Low-density fibreboard
Low-density fibreboard (LDF) 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 lower than around 600 kg/m³ or normally around 550 kg/m³, might be considered as low density.
The decreased density tends to make the product less hard wearing and lighter in appearance, though this gives it some insulating qualities. However lower density fibre boards can go as low as 50 kg/m³, at this kind of density it may be referred to as wood fibre insulation, as this is its primary use, where it tends to come in greater thicknesses.
Low-density fibreboard is generally produced in sheets from around 9mm to 30mm (excluding low density wood insulation boards which might be up to 200mm thick). LDF boards are a lighter and often cheaper alternative to denser boards. In particular they might be used in the manufacture of decorative panelling or displays as well as furniture that needs to be light. As with most fibreboard products, moisture can cause issues but the use of wax and resins can improve its performance, particularly in extremely low density fibre boards or wood fibre insulation which might be designed for external use, behind a rainscreen.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Blockboard.
- Cedar.
- Chipboard.
- Confederation of Timber Industries.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Engineered bamboo.
- Glulam.
- Laminated veneer lumber LVL.
- Lime wood.
- High-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
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.