefit, but it's just money, right?

How much more is the MDO? And was the menards by chance around Schaumburg? Thanks.

[armad1ll0]

I build in Melamine. IMHO it's the best to build off of. I got a 4x8 sheet for $40+ It sure does beat finding an overlay etc.. it does chip slightly around the edges but I don't mind the touchup. Under the T-molding, it's really slick.

[Wienerdog]

How much more is the MDO? And was the menards by chance around Schaumburg? Thanks.

It was in Bolingbrook (I-55 and I-355), and it was in the area of $35 per sheet.  

Regarding MDF and Melamine, I can't get over the weight.  I'm a big guy, and I can't imagine how some of you handle a 4x8 sheet of that stuff.  I think I saw its specs to be about 110 lbs, holy smokes, I give you credit!

I also would be worried about working with Melamine.  The core of Melamine is  particle board, so that is why it chips and is weak if you route it.  I'm always worried about marking the surface too, because there is really no way to completely repair a scrape in the top coat.  If you are better than me and can  minimize the chipping, I agree it gives you an awsome finished surface with no painting.    

[Hoagie_one]

i have two home depots and one lowes near me and all of them have competent staff, you guys are bummin'