Medium-density fiberboard costs $80 on average, depending on the type and measurements. Most spend between $15 and $150.
Whether you want to upgrade your kitchen cabinets or install some shelving in your closet, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a go-to material for these projects because of its durability. Medium-density fiberboard is an engineered wood made from wood fibers mixed with glue and resin binders and formed into sheets using high pressure. A 4-by-8-foot sheet of MDF costs between $15 and $60, while a 2-by-4-foot sheet of pre-primed or finished MDF boards runs between $60 and $150.
You can buy MDF per sheet, but the final price tag depends on the project you’re working on.
MDF is commonly used in kitchen cabinets, with an average cost being $70 to $250 per square linear foot. A kitchen cabinet unit costs between $450 and $620. You’ll typically pay $2,000 to $7,000 for building a complete kitchen—the price includes site preparation and on-site setup.
Kitchen cabinet cost estimates may require an on-site assessment. Contact a local professional for a free and accurate estimate and costs for your project.
“We work a lot with MDF,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “And we have a very specific rule-of-thumb: for interior work, such as cabinets, trim, etc., go with MDF. But with anything exterior or anything that is high-humidity—such as bathrooms—go with plywood or solid wood.”
MDF is a great material for doors because it’s easy to paint, clean, doesn’t warp, and provides more customization options than solid wood doors. An MDF door runs between $400 and $650 per door, costing more for doors with intricate designs.
MDF decor can range anywhere from $200 to $300, depending on the size of the project. There are specially made MDF boards primed and painted for interior decor like shelving, open bookshelves, casing, molding, and baseboards.
Standard MDF sheets–sized 4-by-8-foot—run between $15 to $60. Pre-primed or finished MDF boards cost between $60 to $150 per 2-by-4-foot sheet.
| Project Size (Per Square Foot) | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| 50 | $1,500 – $2,100 |
| 100 | $1,700 – $4,000 |
| 150 | $1,900 – $5,000 |
The total cost for any MDF project depends on many factors, such as the project size and labor cost, and more.
The project design and size determine the final price tag. For example, building an MDF cabinet in the kitchen or bathroom will cost between $70 and $250 per linear foot for materials only. To install an MDF door, expect to pay $160 to $240 for materials.
Expect to pay $160 to $300 per hour for MDF labor depending on the project complexity and time spent. However, most labor jobs include site preparation, trash removal, and work area cleanup.
Besides the cost of materials, expect to pay around $75 to $100 for tools and supplies.
MDF is a popular material among DIYers. Medium-density fiberboard is affordable, durable, and good for many woodworking projects. You can use it to upgrade furniture or make DIY projects around the house, such as crown molding or shelving.
Be sure to wear protective gear, including safety goggles, a respirator mask, and a long-sleeve T-shirt to protect yourself from dust and debris while working with MDF.
You can save money when doing MDF projects with those simple tips:
Request multiple bids from different contractors.
Combine similar jobs, which will save on installation costs. For example, installing a new countertop along with upgrading your kitchen cabinets will save time and money.
Ask your professional about low-demand periods to take advantage of the discounted fees.
Hiring skilled and experienced professionals speed up MDF projects. It also minimizes complications and risk.
“MDF is a wonderful material,” says Tschudi. “It has the feel and weight of solid wood at a fraction of the cost. We especially like using it for cabinetry and built-in shelving.”
MDF is an extremely versatile, strong, and durable material, making it great for wall paneling and cabinets. MDF comes in a variety of types, including:
Regular MDF: Made of refined wood chips and is typically denser and heavier than plywood
Ultra-lite MDF: Lighter in weight and less dense, making it easier to handle; commonly used in home decor projects
Primed or finished MDF: Same as regular MDF, but it provides a base to add personality to specific projects
Fire retardant MDF: Used in commercial buildings and kitchen builds
Moisture-resistant MDF: Preferred for humid areas in both the kitchen and the bathroom because it stays intact with humidity and temperature changes
Exterior grade MDF: Engineered with greater density and strength and is more durable than regular MDF
Compare these pros and cons to determine if MDF is right for your project:
Easy to work with: Well-suited for smaller DIY projects, such as bookcases or cabinets.
Fire-resistant: Provides fire protection, especially in kitchens and bedrooms.
Versatile finish: MDF has no knots, and the surface accepts paint well, providing a base for a thin veneer layer. Veneered MDF can look like expensive hardwood.
Eco-friendly material: MDF is made with recycled wood to help reduce waste.
Affordable: Compared to other materials, MDF is more budget-friendly.
Hard to transport: A full-size MDF sheet can be heavy and hard to maneuver without an extra set of hands.
Splits easily: MDF can split when you drill holes into it, though pre-drilling a pilot hole can solve this problem. Corners are easily damaged, and their smooth surfaces are easily scratched.
Easily absorbs water: Unfinished MDF edges can absorb water, leading to swelling or warping.
Painting limitations: MDF absorbs water-based products for the initial coat of paint and doesn’t respond well to wood staining due to the lack of woodgrain.
Needs extra support: Unsupported shelves may sag from the middle.
Creates dust: MDF creates a lot of dust during cutting. Work in a well-ventilated work area, place protective coverings over furniture and textiles if working in the home, and be prepared to vacuum afterward.
Material risks: Unsealed MDF contains urea-formaldehyde in the glue that binds the fiber. When working with MDF, wear a respirator and work outdoors or in a well-ventilated part of your home.
When comparing wood versus MDF, there are some widespread misconceptions that solid wood is more reliable and durable. Despite this common belief, wood isn't always a superior choice and MDF may be a better building material choice in some cases. Here are some examples:
MDF is more affordable than wood. You can buy MDF for as low as one-quarter of the wood price.
MDF is a smooth surface with no knots or woodgrain, which makes it easier to finish and cut with a saw.
MDF is a standard choice for shelving and trim.
Unlike MDF, solid wood isn't the best option for cabinets or drawers. It can shrink, crack, or bend in response to changes in temperature and humidity, while MDF has a high moisture and fire resistance level and is less likely to break or warp.
