How to do MDF flooring in the Bathroom?

Sussane Sly
by Sussane Sly

I want my bathroom flooring with MDF wood. Some of my friends suggested me this. Actually I have less idea on this. Even I don't know the basics difference between HDF and MDF. Can anyone tell me the total budget of doing a MDF flooring for 30-40 sq ft area?

I read some websites and blogs

More Links and videos are welcomed for a better outlook

Thanks in advance


  17 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Nov 19, 2020

    Hi Sussane. MDF is a fiberboard that is often used as a flooring material though it has been falling out of favor because it really can't get wet. MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard and, personally, I've always just thought of it as sawdust glued together. It does NOT do well in wet environments.


    If I was doing a bathroom floor especially I would use 3/4" plywood instead. It will hold up a lot better in wet environments and the cost is minimal in comparison between them.

    Depending on where you live a sheet of 4x8, 3/4" plywood could run you up to $40.


    Sounds like you won't need more than two sheets for your space.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Nov 19, 2020

    Here are the comparisons between MDF and HDF


    https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/wood-they-different/


    The cost of these 2 would be determined by a visit to the store, you selecting a product you like and the sales person advising you on what the total cost would be for the product, based on square feet. They could also talk to you about water resistance and if it is good to use in a bathroom.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 19, 2020

    My hubby used to work at Roseburg Forest Products and they make a product called medex which combination of moisture resistance, superior MDF board properties, and a formaldehyde free adhesive system.

    But it still needs to be primed and painted well.

    And it IS water proof.

    • No added formaldehyde (NAF) resin system
    • MR50 moisture resistant
    • Especially suitable in interior applications where moisture is a concern, Medex does succeed in the 6 cycle accelerated aging test
    • Superior physical properties to standard MDF. Truly high performance screwholding and MOR capabilities, among others
    • Pre-consumer recycled wood content
    • FSC® certified - available upon request
    • Potential LEED® 2009 credit support: MRc4, 5, 7 & IEQc4.4
    • Potential LEED® v4 credit support: Materials & Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality
    • Meets EPA Formaldehyde Emission Regulation, TSCA Title VI & CARB ATCM 93120 Phase 2 emission limits
    • No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) Exempt - State of California Executive Order N-20-313
    • Third party certification - SCS, ECC
    • CHPS Compliant - California section 01350 approved
    • Limitations: Medex is not suitable for structural applications, exterior siding or exterior trim

    Manufacturing Locations & Capabilities

    • Medford, OR
    • Panels available in 4’ and 5’ widths and lengths up to 18’
    • Thicknesses ranging from 1/4” - 1-1/4”
    • Available in higher densities with a minimum order requirement


  • Dee Dee on Nov 19, 2020

    Suzanne: Please do not use MDF in a bathroom. It will be a mess in no time. MDF hates water. You could get the luxury vinyl that looks like wood, or peel and stick tiles or ceramic tiles. You will be much happier in the long run.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Nov 19, 2020

    I'd look for tile or vinyl

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Nov 19, 2020

    MDF is not waterproof and you will find it hard to clean as well- it is not recommended for flooring- it is used mainly for vanities and window sills not for floors- we don't have pricing for materials you would have to look online at places like Home Depot, etc whatever stores are in your area to find out prices per sheet or square foot- MDF swells and again is not waterproof so not a good idea for floors. You would do better to add peel and stick tiles or vinyl it would be cheaper and work much better


  • I would not use MDF on a bathroom floor. Go to your local home improvement store and look at flooring for bathrooms.

  • William William on Nov 19, 2020

    Do not use MDF or HDF. It's recycled paper and resins pressed under heat and pressure. It's not waterproof, swells, and shreds when wet. Use plywood

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 19, 2020

    Hi Sussane,

    HDF (Heavy Density Fibreboard). MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) Not sure this would be a good flooring on it's own as it swells when it gets wet and will have to be replaced. Best wishes

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Nov 19, 2020

    Could they have meant LVP? That would be much much better. MDF will swell and be ruined very quickly.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Nov 19, 2020

    Hello. Please reconsider using mdf. It is a composite wood product that would be aggravated by any introduction of water.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Nov 20, 2020

    MDF will swell and you will hate it in your bathroom. You don't want to put a lot of work into something that will ruin very quickly. Check out a waterproof floating floor. Sold at Home Depot or Lowes ....easy to put in and used in areas where hurricanes are common. I am considering this for a bathroom as well. They are interlocking and you don't have to use grout. To make MDF look good, it will be a lot of work.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Nov 20, 2020

    Hi Sussane, I wouldn't put MDF or HDF in the bathroom since they both absorb a lot of water and will swell up and get all moldy. HDF is just a higher density version of MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)

  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Nov 20, 2020

    MDF would not be a good floor to use in a bathroom. It will absorb water, swell, and peel.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Nov 21, 2020

    Agree that MDF is NOT suitable for high moisture areas. I have used 1/4" plywood as a surface, smoothed the seams, and then covered the floor with 12" square self-stick vinyl tiles. You can get them for about $1 each. However, I prefer a tile floor in the bathroom.

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 21, 2020

    Hello Sussane, hope this helps you out,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIfu-8pjf5w