A core of softwood strips up to 25mm (1in) thick are laid edge to edge and then sandwiched between two sheets of hardwood veneer. Generally used in building shelves, doors and cupboards.
Chipboard is most often used for flooring. It consists of wood particles glued together under heat and pressure. This process produces a very rigid board with a relatively smooth surface. Some sheets of chipboard can have a tongue-and-groove system for making neat joints. Chipboard can vary in thickness. It does not have the most attractive finish and is often painted. Always use oil-based paint as water-based paint can make chipboard swell.
Chipboard with a melamine (plastic) or decorative wood veneer is used in building shelves.
Medium Density Fireboard - or MDF - is a widely used DIY material made up of compressed wood fibres that are glued together. It is easy to cut and extremely versatile. Uses include the making of cupboards, shelves and boxing-in. MDF produces a fine dust when cut, so it is important to wear a disposable dust mask when cutting it to size or shape.