Thin board. Serious specification. The 6mm fire retardant MDF is designed for internal dry applications where Euroclass B performance is required under UK building regulations for many buildings. Thin enough for lightweight installations and detailed finishes. Reliable enough for commercial interiors, public spaces, display work and partitions.
There is a reason these boards are usually pink. On busy sites, nobody wants to guess what was installed behind the paint.
What is 6mm fire retardant MDF?
6mm fire retardant MDF is a medium density fibreboard made for internal dry, non-structural use where fire performance is a specified requirement. It looks and works like standard MDF. The difference is inside the board and on the certification documents.
During manufacture, fire retardant chemicals are integrated into the fibre core. This slows how the board reacts when exposed to fire. It does not make the board fireproof. What it does is buy critical time. Time for people to evacuate. Time for a fire to be contained. That is what the classification is measuring.
Fire rating and classification
Both Finsa and Medite Premier FR boards on this page are rated Euroclass B under EN 13501-1. That is the standard used across UK construction to define fire performance for building products. Euroclass B means the board contributes very limited heat to a fire, flame does not spread beyond a defined limit, and no flaming droplets are produced.
For 6mm thickness specifically, Finsa’s certified classification is B-s2, d0. Medite Premier FR achieves Euroclass B across its range, tested and certified in accordance with EN 13501-1. Both boards are CE marked and compliant with BS EN 13501-1, which is the classification standard referenced across UK building regulations.
Finsa vs Medite 6mm FR MDF what is the difference?
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.
What do these numbers mean in practice?
Higher internal bond and modulus values mean the board holds together better under machining and fixing. Medite’s higher MOE (2700 vs 1700 N/mm²) means slightly stiffer boards at 6mm. Both are suitable for standard routing, cutting, and painting. Both give a smooth, well-sanded surface ready for decoration.
Both brands come with a characteristic pink or red core colour. This makes FR boards easy to identify on site and quick to distinguish from standard MDF. That matters on larger projects with multiple board types in circulation.
The range includes both Finsa and Medite Smartply boards in two practical sheet sizes:
6mm Fire retardant MDF in 2440 x 1220mm (8×4) and 3050 x 1220mm (10×4)
Formaldehyde levels vary between the two brands. Finsa is E05 rated. Medite meets E1 and CARB 2. For projects where very low formaldehyde emission is required by the specification, Finsa offers the lower-emission option.
What is 6mm fire retardant MDF used for?
6mm covers large areas efficiently, adds minimal depth to walls and ceilings, and keeps weight down on installations where that matters.
Display panels and exhibitions
Retail fit-outs, museum installations, pop-up shops and exhibition stands regularly require fire rated boards, especially in public-facing venues. Hotels, conference centres and entertainment venues are the same temporary and semi-permanent structures need to meet the spec too. 6mm routes cleanly, takes graphics and laminates well, and keeps material costs manageable across large-area jobs.
Decorative routed panels
6mm FR MDF is widely used for decorative panelling where a routed or profiled finish is required, and fire compliance is part of the spec. Fluted panels, feature walls, wainscoting-style installations in hotel corridors and reception areas. The board holds routed detail cleanly and gives a smooth, consistent surface for paint or lacquer.
Panel backs and fit-out lite
Back panels on display units, cabinet backs in fitted joinery where fire compliance is specified, and infill panels in commercial shopfitting. Anywhere the board needs to be present and compliant, but not structural.
Light wall linings
Used on stud frameworks in corridors, stairwells and communal spaces where Euroclass B is required and depth is limited. 6mm adds minimal build-up to walls and ceilings, which matters in renovation work where room dimensions need to be preserved.
Benefits of 6mm fire MDF
Helps meet Euroclass B fire performance requirements.
Lightweight and easier to handle than thicker boards.
Smooth sanded surface suitable for painting.
Machines and cuts similarly to standard MDF.
Easy to route for decorative wall designs.
Suitable for partitions, ceilings and wall linings.
Available in both 8′ x 4′ and 10′ x 4′ sheets.
Easy to identify on site due to pink or red core.
Available from trusted brands including Finsa and Medite.
Helps reduce the risk of specification issues during inspections.
Why choose our 6mm FR MDF?
Trade customers keep ordering from Sheet Materials Wholesale for a reason. The boards are kept in stock, prices remain competitive, and orders arrive on time for the job.
We stock both Finsa and Medite Premier FR in 6mm. That gives customers flexibility depending on specification, finish requirements and preferred manufacturer. Both brands are recognised and accepted across UK commercial and public sector projects. Both are available in 8×4 and 10×4 sheet sizes, with certification documentation available for project files, specification checks and compliance requirements.
The range includes FSC-certified boards suitable for projects with sustainable sourcing requirements. For public sector projects, schools, hospitals and any build with sustainable sourcing requirements written into the spec, that matters.
Sheet Materials Wholesale stocks project-ready boards used across commercial fit out, joinery and public sector work. Trade discounts and bulk pricing are also available on larger orders and fit out projects.
Certified stock. Fair wholesale prices. Fast delivery. Proper documentation. That is what commercial projects expect. That is exactly what we supply.
At Sheet Materials Wholesale, you can purchase 6mm 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
How to choose between Finsa and Medite premier FR?
For most jobs, both boards do the same thing. Same Euroclass B rating, same finish quality, same installation process. Either works.
Where it gets more specific:
Choose Finsa if your project has strict indoor air quality requirements. It has lower formaldehyde emissions, which can matter on healthcare or sensitive environment projects.
Choose Medite Premier FR if you need a slightly stiffer board. It holds its shape better over larger unsupported spans, which can be useful for display work or bigger panels.
If your spec already names a brand, go with that. If not, both are in stock, both come with full certification and both are ready to go.
What are the fire retardant properties of 6mm FR MDF?
Fire retardant chemicals are built into the board during manufacture. This slows ignition, limits flame spread across the surface, reduces smoke output and prevents flaming droplets. It does not make the board fireproof. What it does is buy critical time during a fire. That is what the Euroclass B classification measures and confirms.
What are the fire resistance classifications for 6mm FR MDF?
Both boards on this page achieve Euroclass B under EN 13501-1, the standard referenced in UK Building Regulations for internal lining materials. Finsa 6mm carries a full classification of B-s2, d0. Medite Premier FR achieves Euroclass B across the 6mm range. Both are CE marked and certified by independent Notified Bodies. This is the classification most commonly specified on UK commercial projects.
Where can I buy 6mm fire rated MDF sheets in the UK?
Sheet Materials Wholesale stocks 6mm fire rated MDF in both Finsa and Medite Premier FR, available in 8x4 and 10x4 sheet sizes. Fast UK delivery as standard, next day on 8x4 sheets. Bulk and trade pricing available on larger orders. Order online or contact us for a project quote.
Can 6mm FR MDF be painted?
Yes. Both boards have a smooth sanded surface suitable for painting. Sand cut or profiled edges before applying primer. When choosing a paint system, confirm with your paint supplier that the coating will not affect the fire classification. There are flame retardant paints available that give a full decorative finish while maintaining the board's Euroclass B performance.
Does the pink colour affect how the board looks once painted?
The pink or terracotta core colour is a manufacturing identifier, not a surface finish issue. A standard primer coat is enough to neutralise the colour before topcoating. Both boards give a smooth, even surface for decoration once properly primed.
Is 6mm FR MDF compliant with UK building regulations?
Euroclass B is the classification referenced in Approved Document B (fire safety) of the UK Building Regulations. Both Finsa and Medite Premier FR achieve Euroclass B to EN 13501-1. Whether this meets your specific project requirement depends on the full specification and the use case. If the drawings or spec sheet call for Euroclass B, these boards are the correct choice.
What is the difference between standard MDF and fire rated MDF?
Standard MDF is a regular board with no fire protection built in. Fire retardant MDF has special chemicals added during manufacturing that slow down how quickly it catches fire and how fast flames spread. That is what gives it the Euroclass B rating. Both boards look the same, cut the same and fix the same way. The only difference is that fire retardant MDF meets fire safety requirements on projects where standard MDF simply cannot be used.
Does 6mm fire retardant MDF cut like normal MDF?
Yes. One reason these boards are popular is that they are very similar to standard MDF. They cut cleanly, route well and work with standard woodworking tools.
Fire Rated MDF 6mm 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 6mm is ideal for use in internal dry conditions for non-structural applications; suitable for uses such as display panes, wall linings, partitions, and so on.
£2,634.24£3,161.09Ex VATInc VAT£21.95£26.34Per SheetAdd to cart
MEDITE PREMIER FR MDF 6mm 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 6mm 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. 6mm Fire MDF 3050 x 1220mm offers excellent machining and finishing characteristics. Medite Fire rated MDF is Carb 2 rated.
£40.65£48.78Original price was: £40.65 Ex VAT (£48.78 Inc VAT).£38.05£45.66Current price is: £38.05 Ex VAT (£45.66 Inc VAT).Ex VATInc VATAdd to cart
