Planning Your Project: What Does Medium-Density Fiberboard Cost?

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.

How Much Does a Medium-Density Fiberboard Project Cost?

You can buy MDF per sheet, but the final price tag depends on the project you’re working on.

Kitchen Cabinet Cost

MDF is commonly used in kitchen cabinets, with an average cost being $70 to $250 per square 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.”

Door Cost

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.

Interior Decor Cost

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.

How Much Does Medium-Density Fiberboard Cost per Board?

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.

Medium-Density Fiberboard Cost Breakdown

The total cost for any MDF project depends on many factors, such as the project size and labor cost, and more.

Project

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 square foot for materials only. To install an MDF door, expect to pay $160 to $240 for materials. 

Labor

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.

Cost to DIY Install Medium-Density Fiberboard 

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.

Is MDF Cheaper Than Wood?

When it comes to the cost of MDF vs. wood, MDF is definitely the more affordable option. For instance, installing MDF cabinets usually costs between $2,000 and $7,000, while solid wood cabinets can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. The main reason MDF is more affordable is due to the manufacturing process.

MDF is manufactured using wood waste combined with binding agents like resin instead of solid lumber. This production process is much more efficient and cost-effective than harvesting, cutting, and processing solid timber. Additionally, since MDF is engineered, it can be produced in large quantities with consistent quality, reducing manufacturing waste and labor costs. However, this lower cost does come with trade-offs in terms of durability and longevity compared to solid wood.

How Can You Save Money With a Project That Uses 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.”

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.