If you are planning to make some furniture or cabinets, or even do some sheathing, then MDF is a great option to consider. MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a fairly popular and cost-effective building material that can serve many purposes.
That said, something you would probably like to know is how much MDF costs, which is exactly what we are here to figure out today, as well as what factors affect the cost.
What Factors Affect MDF Cost?
There are eight main factors that affect the cost of medium-density fiberboard, so let’s take a look at all of them right now.
1. Type
Medium-density fiberboard comes in four main types, and which one you get will determine how expensive it is.
The least expensive variety is the normal one, plain MDF. You then also have ultra-light MDF, fire-retardant MDF, and moisture-resistant MDF. In terms of price, the ultra-light variety is usually going to be the least expensive next to the normal kind, with the fire-retardant variety being slightly pricier, and the moisture-resistant variety being the most expensive of all. The moisture-resistant variety tends to be the priciest because it has the most versatility.
2. Quality
Another factor that affects the cost of MDF is how well constructed it is.
MDF is made by mixing wood fibers with resins and other substances. The more wood fiber this mixture has before it is pressed (to a certain extent), the higher quality the MDF will be. Therefore, MDF sheets with a higher percentage of wood fiber are stronger and more durable, and therefore will also cost you a bit more.
To find out what composition your MDF has, read its specifications.
3. Size and Thickness
The next factor that is going to affect the price of MDF is its size.
Simply put, the larger and thicker the MDF sheet in question is, the more expensive it will be. Your normal MDF sheet sizes include 4’ x 8’, 5’ x 8’, and 4’ x 10’. In terms of thickness, you can find MDF sheets anywhere from 3 mm to 32 mm, with some industrial-grade MDF sheets being potentially thicker than that. The larger the sheet the larger the price tag.
4. Brand and Retailer
The next determining factor here is the brand of MDF that you get. Some of the most popular and expensive brands that produce MDF include Kronospan, Medite, Spanolux, and Finsa. However, there are also plenty of other brands and generic MDF producers out there that may charge much less for their products.
You then also need to consider the retailer that you go to, as some stores are just more expensive than others. You may be able to find some really cheap MDF at a wholesaler, whereas you will end up paying much more at a specialty lumber or home improvement store.
5. Your Location
Where you live is also going to make a difference in terms of MDF cost. For instance, if we are comparing continents, MDF in Europe is always going to cost more than in North America, mainly due to limited space and lumber supply. In terms of North America, the USA will usually be cheaper than Canada.
That said, what also makes a difference is whether you live in an urban or rural setting. Things in rural settings always cost more than in urban settings, and this counts for MDF just like anything else. It takes more time and money to transport goods to remote locations, therefore making them more expensive.
6. Supply and Demand
The next determining factor here is simple market supply and demand. One of the reasons that MDF has become so expensive, along with all other types of lumber and engineered wood, is because it is seeing increased demand compared to a very limited supply that has been decreasing.
This is especially the case due to manufacturing and transportation delays that have been caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
7. Grade
The grade of MDF that you get will also make a price difference. You have two grades of MDF, interior and exterior. Exterior grade MDF is made with moisture-resistant adhesives and resins that make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, whereas regular interior MDF is not moisture resistant and cannot be used outdoors. This alone makes exterior-grade MDF more expensive.
8. Finish and Appearance
The eighth and final determining factor is the appearance and finish of the MDF. Regular MDF doesn’t look very nice, but it also isn’t that expensive. You then have veneered and laminated MDF, which have either veneer or laminate on the outside, both of which are beneficial in their own ways.
Generally speaking, due to its durability and nice appearance, veneered MDF is usually going to be the most expensive kind. You then also need to consider that some MDF boards come pre-primed so that they are ready to paint, which will also increase the price.
How Much Does MDF Cost on Average?
For your average 4’ x 8’ sheet of MDF, expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $60 per sheet, with pre-primed or finished MDF sheets costing anywhere from $60 to $120. However, keep in mind that for the latter, we are talking about 2’ x 4’ sheets, therefore effectively making it up to four times more expensive than regular MDF based on the size.
Sample MDF Prices
Columbia Forest Products MDF | 3/16” – 1’ x 7’ | $28.04 |
Columbia Forest Products White Paper MDF | 1/8” – 1’ x 7’ | $43.60 |
Rona MDF Panel | 5/8” – 4’ x 4’ | $48.74 |
Rona Natural MDF Panel | ¼” – 49” x 97” | $43.99 |
Kronospan Moisture Resistant MDF | 18mm – 2440 x 1220 mm | £40.94 |
Kronospan Standard MDF Board | 3 mm – 2440 x 1220 mm | £10.21 |
Finsa Iberpan MDF | 40 mm – 2440 x 1220 mm | £107.64 |
Summary
Although MDF is typically considered one of the cheaper types of engineered wood out there, due to rising demand and decreased supply, it has become rather pricey. However, you should now know exactly how to choose MDF, particularly in relation to cost.