High-density fibreboard
High-density fibreboard (HDF) is a very similar product to its better known composite board cousin MDF (medium-density fibreboard), the only difference being, as the name suggest in the density of the board. Whilst MDF is normally produced at a density of 620-750 kg/m³, anything over 750 kg/m³ or normally around 900 kg/m³, might be considered as high density. The increased density tends to make the product more rigid and darker in appearance. HDF might also be called hardboard which is a similarly high density composite board product, although there can be a difference in the way they are manufactured.
High-density fibreboard is normally produced in thinner sheets, as low as around 3mm and up to 8mm. It may be used as a replacement for ply products in furniture, for example as backing boards but is generally used as a component part of laminate flooring because it is harder wearing than lower density products and has a slightly greater resistance to moisture, though as with most fibreboard products moisture can cause expansion and blistering. As with any composite fibre product care should be taken when cutting and appropriate equipment used.
The production of composite board products generally uses one of two processes; a dry process and a wet/dry process. The former uses synthetic binders, often formaldehyde-based agents or glues, to bind the wood fibres under pressure. The latter might use steam and pressure along with increased levels of natural binders to glue or cement the wood fibres together to form a board. There are also a number of variations in between the two processes and the environmental impacts of the two types of process can be significant, so it is worthwhile asking about manufacturing details.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Blockboard.
- Cedar.
- Chipboard.
- Confederation of Timber Industries.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Engineered bamboo.
- Glulam.
- Hardboard.
- Laminated veneer lumber LVL.
- Lime wood.
- Low-density fibreboard LDF.
- Medium density fibreboard - MDF.
- Modified wood.
- Oriented strand board.
- Plywood.
- Softwood.
- Timber.
- Timber construction for London.
- Timber preservation.
- Timber vs wood.
- Types of timber.
Featured articles and news
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.