Can You Use MDF For A Shed Roof?

MDF, also known as “Medium- Density Fiberboard,” is the core of many woodwork projects worldwide. Denser than plywood and more durable than particleboard, MDF is the way to go! Can you use MDF for a shed roof?

Using MDF for your typical shed roof can be a gamble. MDF does not handle moisture very well and will swell, mold, and eventually decompose in damp, wet circumstances. Therefore, MDF is much more suited for simple indoor projects that will be painted, such as furniture, cabinets, and shelving.

There are, however, several things you can do with MDF to fit some of your outdoor project requirements. Read on as we discuss some of MDF’s practical and powerful qualities!

The Best Thing About MDF

There are several practical reasons why you should still choose MDF instead of real hardwood materials. MDF is much lighter than hardwood and is also a lot more flexible. Because MDF is made out of composite products, it is cheaper as well.

A lot of people use MDF because it is a sustainable, eco-friendly product. The fibers used in MDF come from recycled wood, which means the production has almost no impact on our environment.

Properties Of MDF

When MDF was first produced, wheat was the raw material used to complete MDF products. Higher quality MDF products quickly jumped on the market with chemical binders to make the product stronger.

Because MDF products were getting stronger, they developed properties almost identical to actual wood. MDF has internal bond strength. It is a modulus of elasticity and rapture. Although they are very thick, they still absorb water, which causes swelling and, ultimately, mold.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of MDF

When choosing your material for your roofing or any other project you want to take on, it is extremely important to consider your pros and cons:

Advantages

MDF is in everyone’s pricing range. MDF has a lot of economic value because it is lower in cost and inexpensive.
As MDF is a recycling process, it saves trees.
Where wood takes a long time to stain different colors, MDF is easy and quick to handle any color.
MDF can be stained or even painted and given the same look as actual wood.
MDF is smooth and has no grooves that spoil the smooth surface.
Because chemicals are used for the processing of MDF, it is resistant to most wood-eating insects.
MDF is not a natural product and has no grain. Therefore, it is easy to drill and cut without damaging it.

Disadvantages

MDF is weaker than wood, and furniture made out of MDF does not last as long. Some people see using MDF in the long term as a loss of money, though it might be cheaper in the short term.
MDF splits and cracks under stress.
Because MDF absorbs water quicker than wood, MDF will swell, and the buyer should be extremely cautious about this in wetter and damp circumstances.
MDF does not take screws or nails easily. The fraction may appear around these holes, and it is advised to use pilot holes.
MDF contains VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), which includes urea-formaldehyde that causes severe irritation to the lungs and eyes.
Dust produced during the manufacture or cutting of MDF is extremely harmful to breathing, and workers should wear suitable protection.

Precautions

When using MDF, be cautious as the dust contains small particles harmful to your eyes, nose, and mouth. Laborers working with MDF have to maintain a mask that covers their mouth and nose. They are also advised to wear appropriate glasses to avoid the dust from going into their eyes.

MDF furniture should be kept water-free and away from any damp or wet surfaces. The movement of MDF furniture should be done carefully while fully protected to prevent dust particles from going into the eyes, nose, mouth, or ears.

Using MDF Outside And For Roofing

Although it is not advised to use MDF for roofing because of its water-absorbing properties, there are some things you can take note of:

Know the limits and uses.

MDF is straightforward to work with because it is made with compressed, delicate articles. When being cut, the particles do not leave rough edges, common in many types of wood.

MDF is commonly used for shelving, laminate flooring, furniture, and doors. It can also be used in motor vehicles, where it is formed into door shells. Shelves or even dashboards!

With this being said, you have noticed that all the MDF uses are indoor components or pieces shielded from exposure to the elements. MDF can not last in harsh weather conditions and should not be used for external construction.

Choose a realistic project.

It is essential to choose a project suitable for using MDF. Building an indoor chair, bench or shelf is a practical application. Bear in mind that building a shed or roof with MDF is not.

Instead, construct a piece that will be suitable for outdoor use yet small enough to drag into a shelter when the weather conditions get bad.

If you have a bigger construction in mind, it would be best to use a different material.

Consider veneerd fiberboard.

With veneered fiberboard, the board’s top layer is coated with a thin layer of other wood, such as pine, oak, or mahogany. This veneer does improve not only the aesthetic properties of the fiberboard but also the structural properties.

Remember to choose a strong finish to resist water and dirt, which this piece will encounter outside.

If you cut the veneer fiberboard’s edges, you will expose the core of the fiberboard. As the center does not have the same veneered finish as the top, you can add a new veneer piece to the exposed parts if necessary.

Moisture-resistant fiberwood.

Almost all fiberboards are produced with urea-formaldehyde glue. This is a type of glue that is low cost and is also one thing that makes MDF so affordable to purchase. Unfortunately, as we know, this offers limited moisture resistance.

Therefore, try to find a medium-density fiberboard manufactured with phenol-formaldehyde glue. This fiberboard might be rarer because it contains more expensive glue.

The moisture-resistant properties this glue offers will be reflected in the price you’ll pay, but it is definitely worth the investment in the longer term.

Waterproofing your piece

Assemble it as you are building your piece, so the unfinished surfaces face downward or remain inside. For extra waterproofing, you can paint your article with a waterproof sealant.

If you are using waterborne polyurethane, it may not bind completely to your MDF’s surface. Try sealing your board with shellac first and then giving it a sealing coat with polyurethane.

MDF Vs. Hardwood

Even though hardwood can be much more expensive than MDF, many people prefer hardwood over MDF for its natural style and natural wood finish. However, considering using MDF when you have a solid color in mind might be your best choice!

MDF and hardwood’s most noticeable difference is that MDF boards cannot be refinished, changed, and the upholstery can be difficult or complicated. You are stuck with the texture and finish you did on your completed piece.

With real hardwood, the finish can be changed in a lot of ways. You can stain hardwood, paint it and change the color according to your preference. Ultimately, hardwood is more expensive, but you have a more diverse choice of style and flexibility.

Conclusion

It is clear why many people still prefer to build hardwood roofing or walls for their homes. In the end, it makes perfect and simple sense that many people instead prefer the practicality and price of MDF. If you think of replacing your roof with wood, both MDF and real hardwood would be suitable choices. If you choose MDF, it is crucial to remember to buy the correct waterproofing materials and products for guaranteed satisfaction in the longer term.