George Vondriska

What is MDO?

George Vondriska
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Description

What is MDO? This is a common question many woodworkers ask when they encounter this unique product at a home center or lumber yard. To answer, MDO stands for Medium Density Overlay. A woodworker might see “Medium Density” on the label and assume it’s similar to or the same as Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), a composite material often used in interior cabinet construction. This is a reasonable comparison, as MDO shares some characteristics with both MDF and veneer core plywood.

Plywood, MDO, and MDF are alike in that they all come in 4’x8’ sheets and are typically available in 1/2” and 3/4” thicknesses. However, there are key differences that buyers should consider when deciding which material is best for their project:

Plywood core vs. composite: One of the main distinctions between MDO and MDF is that MDO has a veneer plywood core, making it much lighter and easier to handle than MDF.

Moisture resistance: MDO uses waterproof adhesives to bond its layers, making it resistant to delamination when exposed to moisture. This makes MDO a great choice for outdoor painted projects.

Paintable surface: MDO has a smoother surface than plywood, providing an excellent substrate for painted surfaces, as the grain won’t show through.

So, when considering what MDO is, remember these three key benefits: 1) lightweight, stable sheet material, 2) resistance to moisture-related delamination, and 3) a superior surface for painting.

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