Fastening MDF & Melamine Particle Board

Fastening MDF, particle board, or Melamine board presents a special challenge: each of these man-made materials is basically composed of wood dust in a resin matrix — there is no traditional grain structure to resist withdrawal forces. The material is all end-grain, and basically fastening into end-grain can be problematic. Fortunately, there are solutions: Confirmat (also known as Cabinet Connecting screws), RTA connecting screws in combination with barrel nuts, or very long deep threaded cabinet screws.

Confirmat screws are unique fasteners developed specifically for edge-to-face joining of particle-based products like melamine board. They feature deep threads on an oversize shank, a clearance-hole diameter shoulder beneath the head, and a head that is just slightly larger than the shoulder. Installation requires a special 3-step drill bit, but the result is a tight, strong joint. Learn more about Confirmat Screws.

RTA screws provide superior joint strength compared to Cabinet Connecting screws, but the joint construction is more “fussy.” The screws themselves have large, wafer heads, blunt tips, and machine screw threads. The screws mate with small cylindrical “barrel nuts” that have a machine threaded hole in them formed perpendicular to the barrel axis. Installation requires precise drilling of two blind holes, but the system is readily adaptable to a wide variety of materials and joint conditions.

If assembly speed is a primary consideration, simply using an extra-long cabinet screw (such as our FSL’s or ProMax™ series screws) provides a low-cost alternative. When working close to the panel edge, predrilling is extremely important (even when using auger point screws), since these man-made materials are prone to crumbling. Generally, these screws are best used as permanent clamps while an adhesive is curing, rather than as a primary fastener in this application.