FAQs

Yes, however the same quality finish cannot be expected when compared to PREMIER or others. If a machined finish is required customers should consider using MEDITE PREMIER or MEDITE MR

MEDITE LITE can be used in similar applications to MEDITE PREMIER. MEDITE LITE is mostly used as a substrate for coatings, laminates, veneers etc...

MEDITE LITE is manufactured for easier handling, lower transport costs and reduced tool wear. It is general-purpose MDF that is suitable for most on site applications. MEDITE PREMIER should be used for more demanding applications and for machined/routered finish.

NO. MEDITE VENT is a panel that can be used in humid (service class 2) conditions.

MEDITE VENT is produced to a lower density than most standard MDF to provide lower vapour resistance while maintaining sufficient strength as a racking panel.

As with all wood-based panels for use in humid conditions wetting should be avoided. If the panel is wetted during installation it is recommended to allow the panel to dry before the permanent covering is installed.

MEDITE VENT is manufactured using the same moisture resistant (and no added formaldehyde) resin technology as SMARTPLY MAX OSB/3 and SMARTPLY ULTIMA OSB/4. This makes it suitable for use in Service Class 2 (humid) conditions and suitable for use as external sheathing panel in timber frame structures. MEDITE VENT must be protected by a suitable breather membrane and maintained in Service Class 2 conditions in the finished building.

NO. SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is certified as an airtight panel. MEDITE VENT is not airtight.

MEDITE recommends that breather membranes from reputable suppliers are used, the membrane should be:

• CE marked,
• Compliant with the requirements of BS EN 13859-2:2014 - Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Definitions and characteristics of underlays. Underlays for walls.
• If a high reflectivity membrane is used, the thermal performance should be measured after ageing of the reflective surface.

Most breather membrane supplier would comply with those performance requirements.

NO. MEDITE VENT can be used as the only sheathing panel in as it is a racking panel tested to EN 594. It is a breathable panel suitable for use in service class 2 conditions.

In cold temperate climates in Europe MEDITE VENT should be installed on the external side of the wall build up to allow water vapour to escape to the outside and avoid condensation in the insulation and structure.

YES. The certified passive house wall systems are certified with SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT and MEDITE VENT included. All other wall and roof elements are generic, with only the minimum thermal performance as a requirement.

MEDITE VENT was not designed as a roof sarking panel. If used in roofing applications noggins are required to support all edges (no T&G option available) and standard roofing recommendations (fixings, expansion gaps…) should be followed. MEDITE VENT is only manufactured in 12mm thickness, if used in roofing applications spacing between supports and load bearing requirements should be checked before use.

SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is an OSB/3 panel which achieves category 1 racking resistance. MEDITE VENT was tested to EN 594 and also achieves Category 1 racking resistance, using standard timber frame fixings. For further information on this please contact your local Technical Sales Manager.

SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT has a very high vapour diffusion factor (dry cup 750) (i.e. it fulfils the requirement of a vapour control layer) to prevent excessive moisture entering the building fabric. On the other hand, MEDITE VENT has a very low water vapour diffusion factor (wet cup 9.7) (i.e. it is very ‘breathable’) to facilitate fast drying of built-in moisture and reduce the risk of interstitial condensation in walls. For further information and test reports please contact your local Technical Sales Manager.

MEDITE VENT is not an airtight panel and so will let air flow go through.

No. MEDITE EXTERIOR must be fully coated in line with usage guidelines for any exterior application. Customers should consider using MTX if an uncoated finish is required.

No. MEDITE EXTERIOR does not have the same durability and dimensional stability as MTX. Customers that require longevity should consider using MTX.

MEDITE MR is a moisture resistant MDF which can be used in interior humid conditions such as kitchens and bathrooms. MEDITE MR should not be used in external environments. MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME and MEDITE EXTERIOR are exterior grade MDF products that can be used in exterior wet/humid conditions.

As processing, applications and conditions are outside MEDITE control, no guarantee can be made in respect of the final life expectancy of the product. If usage guidelines are followed for processing, coating, sealing, maintenance and repair EXTERIOR should perform similarly to standard timber and other wood-based panels. Customers that require longevity should consider using MTX.

Yes. EXTERIOR Usage Guidelines and EXTERIOR Storage & Handling Guidelines are available below.

MEDITE CLEAR is an MDF panel with zero added formaldehyde, developed specifically for use in environmentally sensitive interior applications, where formaldehyde emissions need to be kept to the minimum. MEDITE CLEAR is often used in museums, schools, laboratories and public buildings.

MEDITE CLEAR is a NAF (non-added formaldehyde) product. The level of formaldehyde in a finished panel is significantly lower than a standard MDF panel. MEDITE CLEAR can be used in the same way as a standard interior MDF panel.

MEDITE CLEAR is not a moisture resistant MDF and should only be used in interior dry conditions.

MEDITE CLEAR has similar formaldehyde levels that occur naturally in raw timber. This ensures MEDITE CLEAR can be used in environmentally sensitive interior applications, where formaldehyde emissions need to be kept to the minimum. No wood-based panel can be fully free of formaldehyde due to the naturally occurring formaldehyde within the raw timber.

MEDITE CLEAR is manufactured to ensure performance properties are uniform through the cross section. As with all timber and wood-based panels processing can affect how the material will react in an environment. Best practice should be followed when processing.

As MEDITE Clear is a NAF product (non-added formaldehyde) it is used to help preserve artifacts by reducing formaldehyde emissions within a museum and display cases. Materials may emit trace amounts of different additives that can harm delicate artifacts over time. MEDITE CLEAR has been used extensively in museums around the world.

No, MEDITE MR is a moisture resistant MDF which can be used in interior humid conditions such as kitchens and bathrooms. As with all timber and wood-based panels wetting of the panel should be avoided.

MEDITE MR achieves the European Standard for interior humid conditions (type MDF.H1).

Yes, MEDITE MR can be painted/coated using most interior grade coating systems. Best practice and coating manufacturer guidelines should be followed.

MEDITE MR is manufactured using quality Irish grown timber, a high-performance resin system and unique manufacturing process. MEDITE MR achieves the European standard EN 622-5.

Yes, MEDITE MR should be fully sealed and coated when used in interior humid conditions. Best practice and coating manufacturer guidelines should be followed.

No, MEDITE MR should not be used in external environments. For exterior applications customers should use MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME or MEDITE EXTERIOR.

Yes, MEDITE MR is manufactured to provide a high-quality finish when deep routing. Best practice should be followed when processing/machining.

All MEDITE products achieve CARB and E1 classification for formaldehyde content which is below 0.13 ppm.

MEDITE MR is manufactured to ensure the panel has moisture resistant properties uniformly through the cross section. As with all timber and wood-based panels processing can affect how the material will react in an environment. Best practice should be followed when processing.

Green dye is added during the manufacturing process of MEDITE MR for product identification. The green dye does not affect the performance of the panel.

MEDITE have two production lines. Production Line 1 is 3-layer system producing a panel with 3 layer, two faces and a core. Dye is only added to the core of the panel as it is only used for visual identification. Production Line 2 is a single layer system, so dye is added through the cross section.

MEDITE PREMIER FR (Flame Retardant) Euroclass B & C are MDF panels developed specifically for use in situations where a Euroclass B or a Euroclass C flame retardant board is required under building regulations.

MEDITE PREMIER FR is manufactured with added fire-retardant additives.

MEDITE PREMIER FR Euroclass B & C panel products are suitable for use as wall linings, partitions, display panels, ceilings etc. Typical installations are hotel foyers, offices, public libraries, schools, court houses, hospitals and cinemas.

MEDITE have tested MEDITE PREMIER FR Euro B & C products to EN13501-1 “Reaction to Fire Classification” as outlined in EN13986. MEDITE PREMIER FR is manufactured to ensure performance properties are uniform through the cross section. As with all timber and wood-based panels processing can affect how the material will react in an environment. Best practice should be followed when processing and guidance sought from the Specifier and/or Fire Officer responsible for the job.

30-minute and 60-minute fire ratings are a measure of Fire Resistance of a system like a wall or door over a specific time, i.e. how long it takes for the fire to progress form one room to another. A system may consist of flame retardant materials like MEDITE PREMIER FR Euro B & C to help improve the overall fire resistance of a structure and delay the fire migrating from one room to another. Medite have successfully achieved a “60 Minute Fire Rated Partition Wall (non-load bearing)” using MEDITE PREMIER FR Euro B as the wall lining. The guideline for construction is specified on the website and must be strictly followed otherwise the fire rating will be invalid.

TEUSG0429 Rev01 Medite Prem FR Euroclass C 30 minute FR Partition Wall

TEUSG0428 Rev01 Medite Prem FR Euroclass B 60 minute Fire Rated Partition Wall

MEDITE PREMIER FR is not a moisture resistant MDF and should only be used in interior dry conditions.

Yes.

BS476 part 6 & 7 are tests used to determine if the substrate can achieve Class 0 specification. Due to the European harmonisation, this test is no longer used. MEDITE test FR products to EN13501-1 “Reaction to Fire” as per EN13986 European standard. There is no correlation between test methods for Class 0 and Euroclass B.

Yes. Any interior grade coating system can be used. If the panel is coated and used as a component in a construction this does not guarantee the construction will perform to Euroclass B or C. The overall construction must be fire tested as it will contain several different components. MEDITE can only guarantee the raw panel and not any other component used.

Yes. Any interior grade coating system can be used. If the panel is coated and used as a component in a construction this does not guarantee the construction will perform to Euroclass B or C. The overall construction must be fire tested as it will contain several different components. MEDITE can only guarantee the raw panel and not any other component used.

D4 class or equivalent adhesives must be used. Best practice and product guidelines must be followed.

No, MEDITE PREMIER is an interior grade MDF that should be used in dry indoor conditions. For wet/humid indoor conditions customer should use MEDITE MR or MEDITE MRND. For wet/humid outdoor conditions customer should use MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME or MEDITE EXTERIOR.

Yes, MEDITE PREMIER can be painted/coated using most interior grade coating systems. Best practice and coating manufacturer guidelines should be followed.

Yes, MEDITE PREMIER is suitable for CNC machining. Best practice should be followed when processing/machining

Yes, MEDITE PREMIER is suitable for bonding veneers, laminates and surface coatings. Best practice and adhesive manufacturer guidelines should be followed to ensure a balanced panel.

MEDITE PREMIER is general purpose MDF that be machined to a quality finish. MEDITE PREMIER should be used for more demanding applications and for machined/routered finishes. MEDITE TRADE is mostly used as a substrate and does not have the same machining properties as MEDITE PREMIER.

Yes, MEDITE PREMIER is suitable for deep routing. Best practice should be followed when processing/machining. If a high-quality machined surface is required customers should consider using MEDITE MR or MEDITE MRND.

No. MTX is moisture stable. As MTX is a wood-based panel it can absorb low levels of water. Moisture will not negatively impact board properties

Yes. Best practice must be followed when laminating to ensure the finished panel is balanced. As with all timber and wood-based panels lamination can affect how the material will react in an environment.

Tungsten-carbide-tipped tooling is recommended for machining MTX.

Yes. We do not add any formaldehyde during the manufacturing of MTX.

MTX is guaranteed for 25 year in-ground and 50 year above ground. Please contact us for further information on this guarantee.

Yes. MTX does not need a coating to maintain its durability and dimensional stability. Any coating applied to MTX should be of a high quality and to the coating manufacturers’ specification, and in accordance with the user guidelines. This is to prevent any water ingress in the panel to prevent damage of the coating (blisters…).

Thin MTX panels can be bent into a curve.

Yes. MTX has a superior durability to traditional timbers used in pool areas.

MTX as a raw panel (sanded, unfinished panel) is rated Euroclass E (thickness ≥ 9.0mm)

No. MTX is modified uniformly through the cross section, not just at the surface. As with all timber and wood-based panels processing can affect how the material will react in an environment. Best practice should be followed when processing.

The requirements of the Building Decree 2012 in the Netherlands for fire mitigation is Euroclass D (or Euroclass B for height above 13m and other situations). This requirement applies to the finished cladding system and not for the raw individual components. MTX can therefore be used in this application provided it is finished (laminate, coating or paint) and end-users should ensure that the finished product complies with the requirements of the Building Decree. This requirement applies to all external applications including dormers, soffits…

The key difference between standard MDF and MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME is that the raw material wood is acetylated. The acetylation process modifies the wood rendering it more dimensionally stable and, because it is no longer digestible, extremely durable.

Yes. MTX Usage Guidelines and MTX Storage & Handling Guidelines are available on the website.

Most floor coverings can be used on STRONGDECK. For wet applied coverings it is recommended to check compatibility with STRONGDECK on a small surface before the whole surface is treated. STRONGDECK is a sanded panel to help create a smooth finished surface even at the T&G joints.

SMARTPLY STRONGDECK is a thinner and lighter panel than chipboard alternatives, however due to the superior resistance of OSB/4 compared to chipboard similar load bearing capacity are achieved. It also measures 675mm in width meaning that fewer panels are required to install on a floor.

STRONGDECK datasheet provides uniformly distributed and point loads performance of the panel. The panel can support similar applied loads to most 38mm chipboard alternatives. Also, compared to P6 panels STRONGDECK can be installed in humid (service class 2) conditions.

STRONGDECK packs are provided with detailed installation guidelines (also available on the website), these should be followed while installing STRONGDECK for the best use of the panels.

STRONGDECK is available in 2400*675mm TG2.

NO. STRONGDECK is an OSB/4 panel and can be used in service class 2 conditions and should not be used in exterior conditions.

Providing that SMARTPLY SITEPROTECT is installed and maintained as per our recommendations (installation guidelines can be downloaded from our website) and industry best practices it has been shown to be a viable substitute to exterior graded alternative wood-based products. When all recommendations are followed and sound work practices applied, in our customer’s and our experience we have seen adequate hoarding coating performance for up to 12 to 18 months.

SMARTPLY MAX DB has been tested to meet Building Regulation Part E requirement, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to achieve the 40dB acoustic sound rating. MAX DB is also a thinner, stronger and 30% lighter alternative to chipboard (P5).

SMARTPLY MAX DB is suitable for use in service class 2 conditions. This means that is can be used in environment where the relative humidity can be > 85% at 20°C for a few times a year.

SMARTPLY MAX DB panels can withstand short periods of temporary wetting during construction, although such exposure must be minimised as much as possible, temporary protection is recommended. Water must never be allowed to pool on the surface of panels, particularly at panel edges and T&G joints. If the panels have been exposed to water, it is recommended to allow the panel to dry to the final expected moisture content before installing any permanent floor permanent covering to avoid any moisture degradation of the panels.

If your site requires a flooring panel that needs to be exposed to site and weather conditions, please look to install SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB. This highly engineered panel can be left exposed for up to 45 days with no degradation.

The OSB panels should be laid with the black text side facing down.

PATTRESS PLUS saves time as it is pre-cut and pre-grooved to fit partitions studs at 400 or 600mm centres. Avoiding the need to cut and groove blank wood-based panels. It also allows to install a backing panel only where required.

PATTRESS PLUS is manufactured from SMARTPLY MAX (OSB/3) panels and can be used in humid conditions (service class 2) and retain its integrity and structural performance.

PATTRESS PLUS was tested to BS 5234-1, so as part of a partition and installed as per our guidelines, for pull out and pull through performance for various fixings and cabinet/basin fixing the safe working loads are provided in the datasheet. There is no available data for plywood when used in this application.

PATTRESS PLUS is manufactured from SMARTPLY MAX (OSB/3) panels in accordance to EN 300 and provide consistent properties. SMARTPLY MAX panels are load bearing panels, FSC certified and CE marked.

Detailed steps for installation are provided in the datasheet.

SMARTPLY PATTRESS PLUS Datasheet

YES. PATTRESS PLUS can be installed by one person only.

SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB is only manufactured in a grey colour.

SMARTPLY SURE STEP is manufactured from OSB/3 panels.

SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB is available in Tongue and Groove panels only to ensure that the full performance of SMARTPLY OSB panels when used in flooring or decking.

SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB has been independently tested for durability performance. Results of standing water tests showed that when subjected to still water for up to 45 days only minor damage with cracking of the coating was observed. When installed as per SMARTPLY recommendations and best practices it is expected that SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB can be exposed for up to 45 days and show only minor and inconsequential deformation of the panel surface.

SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB has been tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory to meet the Building Regulations Part E, in England, Wales and the Technical Booklet G in Northern Ireland, of 40dB acoustic sound rating. This means the panel can be installed as the internal flooring in single dwellings.

Peel clean panels have a plastic layer applied on the surface of the panel that can be removed while protected panels such as SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB have a permanent high-performance layer (coating, laminate…) that is permanently applied on the surface. In certain conditions (frost, rain…) peel clean panels can be high slip risk surface.

To fully benefit from the properties of SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB a specialist construction tape is recommended to seal the joints between panels. Most of these tapes are waterproof high-performance polyethylene-coated cloth tape and should ensure that panel joints are fully sealed.

SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB is an OSB/3 panel. OSB/3 products have higher inherent structural properties than the corresponding chipboard panel (P5) and therefore for similar joists spacings in flooring applications OSB/3 panels can be thinner and provide similar structural performance.

SMARTPLY MAX, and all other SMARTPLY OSB products, is manufactured in a state-of-the-art factory equipped with a contiroll® press. Low grade wood logs are cut to create the strands, the strands are then dried and blended with resin and wax. The stands are then deposited in 3 layers before entering the press. The mat is then pressed under heat and pressure to tight thickness and dimensions tolerance.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA is an OSB/4 grade panel where SMARTPLY MAX is an OSB/3. Panels meeting OSB/4 requirements of EN 300 achieve higher strength and rigidity, but also higher durability and reduced thickness swell due to moisture or water.

SMARTPLY MAX is an OSB/3 panel. OSB/3 products have higher inherent structural properties than the corresponding chipboard panel (P5) and therefore for similar joists spacings in flooring applications OSB/3 panels can be thinner and provide similar structural performance. For example, in residential projects 18mm OSB/3 can be used on joists at 600mm spacing while 22mm P5 is required.

SMARTPLY MAX can be used in similar applications to plywood but is more uniform and consistent. It is a truly engineered wood-based panel that consists of many strands throughout the thickness of the panel, so its characteristics are averaged out over many more “layers” than plywood giving it more consistency.

SMARTPLY MAX is suitable for use in service class 2 conditions. This means that is can be used in environment where the relative humidity can be > 85% at 20°C for a few times a year.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA can be used in all heavy-duty load bearing applications in service class 2 conditions. Due to the increased strength and rigidity it is an ideal panel for use when higher than standard loads are expected such as flooring or roofing. It is also a panel of choice where increased moisture resistance and reduced panel swelling is required.

To achieve higher strength, rigidity and reduced thickness swell an increased dosage of formaldehyde-free resin and wax is used to make OSB/4 compared to OSB/3.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA can be used in similar applications to plywood but is more uniform and consistent. It is a truly engineered wood-based panel that consists of many strands throughout the thickness of the panel, so its characteristics are averaged out over many more “layers” than plywood giving it more consistency.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA panels can withstand short periods of temporary wetting during construction, although such exposure must be minimised as much as possible, temporary protection is recommended. Water must never be allowed to pool on the surface of panels, particularly at panel edges and T&G joints. If SMARTPLY ULTIMA panels have been exposed to water, it is recommended to allow the panel to dry to the final expected moisture content before installing any permanent floor permanent covering to avoid any moisture degradation of the panels.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA can be used and installed using the standard tools and equipment for wood working.