Some boards are chosen for style. Some are chosen because the inspector will ask questions. The 15mm FR MDF does both jobs well enough to earn its place on busy commercial interiors. It provides certified fire performance, a smooth finish and a practical thickness. Use it where the build needs to look finished, stay flat and meet the fire rating written into the spec.
What is 15mm fire retardant MDF?
15mm fire retardant MDF is a medium density fibreboard manufactured with fire-inhibiting treatment built into the board during production. It is not a surface coating. The fire performance comes from the board itself. That makes it stable, consistent and reliably compliant across the whole sheet.
It is designed for internal dry use only, as defined in EN 622-5. That means heated, enclosed spaces not areas with damp, moisture or external exposure. The boards are not moisture resistant and should not be used in wet environments.
Fire classification
Both brands we stock achieve Euroclass B classification under EN 13501-1. This is the standard fire performance requirement on most UK commercial and public sector specifications. Euroclass B means the board significantly limits fire spread, produces controlled levels of smoke and does not produce flaming droplets. The full classification is B-s2, d0.
What that means in practice: in a fire event, the board slows things down. It does not stop fire permanently, but it gives occupants more time to evacuate and gives fire services more time to respond. That is exactly what the regulation is designed to achieve.
Identification
Both Finsa and Medite Premier FR boards are pink in colour. That is deliberate. On a busy site, you can see at a glance which boards are fire rated. No guessing. No mixing up standard and FR material.
Formaldehyde
Finsa Fibrapan Ignifugo LIT E-Z carries E05 (0.05 ppm or lower, per EN 717-1) — one of the lowest formaldehyde emission levels available. Medite Premier FR meets E1 and also complies with the stricter CARB Phase 2 standard. Both are suitable for occupied buildings, including schools and healthcare environments.
Sizes and options
We stock 15mm FR MDF in two sheet sizes: 2440 x 1220mm (8 x 4) and 3050 x 1220mm (10 x 4). All boards have a sanded finish, square cut edges, and are CE marked under EN 13986. FSC certified. Both brands are available individually or in bulk.
What is 15mm fire retardant MDF used for?
15mm sits between the generalist 12mm and the joinery-grade 18mm. It is the thickness that handles more demanding panel work and lighter fitted elements without going to the full weight of 18mm. Where the finish matters and the board needs to do a bit more than just line a wall.
Wall panelling with a finished face
Where the FR MDF is the visible surface painted panelling in a hotel corridor, a laminated wall in a school, a display system in a retail unit, 15mm gives a substrate that sits flat, holds paint evenly and does not show movement over time. It gives a more solid result on wider panels than 12mm without the extra weight of 18mm.
Partition facing and door linings
On framed partitions at standard stud centres, 15mm FR MDF spans well without additional noggins. It also works as a door lining substrate in fire-rated assemblies where the thickness contributes to the overall build-up performance. Medite Premier FR in 15mm has published technical guidance for achieving 60-minute fire resistance in a specific partition build-up tested to BS 476 Part 22.
Lighter fitted joinery
Reception surrounds, display unit carcasses, and storage panels in public buildings. Where 18mm is not specified, but the project needs more fixing strength and rigidity than 12mm can reliably give. 15mm holds screws well at both face and edge without pre-drilling every fixing.
Ceilings at standard joist spacing
For suspended ceiling panels or bulkhead skins, 15mm handles standard 400 to 600mm joist centres without sagging. If the ceiling grid is already set, 15mm removes the need to add extra framing.
When should you choose 15mm FR MDF?
15mm sits in a very practical position within the FR MDF range.
It is thicker and more stable than 9mm or 12mm boards, which makes a difference on visible surfaces. Panels feel more solid, edges hold better, and the finished result looks more consistent across larger wall areas.
At the same time, it is lighter and easier to handle. That matters on site when you are lifting sheets, fixing overhead or working in tight spaces.
Choose 15mm fire MDF when:
You need a fire rated board for visible wall panelling.
The panel needs to stay flat across wider spans.
You want a stronger fixing base than thinner MDF.
You are building partitions, display units or interior joinery.
The spec requires FR MDF but does not demand heavy thickness.
It is a common choice for commercial interiors where both finish and compliance are checked before handover.
Benefits of 15mm fire MDF
Meets fire performance requirements used in UK specifications.
Typically classified as Euroclass B under EN 13501-1.
Slows flame spread and helps control smoke behaviour.
Works like standard MDF with no special tools required.
Smooth surface ready for paint, laminate or veneer.
Stronger and more stable than thinner MDF boards.
Easy to identify on site thanks to the coloured core.
Why choose our 15mm FR MDF?
When you are buying fire rated boards, the product itself is only part of the decision. Availability, documentation and consistency matter just as much.
At Sheet Materials Wholesale, the range is built around what actually gets used on site.
We stock both Finsa and Medite Premier FR in 15mm. That gives you flexibility depending on specification, preferred manufacturer or project requirements. Both brands are recognised across UK projects and come with supporting documentation available on request.
You can choose from standard 8×4 sheets or larger 10×4 formats. Larger sheets reduce joints, speed up installation and give a cleaner finish on wall runs.
The boards are suitable for:
Commercial interiors
Public buildings
Refurbishment projects
Fit out work
Interior joinery and display
All products are stocked with fast UK delivery available. Bulk and pallet quantities are also available for larger projects, with trade pricing applied automatically at volume.
If your project needs to pass inspection without delays, having the right board in stock and ready to deliver makes the difference.
Finsa FR vs Medite premier FR. How to choose between them?
Both boards are Euroclass B. Both are CE marked. Both are used daily on UK commercial projects. The choice comes down to what your specific project needs.
Finsa is manufactured in Spain and carries an ultra-low formaldehyde rating of E05, below the standard E1 threshold. The surface is smooth and lacquerable. It is the stronger choice for projects with indoor air quality requirements, such as healthcare environments or sensitive public spaces. CARB2 compliant.
Medite Premier FR is manufactured in Ireland and is part of the Medite Smartply range. It meets E1 formaldehyde levels and additionally complies with CARB2. CE marked under EN 13986. Widely recognised across UK public sector specifications, with strong technical support available.
If your spec names a brand, use that brand. If not, both are in stock, both come with full certification, and both are ready to go.
At Sheet Materials Wholesale, you can purchase 15mm FR MDF at low wholesale prices with fast nationwide delivery for most of items within 1-3 working days across the UK. Next-day delivery is also available on most orders. Competitive rates guaranteed.
FAQ
Does 15mm FR MDF need to be treated or coated to achieve its fire rating?
No. The fire performance is built into the board during manufacturing. No additional surface treatment, intumescent paint or coating is required to meet the Euroclass B classification. If you are painting the board, just confirm with your paint supplier that their product will not negatively affect the fire classification.
Can I use a 15mm fire MDF outdoors?
No. Both Finsa and Medite Premier FR are rated for internal dry use only, as defined in EN 622-5. They are not moisture resistant and will deteriorate if exposed to rain, humidity or condensation. For external or semi-exposed applications, you need a different board type.
What does 15mm Euroclass B actually mean on site?
Euroclass B is the second-highest fire performance class under EN 13501-1, sitting just below Euroclass A which covers non-combustible materials like concrete or steel. A Euroclass B board significantly limits fire spread and is widely accepted by building control as compliant for internal linings on commercial and public projects. The full designation B-s2, d0 also tells you that smoke production is very limited and there are no flaming droplets.
Is 15mm fire retardant MDF suitable for partition walls?
Yes. It is one of its most common applications. For non-load-bearing partitions in offices, schools, hospitals and retail environments, 15mm FR MDF used as the panel skin on a framed partition is a standard UK construction method. Medite also has published technical guidance for achieving a 60-minute fire resistance performance in a specific partition build-up.
Does the fire rating hold after cutting the board?
Yes. The fire retardant treatment runs throughout the full depth of the board, not just the surface. Cutting, routing or profiling does not reduce or remove the fire performance. The classification applies to the board in its installed state.
What fixing method should I use for 15mm FR MDF?
Standard screws and adhesives used for MDF work fine. For 15mm, screw holding values are strong, face screws hold to a minimum of 1000N and edge screws to 600N. Use pilot holes at edges to avoid splitting and pre-drill for larger fixings.
Does 15mm FR MDF need to be conditioned before installation?
Yes, particularly for large installations. Both brands recommend conditioning the boards in the final environment for two to three days before cutting and fixing. This allows the board to acclimatise to ambient temperature and humidity, reducing movement after installation.
Can 15mm fire MDF be painted or laminated?
Yes. Both Finsa and Medite Premier FR have smooth sanded surfaces suitable for painting, lacquering, laminating and veneering. When painting, use a suitable primer for MDF first. Confirm with your paint or laminate supplier that the coating is compatible with FR MDF flame retardant paints and maintain the board's overall fire classification in the finished assembly.
Where can I buy a 15mm fire retardant MDF?
You can order 15mm FR MDF directly from Sheet Materials Wholesale online. Both Finsa and Medite Premier FR are available in 2440 x 1220mm and 3050 x 1220mm formats. Add to the basket and choose your delivery option.
Fire Rated MDF 15mm is ideal for use in internal dry conditions for non-structural applications and suitable for services such as display panes, wall linings, partitions, and so on. This Product is CARB 2 Compliant & has top-level of machining and finishing properties.
Fire Rated MDF 15mm is ideal for use in internal dry conditions for non-structural applications and suitable for services such as display panes, wall linings, partitions, and so on. This Product is CARB 2 Compliant & has top-level of machining and finishing properties.
£2,177.72£2,613.26Ex VATInc VAT£43.55£52.26Per SheetAdd to cart
MEDITE PREMIER FR MDF 15mm is a Euroclass B fire-rated MDF for internal dry, non-structural applications such as display panels, wall linings, partitions and ceilings. It offers excellent machining and finishing characteristics. Medite Fire rated MDF is Carb 2 rated.
MEDITE PREMIER FR MDF 15mm in 10×4 size is a Euroclass B fire-rated MDF for internal dry, non-structural applications such as display panels, wall linings, partitions and ceilings. 15mm Fire MDF 3050 x 1220mm offers excellent machining and finishing characteristics. Medite Fire rated MDF is Carb 2 rated.
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