Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally denser than plywood and is made up of separated fibers but can be used as a building material similar in application to plywood. It is stronger and denser than particle board. The exact constituents of an MDF board will vary from product to product, but typically MDF is made up of 82% wood fiber, 9% urea-formaldehyde resin glue, 8% water, and 1% paraffin wax. The density of MDF is typically between 500 and 1,000 kg/m3 (31 and 62 lb/cu ft) . MDF is considered an upgrade from plywood and particle board and is used as a real wood alternative.