Comparing MDF board with
plywood and particle board

Comparing MDF Board with Plywood and Particleboard

Using wood for home utilities has become a common one but not, everyone can afford solid wood. So, many other types and grades of wood like plywood, MDF board, and particleboards are available in the market that fits the common man’s budget.

And there comes confusion as to what to use for what as MDF board, plywood and particleboard seem the same! Though they all seem the same, they aren’t. It is a common doubt but with little extra knowledge, you can decide as to what kind and grade of wood to choose for a particular purpose.

What is MDF Board?

Medium Density Fiberboard is an engineered wood, manufactured from the residuals (sawdust) of hardwood and softwood. The fibers are put in a defibrillator with resin and binding wax under high pressure and temperature to create wooden boards. Is made up of 82% wood fiber, 9% urea-formaldehyde, resin glue, 8% water, and 1% paraffin wax. They are used in making wall panels, storage units, doors, door frames, cabinets, and are commonly used for bookshelves, and other indoor projects.

ADVANTAGES:

It is soft and shapes well.
Has stable dimensions maintaining consistent strength and size throughout.
Perfect for drilling, machining, and cutting with no splits or chips but produces more dust.
Takes paint well, is flexible and has no visible wood grains or knots.
Lack of grains and softness makes it easy to cut along the edges and won’t splinter or crack.
Is less expansive and contraction than natural wood.

DISADVANTAGES:

It is heavy and denser than plywood and particleboard.
Creates more dust when cut or drilled.
As it is soft, it easily wraps and expands in humid environments if not sealed properly.
When cutting or sanding, it tends to release formaldehyde which is considered a human carcinogen. So, inhalation of particles must be avoided.
Though it is easy to cut, drill and work, it is heavy and big and must be handled with care.
Being made of fine fiber, it doesn’t hold screw well.

What is Particleboard?

Particleboard or chipboard is another inexpensive product made using waste wood materials. It offers a realistic finish and is a solid, flat, and dense material.

Its smooth and flat surfaces allow for easy stacking of veneer and laminate materials. As they are soundproof, it is a good choice for speakers, and theatres and perfect for the false ceiling of auditoriums.

Are popularly used to make low-end home décor furniture and used as an underlying layer for countertops as well.

ADVANTAGES:

Can be easily drilled, cut, milled, painted, and glued.
Light-weighted and so easy for transportation and to work.
Easy to clean and maintain.
It is an eco-friendly product made from waste-wood products like sawdust, wood chips, and shavings and so no trees need to be cut.
As it can be easily glued, laminate or veneer is used to finish its surface to give the desired look.
Low cost.

DISADVANTAGES:

It is difficult to shape and mould as it tends to break or chip easily.
Not eco-friendly to recycle, as some toxic resins are used to manufacture it.
It is not strong when compared to other interior materials. It is low on strength and should be handled with care.
Less durable.

What is Plywood?

Plywood is also engineered wood, made by layers of wood veneer. They not only come in different thicknesses based on the number of veneers but also in different grades based on the type of wood that has been used.

Low-grade plywood is used for wooden flooring in homes, while the higher grade is for making quality and durable cabinets and shelves.

It is used for furniture, roofing, exterior and interior walls, doors, floors, staircases, kitchen cabinets, and tabletops, where you want a large-stained wood surface.

ADVANTAGES:

Can be easily bent to do any shape.
Holds screw tightly as it has several layers of veneers.
It is not strong wheIts cross-grain structure makes it more durable and stronger. n compared to other interior materials. It is low on strength and should be handled with care.
Based on the type of wood used, it can be effectively used for both indoor and outdoor projects.
They are naturally resistant and with different grades, it can be used for various purposes.

DISADVANTAGES:

Difference between MDF & Particleboard

These two alternative materials used in home décor are perfect for ready-made furniture.

MDF board is more strong and denser than particleboard.
MDF board is more strong and denser than particleboard.
MDF has better resistance to moisture than particleboard.
When compared to MDF board, particleboard can last up to 25 years, whereas MDF last only for 10 years.
Particleboard can hold nails and screws better because of the small chips.
Particleboard is lightweight, less durable, less resistant to water and expands too much due to moisture compared to MDF.
Particleboards do not have a smooth surface as they are made up of wood shavings and chips, unlike MDF.

Difference between MDF & Plywood:

Both may seem similar as they consist of both hardwood and softwood, but each serves a different purpose.

MDF is denser and weighs heavy, still, plywood is stronger and durable.
MDF is cheaper than plywood.
Price varies on the thickness and grade of the material.
Plywood looks more like real wood as it takes on the solid wood appearance better than MDF.
MDF has no grain like plywood and isn’t as smooth as plywood.
Finishing edge is not required for MDF, whereas for Plywood the layers are shown and so moulding must be done.
MDF easily takes and looks great with paint. Plywood with its natural solid wood-like look is great for stains.
MDF is a softer material and happens to split or sag under pressure and different temperature, unlike plywood which won’t expand, contract or warp even under extreme temperatures.

What to choose now?

MDF Boards is stronger and denser than plywood and particleboard and can be used as a building material similar in application to plywood. But it doesn’t show good water-resistant as it can easily soak and swell. So, outdoors, plywood would be a better choice than MDF for it is less susceptible to damage.

MDF Boards and particleboard are good for decorative panels or furniture that gets less exposed to weight and temperature. Choose the one, that fits your budget and if you are planning to replace the wooden furniture often, then go for a cheaper one.

Make your great choices with Hanuman Wood Industries, Bangalore

Why choose Hanuman Wood Industries, Bangalore?

Hanuman Wood Industries, Bangalore has got the best quality and all types of wood that can add aesthetic beauty to your place. We have specialized experts who can help you with the type of wood that you need. We not only supply wood but also have designers who can design your furniture. All in one place, to know, buy wood and wood furniture is Hanuman Wood Industries, Bangalore