Truth, popularity and sustainability: Revisiting MDF’s role in environmentally conscious design

While Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) continues to be one of the most popular building materials in Australia, it often faces scrutiny regarding its safety, durability and environmental impact. Why is the integrity of this versatile engineered wood product periodically brought into question, and is this mistrust warranted? Or is MDF simply a highly valuable, sustainable building resource unjustly affected by persistent misconceptions that have been circulating for years? 

Here, we not only dispel some of the myths surrounding this well-established material – we also demonstrate that MDF is a safe, sustainable and high-performing material that will play an essential role in the advancement of a greener built environment. 



What’s the concern with formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is at the centre of the main misconception about MDF. And the fact that this myth has been following it like a bad smell is not entirely surprising – when this concern was first raised in 1987, it was prompted by a distinct scent released when MDF was cut. Now, a few decades on, the industry has a much better understanding of VOCs, improved manufacturing processes in place – and a set of rigorous regulations to hold it accountable, which means modern MDF made in Australia is safe. Still, the topic of formaldehyde keeps coming back – but is it actually a concern

The short answer is no. In fact, formaldehyde is a naturally-occurring chemical given off in forests and can be found in air. Its ubiquitous character is also highlighted by the multitude of its industrial applications – formaldehyde has been integrated in a broad range of products for over a century now, and can be found in paints, adhesives, disinfectants and resins that act as glues for MDF.

Now, exposure to very high concentrations of formaldehyde could cause eye or nose irritation or even have carcinogenic effects. And while back in the day this would certainly have been a cause for concern, the amount of formaldehyde emissions in the MDF manufacturing process has reduced significantly over the years, and modern MDF production adheres to stringent regulations that limit these emissions.

“The Australian Standard AS/NZS 1859.2:1997 ensures that MDF products meet safety criteria,” explains Julian Beattie, Director, SUPAWOOD, Australia’s renowned manufacturer of low-formaldehyde MDF wall and ceiling lining. “These include limiting the amount of formaldehyde to ultra-low levels. Lower, in fact, than what you would experience walking through a forest.”

As a result, almost all MDF now made in Australia and used by SUPAWOOD is E0 (ultra-low formaldehyde) or E1 (low formaldehyde) levels that don’t pose any health risks. What’s more, these levels of formaldehyde meet the most stringent requirements of the Green Building Council of Australia, and – Julian points out – are six to ten times lower than the levels found in MDF imported from China or Malaysia.



And the “banned” myth?

It is precisely that – a myth. MDF has not been banned. And, interestingly enough, the 1990s restrictions of MDF products put in place by the Department of Education in specific educational settings were due to concerns about termite attacks – not formaldehyde or dust.

And because moisture content required for termites to become a problem doesn’t tend to be high enough in typical indoor settings, MDF has been widely specified in educational environments around Australia. In fact, SUPAWOOD specialises in learning spaces and their MDF products have been successfully integrated across a plethora of education projects for over two decades, clearly demonstrating the unjustified nature of this perception.

Is solid timber really always better?

And yet, particularly when contrasted with solid timber, there seem to be some misconceptions that may hinder the specification of MDF. Solid timber is undeniably a popular and architecturally favoured material, justifiably appreciated for its natural strength, durability, environmental benefits and unique biophilic qualities. However, when compared to MDF, does it always come out on top? We explore some key differences.



Fire safety

One of the most significant distinctions lies in the materials’ fire resistance. Solid timber is naturally flammable and achieves only Group 3 under NCC Vol.1 C1.10 Clause 4, Table 3 requirements. This means it can contribute to the rapid spread of fire, posing a heightened risk, particularly in bushfire-prone areas.

Fire-retardant MDF, on the other hand, achieves Group 1 and 2 under the same NCC requirements. “It’s treated with sustainably compliant fire-resistant chemicals that slow down the spread of fire, making it a safer option for wall and ceiling linings in areas where fire protection is a priority, including commercial buildings, public spaces and multi-story buildings,” explains Julian. “And SUPAWOOD only supplies E0 and E1 rated finished products, ensuring no risk to health for building occupants.”

Naturally, with the increasing volatility of the Australian climate, MDF’s fire resistance stands out as a crucial consideration for creating safe, enduring and climate-resilient spaces.

Moisture resistance, stability and consistency

A common disadvantage of solid timber is its tendency to warp and crack as it dries out over time. And while natural timber might have a certain aesthetic appeal, ultimately, it can hamper the structure, performance and durability of wood, requiring robust upkeep and regular maintenance. In contrast, moisture-resistant MDF is engineered to withstand varying levels of moisture, which makes it more suitable for many indoor environments.

“Moisture-resistant MDF maintains its shape and structural integrity,” says Julian. “This makes it more durable in climatically variable environments, such as offices, schools, shopping centres and community buildings which might be subject to heating and cooling cycles. This consistency and stability also add to the compliance considerations regarding group fire, seismic and acoustic requirements.”

Plus, MDF’s engineered composition ensures consistency in size, shape and strength, yielding a more uniform and stable finished product that juxtaposes solid timber’s natural variations. “This makes MDF wall and ceiling linings easier to install and more predictable in terms of performance,” Julian adds.



Design versatility and aesthetic appeal

While solid timber is often coveted for its naturally beautiful, organic appeal, its unique aesthetic comes with some limitations. Precision-engineered MDF, on the other hand, can be easily shaped, cut and moulded into a whole range of designs, emerging as a particularly versatile option for internal linings that excel in both aesthetics and practicality. What’s more, MDF products tend to offer a broad range of wooden finishes that can imbue the space with the biophilic qualities of real timber while ensuring enduring aesthetic cohesion.

Cost-effectiveness 

So how do these two stack up in terms of cost? MDF is generally more affordable than solid timber, which comes with higher costs associated with sourcing, processing and transportation. In contrast, MDF is made from a mix of wood fibres and other materials, making it an attainable and budget-friendly choice – especially for large-scale projects.

“Our MDF products are supplied as lightweight, modular and ready-to-install kits with all required workshop drawings and fixings,” explains Julian. “In addition, while solid timber often requires specialist framing and fixtures, MDF products are attached to standard commercial grids, translating to lower installation costs.”

So far, MDF emerges as a fire and moisture-resistant, durable, high-performing, versatile and affordable material, particularly for large commercial spaces. But what about its environmental profile?



MDF’s environmental impact

“Because MDF is constructed primarily from wood fibre, many wood shavings and other portions of the wood that might normally be discarded can instead be recycled into MDF production,” Julian explains. “This reduces waste and means a higher percentage of trees harvested are used to create valuable products, which puts less strain on our forests and fosters more enduring sustainable construction practices.”

And MDF’s environmental potential doesn’t end there. “Our panels are modular which allows for most of them to be repurposed and reused as part of another project when they’re no longer required at the original build,” Julian enthuses. “Or, because they’re not only not hazardous but also Red List Approved, they can be buried without concern.”

That said, specifiers shouldn’t confuse that with biodegradability. “MDF is not biodegradable,” Julian says. “What that means is that, at the end of life, MDF that is disposed of into landfill effectively captures the carbon for decades to come in contrast to timber which – while it can be composted or used as biomass – is bound to release its carbon when used again, in another way. MDF is therefore more effective at reducing carbon levels than solid timber in the long-term, because it helps to reduce enormous amounts of excess carbon in the atmosphere.”



MDF: The future of sustainable construction?

Building on its unique environmental potential and multiple functional benefits, while dispelling persistent misconceptions, MDF undoubtedly emerges as a valuable material for forward-thinking specifiers. And despite these myths MDF continues to be one of the most popular building materials in Australia, it’s pretty clear that well-informed and experienced industry professionals have always seen it as a highly versatile and sustainable option. From cabinetry, furniture and moulding to architectural ceiling and wall linings, MDF’s uniform look and feel has been elevating Australian interiors near and far.

The reality: Embrace MDF with confidence

It’s clear that a certain narrative around MDF needs to be revised – and that this multi-faceted solution shouldn’t be considered through the limiting lens of outdated anxieties.

Instead, reassured by its safety, performance, versatility and compelling environmental credentials, the industry should embrace Australian-made MDF as a reliable architecture and design tool. And leverage the expertise of manufacturers like SUPAWOOD to confidently specify MDF not as a compromise, but as a future-forward foundation for an enduring, compliant and sustainable built environment.