Best Screws For MDF : Select Right One From Our List

A screw may seem like something totally inconspicuous to the eyes of regular folks. However, these tiny fasteners have a lot to do with the longevity and overall quality of all your furniture pieces.

Especially the ones built from soft wooden materials like particle board, plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) require the cooperation of such fasteners to stay put and functional.

That is why, choosing the right kind of screws matters a lot to ensure the success of woodworking.

So let us help narrow down your shortlist of the next hardware haul by introducing you to the best screws for MDF and other similar materials!

Top 10 Best MDF Screws : Reviews & Buying Guide 2021

1. Rok Hardware #8 x 1/2" Standard Thread Truss Head Screws

Rok Hardware is one of the leading brands when it comes to providing multiple home improvement products including woodworking hardware. 

In their versatile collection accumulated since 2013, there is a wide range of screws to meet different installation needs of customers.

One of them is this variation of standard screws which are half an inch long. They are made to be the size of #8 which means their diameter is 0.16-inch.

This size is an ideal one to have in your toolbox since it can be used in many ways and different projects.

Each screw has a Phillips drive which means you will need to install it in a self-centering mechanism with the screwdriver.

This makes it easier for amateur woodworkers to get through the fastening method since the torque’s force is naturally centered.

Along with MDF, you will be able to use it on other materials too like particle board and plastic composites.

This MDF screw comes in packs of 100, 500 and 1000 pieces. As a result, you can pick the one which seems like the most feasible option for your usual needs.

Their price point is already quite economical which will help you to stay on budget.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes in packets of 100, 500 and 1000 pieces
• Each screw is #8 in size and half an inch long
• Designed with a Phillips drive and a Truss’s head
• Made of steel with a zinc finish to avoid corrosion
• Available at a very affordable price point

2. Bolt Dropper Xylan Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw

The brand of Bolt Dropper is focused on developing hardware products including a versatile array of marine and industrial fasteners. One of them is this pack of black screws which come in a variety of sizes.

Whether you need a diameter of #6 or #8, there will be an option for you to pick these wood screws.

Besides, you will also be able to choose between three length options including ¾ inch, 1 inch and 1¼ inch for the #8 bolts. The ones having #6 diameter however only come in one length of ¾ inch.

All of them are made of 100% 18-8 304 stainless steel - a material well-known for its ability to keep rust formation at bay and thus deliver longevity to any product.

Moreover, they have been coated with black Xylan to increase the protection against corrosion even further.

So whatever project you are going to use them for, the screws should prove to be highly durable because of their superior corrosion resistance.

Additionally, the black color can beautifully complement any MDF workpiece painted in darker shades.

Each pack will have 100 pieces of these bolts built with a Phillips drive on flat head. You can use them to build any ambitious indoor or outdoor structure with MDF.

Highlighted Features:

• Six sizes available including #6 and #8 diameters
• Made of 304 stainless steel coated with xylan
• Phillips drive built into a flat head for easy use
• Each pack holds corrosion-resistant 100 pieces
• Can be used both indoors and outdoors

3. Kreg SK03 MDF fasteners

For those of you who have been looking for a one-stop solution to their limited collection of bolts, this kit from Kreg can be a life-saver!

With over 30 years of experience, the brand of Kreg differs a little from many of its competitors in the market. They have woodworkers of all expertise levels in their team.

As a result, they know exactly how to make your learning experience and projects more fruitful with convenient kits like the one we are about to analyze.

Here, you can get three common sizes of screws at the same time! These varieties include lengths of 1 inch (25 mm), 1¼ inches (32 mm) and 2½ inches (64 mm). They come in both fine and coarse threading variations.

With this kit, you will get 150 pieces of 1-inch fine threaded pan head screws and 150 more of them but with coarse thread. Similarly, there are 300 1¼-inch screws divided into two groups based on threading.

However, they all have a Maxi-loc head instead of pan heads. All of these fasteners can only be used indoors.

Additionally, there are 75 pieces of 2½-inch screws with coarse threading and Maxi-loc head meant for both indoor and outdoor use. They have a blue-kote finish while the other 600 bolts are coated in zinc.

Highlighted Features:

• You can get three common sizes in one pack
• Has a total of 675 screws with square drive
• Contains both fine thread and coarse thread
• Both pan head and maxi-loc head included
• Provides a self-tapping tip and a carrying case

4. SPAX T-STAR Plus, Galvanize MDF Screws Countersunk

Since its first universal screw launched in 1967, SPAX has always upheld its standard of a premium hardware brand.

Since fasteners have been their focus throughout this period, it comes as no surprise to see their name on our quest to find the best screws for MDF.

T-Star Plus is their most successful series of screws which includes many variations. One of them is this one made with partial threading where trademark features like 4CUT and WIROX coating have been incorporated.

Because of such high-end properties, these screws come at a higher price point than others.

The exclusive coating of SPAX MDF screws called WIROS is included here because it provides excellent protection against corrosion.

Compared to the usual zinc coating, this one performs better in the salt-spray fog test and brings in higher surface hardness.

Their combination has made these screws ideal for building outdoor structures like pergolas and carports. Besides, they also have higher resistance against mechanical stress.

You don’t have to prepare the surface with pre-drilling beforehand for using these screws.

Their 4CUT point makes this possible with the special screw tip shaped like an arrow. You will get 200 pieces of these countersunk head screws in each pack.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes in a wide range of sizes from 3x30mm to 6x300mm
• Exclusive WIROX coating for excellent corrosion protection
• Milling ribs in the countersunk head for easy penetration
• Reduces splitting of the material even when close to edge
• 4CUT point allows safe fastening without any pre-drilling

5. Rok Hardware #10 Coarse Deep Thread Pan Head Screws

If you have been looking for slightly larger screws that fit in your projects and guarantee high durability at the same time, you can try these #10 screws provided by Rok Hardware.

This is the largest size of common screws people usually keep in their collection. Their diameter is 0.019 inch or 4.8 mm. Rok provides these fasteners in two length variations of ¾ inch and 1 inch.

They are made of stainless steel so that your creative MDF structures last a long time. This material is well-known for its impressive resistance against corrosion, fire and heat.

Its incredible durability becomes even stronger with the black phosphate finishing which prevents the formation of rust.

These screws are designed with a Phillips drive on a pan head. As we mentioned before, this drive is highly versatile, effective and easy to learn for woodworkers of all levels.

Their black color makes them a great choice for using in a dark-colored workpiece. Each package of this model will come with a hundred pieces.

Highlighted Features:

• #10 comes in two lengths of ¾ and 1-inch
• Made of stainless steel for high durability
• Phillips drive and pan head for easy use
• Black phosphate finish for rust resistance
• 100 pieces available in each package

6. Rok Hardware #8 x 5/8" MDF Screw

Another popular choice from Rok Hardware is the MDF fasteners designed with a deep coarse thread.

This kind of threading grants more reliability for your MDF structure by providing higher resistance to stripping. It can do so because of its greater flank engagement.

More of the wooden material can sit between the threads during installation and thus the fasteners are less likely to cross-thread or strip.

The other part of its design is the combination of pan head and Phillips drive. Having this drive can make the work a little easier for you by its self-centering mechanism.

For the pan head, its flat underside makes for a large surface area which can help you to establish a firm hold even in large holes and then reduce the possibility of crushing.

You can happily incorporate it in the working process of decorative pieces since the pan head provides a trim finish.

Its size consists of #8 diameter and ⅝ inch length. The short screws are made of steel with a black phosphate finish for increasing their resistance against rust. You will get 100 pieces of these affordable fasteners in one package.

Highlighted Features:

• #8 diameter with a length of ⅝ inch
• Deep coarse thread to resist stripping
• Pan head for a firm hold and trim finish
• Black phosphate coating prevents rust
• 100 pieces available in each pack

7. Rok Hardware #8 x 1" Particleboard Screw

Rok Hardware hits our list again with its pan head screws of 1-inch length and #8 size diameter. It bears similarities with both the models we mentioned previously.

Each pack comes with 100 pieces of these screws which are also coated with black phosphate for giving a boost to their durability.

Similar to the standard sizes, they come with a diameter categorized as #8 and an inch of length. The rest of its design includes a pan head, a Phillips drive and coarse deep thread.

Pan heads are a useful shape since they help to ensure a holding firm and prevent crushing.

Phillips drive on the other hand is easy to hold in place because of its naturally self-centering torque. 

With the coarse deep thread all over its body, you can use the screw for an effective and effortless screwing into MDF panels.

The only catch with this variation of MDF screws is that they are not meant for outdoor use at all. They may not show any negative signs in the following weeks, but eventually, they will start to form rust.

So you will need to limit your projects to only indoor ones if these are the only screws in your possession.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes in the size of #8 diameter and 1-inch length
• Coarse deep thread for effective and effortless biting
• Pan head with Phillips drive is easy to work with
• Black phosphate coating that boosts their durability
• 100 pieces available in each pack for indoor use

8. JQK #6 Black Screw, Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw

If you are a fan of black MDF or particleboard screws, you will love working with this one from the brand of JQK.

Even though it comes in only one diameter of the #6 variety, you will have options to choose between two length measurements - ½ inch and ¾ inch.

You can pick the better one by first measuring the thickness of your MDF workpiece’s bottom material. The length of your screw should be at least half of that thickness.

These pieces are made of 18-8 premium grade stainless steel so that they can fight against the common issue of corrosion or rust.

Any structure you use them to build should last for a long time because of such properties promoting durability.

Each piece is designed to include the standard coarse threading and a flat head. It also has a deep cut Phillips drive which prevents stripping the head.

As a result, it adds to the durability factor and works especially well if you pre-drill in your project.

You will find them available in two packs of 100 pieces and 200 pieces. Both of them come at very affordable price points.

They are meant to be used for screwing into particle board, MDF, pine, plywood and melamine (softer wooden materials). For such versatility and convenience, it is considered to be the best screw for MDF.

Highlighted Features:

• Available in two #6 sizes of ½ and ¾ inches
• Flathead Phillips drive with coarse threading
• Made of 18-8 premium grade stainless steel
• Meant for soft materials like MDF and pine
• Comes in packs of 100 pieces and 200 pieces

9. Rok Hardware #8 x 1-1/4"

This model from Rok Hardware would be great for those of you who prefer partial threading instead of a fully plain screw or one that has coarse threading all over it.

Using them will provide additional strength, ensure critical alignment and enhance their shear resistance in your MDF structures.

They are also great for driving them through threaded holes or using nuts and washers. So you can enjoy more flexibility with these screws while working on multiple projects at a time.

They have an excellent holding power in soft wooden materials like MDF, particle board and plastic composites.

This versatile screw comes in the standard size of #8 diameter and a length of 1¼  inches which should work fine for all the usual woodworking projects.

They are made of durable steel and then coated with black phosphate to enhance their protection against rust.

Their structure includes a pan head with Phillips drive. You will get 100 pieces of these MDF or particle board fasteners in each package which comes at quite an affordable price point.

Highlighted Features:

• A versatile screw that can be used for many projects
• Available in the standard #8 size with 1¼ inch length
• Pan head with Phillips drive for easy and efficient work
• Made of durable steel and coated in black phosphate
• Each pack of 100 pieces comes at an affordable cost

10. IMScrews Self Drilling Screw

IMScrews is a brand dedicated to developing and providing fasteners. Nuts, bolts and screws make up the biggest part of their huge collection available online.

One of the most popular models among them is this screw made in the standard size of #8 diameter and ¾ inch length.

The most notable part of its design is the modified Truss head. Its modification includes the extra width complemented by a low-profile dome, as well as an integral round washer.

Incorporating these screws can make your MDF structure appear more elegant while not compromising on its durability.

They are made from one of the most durable materials as well named % 410 stainless steel. It is known to provide one of the strongest resistance against corrosion.

Being constructed from this kind of steel, the screws tend to last longer than most other hardware items available in the market nowadays.

Along with wooden materials like MDF, it can also be used in sheets of metal or steel. So you can benefit from using it in multiple projects.

There are 100 pieces of these silver fasteners available in each unit. A durable plastic bag will also be provided so that you never lose them and can preserve them for a long time.

Highlighted Features:

• Size of #8 diameter and ¾ inch length
• Made of 100% 410 stainless steel
• Modified Truss head with extra width
• Can be used in steel or metal sheets too
• 100 pieces provided in a plastic bag

Comparison Chart of Top MDF Screws

Screws For MDF Buying Guide

1. Material

The best screws for MDF board are usually made of stainless steel since this material provides the most protection against rust or corrosion.

Moisture and change in temperature are major factors that contribute to triggering these issues.

That is why steel screws can be great choices for building outdoor MDF pieces.

However, if you are planning to make pieces only for indoors, you can settle for zinc screws since they are a lot more affordable.

2. Head

When it comes to MDF work, flat head and pan head are the two most popular choices for screws.

Both of them are ideal for the projects where you don’t need these fasteners to be flush with the workpiece material. Their wider head also makes joining wood to other materials easier.

3. Drive

Previously when a screwdriver was the only way of installing screws on wooden boards, Phillips drive used to be the winner.

However, with the progress of carpentry technologies over the years, cordless drivers or drills have brought in other kinds of drives that minimize the chance of slipping and stripping.

Although Phillips is still the most easily accessible one, there are many other drives including Torx (star), Robertson (square) and Quadrex (a combination of Phillips and Robertson). The best screws for particle board or MDF usually have Phillips, square or star drives.

4. Size

Generally, it is wiser to focus on the length of your screws instead of their width for MDF application.

The usual formula to go by is to choose a length that is at least half of the thickness of your MDF workpiece’s bottom part.

For diameter, you can choose the standard #8 size. If you usually work with much thicker or heavier MDF boards, you can go as far as #12 or #14. To work on finer workpieces, pick the #6 diameter.

Here is a chart to clear up the diameter measurements for proper understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can You Use Drywall Screws For MDF?

Answer: If drywall screws are all you have to work on an MDF piece, then you can use it for the project.

It will work well if the fasteners are designed to have coarse thread instead of fine. This choice can make working on the board worth your time and effort.

2. Does MDF Have A Good Side?

Answer: No, MDF does not have a good side because both of its sides are usually equally smooth.

This will surely make the woodworking job easier for you since you don’t have to stress over picking the right side to work on. You can start working on either side with the screws.

3. Should You Pre-Drill MDF?

Answer: Pre-drilling MDF would be a good idea since it can make the installation easier for you.

Use a drill bit whose thickness is equal to the root measurement of your screw to create the pilot hole. To put it simply, only make the threads get into the board instead of its shaft.

4. How Do You Screw Into An MDF Board?

Answer: You can start screwing into the MDF workpiece by clamping its sides with a handscrew. Then make a pilot hole into the board so that it becomes easier later for you to guide the drill towards it.

Also, remember to choose a very sharp drill so that you can get a clean cut without too much heat.

Drop in some epoxy there to hold the incoming screw firmly and enhance the mechanical strength from your screw’s threads.

Related: Screw alternative, Use strong glue for your MDF.

Final Words

Finding the best screws for MDF or similar materials is surely a tough ride since there are so many options!

However, you can always check out detailed reviews to make sure your hard-earned money is going to the right place.

Remember to figure out the size of screws your projects would frequently need since it is the most important factor contributing to the effectiveness of screws.

Other aspects include the type of its head, drive and material which will decide how long your MDF structure will last.

If you keep all these points in mind, you will find the perfect match of wood screws to build the creative pieces you have been planning.