Fire rated boards are usually not a choice. They are a requirement. That is where 9mm FR MDF comes in. It is used to meet fire performance standards written into the spec. Thickness still matters.
At 9mm, the board is used for visible surfaces rather than hidden layers. It is common in wall panelling where flatness and clean lines matter. Panels sit more evenly and hold their shape across larger areas. This is why 9mm is widely used in commercial interiors that will be inspected before sign off.
What is 9mm fire retardant MDF?
9mm fire retardant MDF is a non-structural, interior dry-use board built to meet Euroclass B fire performance requirements. It is made to EN 622-5 and classified to EN 13501-1. Boards on this page are classified in the most commonly specified fire performance class for UK commercial and public sector interiors.
The fire retardant performance comes from chemicals integrated into the fibre core during manufacture. The board does not become fireproof. What it does is slow ignition, limit how fast flames spread across the surface, reduce heat contribution to a fire and produce no flaming droplets. That is what gets it the B-s2, d0 classification. And that is what fire risk assessors and building control officers are checking for.
The classification explained:
B = fire behaviour class. Very limited heat contribution. Flame spread is controlled within tested limits.
s2 = smoke production within an acceptable measured range.
d0 = no flaming droplets or particles. Zero.
Put together, B-s2, d0 is the Euroclass B classification used as the baseline for internal lining materials across UK Building Regulations, Approved Document B, and the vast majority of commercial fit-out specifications.
In practice, this means a board that cuts cleanly, holds its shape once installed and meets the fire classification without any change to how it’s processed or fixed. Both brands carry low formaldehyde ratings, Finsa at E05 and Medite at E1 CARB2, which covers interior air quality requirements across most project types. Controlled moisture content keeps dimensional movement to a minimum after fitting. On site, it performs like standard MDF. On the certification documents, it carries the classification that the project needs.
Both boards carry a pink or reddish core. On a project with multiple board types in use, that colour matters. Nobody needs to check every sheet individually. The core tells you what you are working with.
What we stock and why?
We stock 9mm FR MDF from Finsa and Medite Premier FR. Both are recognised, specification grade boards with certification and documentation ready for project use.
Finsa. Classified B-s2, d0 with low formaldehyde (E05). A good option for projects where indoor air quality matters, such as schools and healthcare spaces.
Medite Premier FR. Euroclass B rated, widely specified across UK projects. Known for consistent quality and reliable performance on site.
Both are available in:
2440 x 1220mm (8 x 4), 3050 x 1220mm (10 x 4).
Square edge, smooth sanded finish, ready for painting or further processing.
Choosing between Finsa and Medite Premier FR
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 is 9mm fire retardant MDF used for?
9mm is used where the board needs to be present, compliant and flat but not carry weight or take heavy fixings. It covers large areas cleanly, sits well on standard stud spacings and handles overhead work without adding unnecessary load.
Wall linings and internal panelling
The most common use. 9mm FR MDF is fixed to stud frameworks to create compliant wall surfaces in corridors, stairwells, reception areas and communal spaces. At 9mm, the board sits flat across standard stud spacings without flex, which matters on large wall runs where a painted finish will show any movement. It gives a clean, consistent surface ready for primer and paint.
Ceilings and suspended panels
9mm is used in suspended ceiling grid systems and batten-fixed ceiling linings where fire rated boards are required. Light enough for overhead work, rigid enough to stay flat across standard batten spacings without additional support.
Display and exhibition work
Venues require fire rated boards for installations in publicly accessible areas, whether permanent or temporary. 9mm handles routing for display structures, holds fixings for graphic elements and stays flat across larger unsupported spans. Used on projects from museum installations to temporary retail pop-ups in venues with strict fire safety requirements.
Partitions
Used as the facing skin on non-load-bearing stud partitions. 9mm gives a better fixing base than thinner boards and handles wall-mounted elements without additional backing in most situations. For partitions requiring a tested fire resistance period, the full build-up must follow the documented system exactly.
Benefits of 9mm fire MDF
Meets Euroclass B fire performance requirements.
Helps pass inspections without rework.
More rigid than thinner boards, less flex during installation.
Smooth sanded surface ready for finishing.
Cuts, routes and fixes like standard MDF.
Easy to identify on site with a coloured core.
Widely accepted across UK commercial projects.
Available in practical sheet sizes for large area coverage.
FSC certified options available for sustainable sourcing requirements.
Why choose our 9mm FR MDF?
Stock that is actually there
Both brands. Both sheet sizes. Ready now. We keep FR MDF in stock because specification projects cannot afford to wait on a lead time.
Documentation for the project file
Every commercial or public sector job that specifies FR MDF needs paperwork. Declaration of Performance, fire classification report, CE marking. We can provide what the project needs for building control submissions, specification checks and handover files.
Pricing, trade accounts and bulk orders
Competitive wholesale prices as standard. Trade discounts and bulk pricing are available for larger orders. Good value for money on every order, whether you are buying a few sheets or a full pallet.
At Sheet Materials Wholesale, you can purchase 9mm 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
Can you paint or laminate 9mm fire MDF?
Yes. Both boards have a smooth sanded surface ready for painting or laminating. Sand any cut edges before priming. Just confirm with your paint supplier that the coating won't affect the Euroclass B rating. FR-compatible paint systems are widely available.
Where can I buy 9mm FR MDF sheets in the UK?
9mm fire retardant MDF is available online at Sheet Materials Wholesale. We stock both Finsa and Medite Premier FR in 9mm, in 2440 x 1220mm (8 x 4) and 3050 x 1220mm (10 x 4) sheet sizes. Order directly through our online store with UK-wide delivery as standard. Next day delivery available.
Is 9mm FR MDF suitable for partition walls?
Yes, as the facing skin on non-load-bearing stud partitions. For a tested fire resistance period like 60 minutes, the full partition build-up must match the documented system exactly. Medite Premier FR has a tested partition wall system available. Contact us if you need the documentation.
Does 9mm FR MDF need to acclimatise before installation?
Yes. Leave boards in the installation environment for two to three days before cutting and fixing. On large wall lining or ceiling jobs this matters more, as any movement after fitting can cause joint or finish issues.
Can 9mm fire MDF be used in kitchens or bathrooms?
No. It's for internal dry use only. Not moisture resistant, so it won't hold up in areas with damp or high humidity. If you need fire performance and moisture resistance together, you'll need a different product.
Do I need to tell building control what brand of FR MDF I am using?
Not the brand specifically, but you'll need to show the material meets Euroclass B to EN 13501-1. That means having the Declaration of Performance and CE marking ready for inspection. Both Finsa and Medite Premier FR come with this. We can supply what you need for the submission.
Can 9mm FR MDF be used under tiles or heavy wall cladding?
No. It's not a tiling substrate. Adhesives and grout are water-based and will cause the board to swell and fail. FR MDF and moisture resistant board are different products. For tiling with fire performance, you need a cement-based or moisture resistant board rated for that use.
How should joints between 9mm FR MDF sheets be filled, and will it affect the fire rating?
Use a flexible filler or jointing compound compatible with MDF, and check that it's suitable for fire rated boards. The fire rating is in the board itself, not the filler, so standard joint filling won't affect the classification. For systems requiring a specific fire resistance period, follow the full tested specification, including joint treatment.
Fire Rated MDF 9mm 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.
£31.01£37.21Original price was: £31.01 Ex VAT (£37.21 Inc VAT).£28.99£34.79Current price is: £28.99 Ex VAT (£34.79 Inc VAT).Ex VATInc VATAdd to cart
Fire Rated MDF 9mm 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.
£2,763.68£3,316.42Ex VATInc VAT£34.55£41.46Per SheetAdd to cart
MEDITE PREMIER FR MDF 9mm 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 9mm 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. 9mm Fire MDF 3050 x 1220mm offers excellent machining and finishing characteristics. Medite Fire rated MDF is Carb 2 rated.
