Frequently asked questions
Vaultwood Core™ FAQ
Site-wide answers about what Vaultwood Core™ is, who owns it, how to verify a core, whether it is licensable, and how it meets formaldehyde limits.
Is Vaultwood Core MDF or HDF?
It is premium MDF, not HDF, specified at 45 to 49 pcf for machinability and screw holding rather than maximum density.
Who owns Vaultwood Core?
Vaultwood Core is a material brand and specification, held to a published bar and licensable to manufacturers who build to it. It is not a separate company. More is on the About page.
Is this an independent standard?
No. The brand owner also builds finished products, so Vaultwood Core is not an independent standards body. It is a published specification held to testable numbers.
Can I license Vaultwood Core?
Yes if you can meet the spec. It is an ingredient-trademark license open to mills, door makers, cabinet makers, and furniture makers, with the Built on Vaultwood Core mark for qualified licensees.
Is MDF strong enough for doors and cabinets?
Premium MDF built to this spec is. It requires MOR above 4,500 psi and face screw withdrawal of 275 to 350 lbf verified to ASTM D1037, so fasteners hold in consistent material rather than a soft or voided core.
How do I verify a core is Vaultwood Core?
Look for the Built on Vaultwood Core mark on a licensed product and ask the maker for backing test data to ASTM D1037 and ANSI A208.2.
Is it sustainable?
MDF uses wood fiber efficiently and Vaultwood Core supports low-emission and no-added-formaldehyde options, with products specifiable to the CPA Eco-Certified Composite program. We do not make blanket green claims.
Does it meet formaldehyde limits?
Yes. It meets EPA TSCA Title VI and CARB Phase 2, with no-added-formaldehyde options.
What is the difference from commodity MDF?
A narrow, published window of density, strength, screw holding, and emissions, verified to ASTM D1037 and ANSI A208.2, versus a broad grade range often optimized for cost.
Where is Vaultwood Core used?
In hidden, passage, and specialty doors, cabinetry, and furniture casegoods where flatness, clean edges, and screw retention matter.
Did anyone invent MDF?
No. MDF is long-established. Vaultwood Core is specified, not invented: it selects and pins a premium tier.
Contact us with a question we did not answer. See also licensing, about and ownership, and the glossary.
The proven use case
Best material for a hidden door
For the hidden-door use case, see our best material for a hidden door answer.