Why PSI Matters – How to Gauge Quality among Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Particle Boards
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a type of hardboard made from wood fibre that has been glued and heated under pressure. MDF is renowned for its workability, versatility, durability and affordability. Due to its smooth quality surface and uniformity, MDF is easy to paint or use on its own with a laminated veneer surface.
Not all fibreboards are equal. Fibreboards, such as MDF and particle boards (PB) are rated for its PSI property – an important point to consider when selecting MDF and PB for specific applications. Pound per Square Inch (PSI) is a unit that defines the pressure relative to a vacuum rather than to the ambient atmospheric pressure. What does this mean to you? Having high PSI value directly reflects high quality MDF and PB.
High PSI values equate to higher quality MDF and PB. High quality MDF or PB retains overall structural integrity, thus providing excellent functionality in the finished application. All MDF supplied by Global Hardware has an excess of 720psi. While MDF or PB with PSI values at 620 or below are less expensive, buyers be wary! Low PSI MDF or PB are considered sub-par quality with compromised structural integrity. MDF with 720psi promises to…
- maintain structural integrity of the wood,
- no bending,
- higher screw-holding capacity, and
- less vulnerable to moisture absorption.
PSI is as important, if not most, as any other measurable and / or aesthetic attribute of fibreboard quality — all of which are important when considering application.
A common misunderstanding is that weight is the same as PSI. While weight of an MDF panel determines its density, weight but that does not affect its PSI value. One MDF panel may be heavier in weight, yet record less than 620psi. The weight of a fibreboard panel is often due to the type of wood used in manufacturing. For example, mahogany wood fibre is heavier than Malaysian rubberwood or tropical hardwood. Fibreboards made with mahogany versus rubberwood tend to be heavier, yet measure lower PSI values because less wood fibre is used to manufacture such low-quality boards. Less wood fibre equates to lower density, which in turns means lower PSI value. Lower density MDF panels easily warp, are more vulnerable to water absorption and have poor screw-holding capacity.
At Global Hardware, we believe in only supplying the best quality in building materials. The following MDF product specifications are available at Global Hardware:
- High-end, Malaysian quality
- Dimension: 8 ft. x 4 ft. (1.2 m x 2.4 m)
- Thickness: 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm, 25mm
- Colours: over 700 colors available (colors consistent throughout all thicknesses), including plain and mahogany veneer laminate
- Finish: matte (scratch proof) or gloss
- HDF available on demand
- Application: kitchen cabinets, work stations, wardrobes, etc.
