Medite or Finsa MDF? Which is better?

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the versatility of MDF in furniture making. Low-cost and easy to machine, this wonder-board is used in furniture and interiors around the world. 

MDF is MDF isn’t it? Not really. If you’ve worked with MDF from different manufacturers, you’ll know the subtle but notable differences between different boards. Like all craftsmen, wood workers have their preferences. From the tools they use to the methods of construction, everything has their pro’s and con’s. MDF is no exception. 

The two market leaders we sell the most of, are Medite and Finsa. Both offer an excellent product, in a variety of specifications at similar price points, so why would you pick one over the other? 

We hear lots of feedback from wood workers up and down the UK so here are some of the more common observations when comparing the use of Finsa Hidrofugo moisture resistant MDF with Medite Moisture Resistant MDF. 

Where does Finsa hidrofugo excel?

Making a big splash in the market in the recent years, the main benefit of these boards is their excellent painting qualities. The boards have very little gain raise during the painting process on both the faces, and the end grain. This is especially important with the rise of water-based finishes. Reduced grain raise makes for easier sanding and finishing, and ultimately a smoother painted surface. 

Is there anything negative about Finsa Hidorofugo?

No, not really! But we have picked up on a characteristic when comparing this board to Medite, Finsa has a tendency to ‘relax’ or bow and bit more when stored in a painting rack for a few hours. This isn’t an issue because they soon come back flat when laid down and anyway, when the panel is used in the finish piece of furniture, they will typically be supported by other panels and framework.  

Medite has always been considered a market leader, why is that?

Medite has been a big name in MDF for many years, with premium furniture makers unwilling to use any other brand. Medite produce a dense core to their board and the faces are very smooth and flat meaning they paint well. There is a little more grain raise on Medite than you see on Finsa Hidrofugo but overall, the painting performance is very good. 

Medite is a heavyweight, strong MDF board which cuts and machines very well, and unlike Finsa Hidrofugo, they hold their shape in drying racks and feel a tiny bit more rigid than Finsa. Imagine standing a 6ft MDF door on the floor and giving it a wobble like a wobble board, the Finsa would probably have a little more flex in it than the Medite. 

Which is better, Medite or Finsa? 

As you’ve probably guessed, it depends on where your preferences are. The truth is, both brands make an excellent board which will work very well for all projects. This isn’t the case for all MDF, where some lower cost alternatives can be very light-weight, fluffy to paint and messy to machine, taking hours to clean up! It’s always worth spending that little extra for a premium brand. 

People who use Finsa love the painting quality and those who use Medite like the consistency of their high-quality product. Given the costs are very similar, there is little to take one above the other, but one thing we see is that when you like one brand you will probably stick to it! 

Visit our products page to compare Medite and Finsa prices and size options. Our MDF prices include cutting your order to size, and we recommend edge banding your MDF as this provides a consistently finished edge for your panel. Don’t forget to select priming in white or grey to finish your parts ready for topcoat onsite.