MDF vs Particleboard
Natural Material · grade comparison
MDF and Particleboard are both natural material grades. MDF is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) against 9 MPa (1.31 ksi) for Particleboard, about 100% more. MDF is the more ductile: elongation 1% versus 0.6% for Particleboard. Particleboard is lighter (0.68 g/cm³ vs 0.75 g/cm³ for MDF) and MDF is stiffer (3 GPa vs 2.4 GPa). On the shop floor, MDF machines more easily (excellent vs good).
MDFChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ParticleboardChoose it when weight is the constraint.
MDF vs Particleboard: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all natural material grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all natural material grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Mohs
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.25
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Porosity
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.12 W/m·K0.07 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 8 µm/m·K4.4 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 20 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every natural material grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | MDF | Particleboard |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
MDF vs Particleboard — frequently asked
Is MDF stronger than Particleboard?
Yes. MDF has a typical tensile strength of 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) against 9 MPa (1.31 ksi) for Particleboard — about 100% more.
Which is cheaper, MDF or Particleboard?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, MDF or Particleboard?
MDF. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against good (65/100) for Particleboard.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MDF and Particleboard side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.