Weekly News, Mar.

27, 2008
MDF vs. HDF, What’s the difference?
There are a lot of properties with Laminate flooring that effect both price and quality. Some
of these items include print quality, whether or not a patented locking system is used, materials
used in production, and manufacturer responsibility.
One item that is often left unnoticed, but has a huge impact on quality, is the core of the
laminate. The core is the fibreboard that gives the flooring its strength and durability. Currently
there are two types of fibreboard used in Laminate flooring: MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) and
HDF (High Density Fibreboard). However, does the difference between MDF and HDF really make
so much of a difference that it should effect a clients purchase? The answer is, yes.

Medium Density Fibreboard: is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down softwood
into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels
by applying high temperature and pressure. The majority of wood mills reuse the saw dust created
during the manufuring of lumber to make MDF. This process insures a minimum of lumber waste.

High Density Fibreboard: is similar to MDF and particleboard, but is much more dense, strong and
hard because it is made from exploded wood fibres that have been highly compressed using a
similar binding process to MDF.

However, the true benefits are not revealed in the definition of the product alone. The chart
below details a direct comparison between the two products:

Property MDF HDF

Density per kg/m3 600-900 900-950
Moisture Content % 5-10 5-10
Expansion in Water after 24 hrs. by % 7-9 5
Resistant to Fungus/Termites Moderate High

While more properties exist, this comparison shows that (depending on the manufacturer)
that HDF can be almost three quarters more dense than MDF, that MDF will swell in moisture
almost twice the amount as HDF (which can cause board expansion, and breakage), and that, due
to the density of the product, it is highly resistant to parasites. Another item to note is that HDF
also increases the strength of the locking system, thereby increasing the ease of installation and a
higher resistance to board separation.

You will find HDF in all laminate products from Danflor. Danflor always brings together the highest
quality product possible to match the beauty of the surface. With Danflor you can be assured of a
long and happy life for your flooring. Have a look at our online flooring catalogue today to view our
entire product line in high resolution. www.dantra.com
Dantra Directory:
Dantra Order Desk: (902) 468-7165, ex.248
George Cutler: (902) 468-7165, ex.240
Sandra Kline: (902) 468-7165, ex.248
Scott Hyland: (902) 468-7165, ex.229
Roger Kent: (902) 468-7165, ex.286
Sheldon Crouse: (902) 468-7165, ex.247
In Newfoundland, call: Andy Squires: (709) 728-1581
31 Sterns Court ~ Dartmouth, NS B3B 1W7 ~ www.dantra.com In Québec, call: Michel Desfossés: (514) 386-4500