When crafting beautiful and durable furniture, the choice of material plays a pivotal role. Two popular options often considered are Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and plywood. In this guide, we’ll delve into what MDF and plywood are, how they are made, the types of furniture you can create with each, and the advantages and disadvantages of using them for your woodworking projects.
ABOUT MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
MDF is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres. These fibres are then combined with wax and resin, and the resulting mixture is pressed into panels under high temperature and pressure.
Advantages of Using MDF for Furniture:
- Smooth Surface: MDF is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and uniform surface, making it an excellent choice for projects with a seamless finish, such as cabinet doors and tabletops. It does not warp or twist and thus is easy to work with.
- Versatility: MDF can be easily cut, routed, and shaped into intricate designs, which makes it suitable for creating detailed furniture pieces, however, this works better when using machinery and not a hand coping saw.
- Paintability: MDF takes paint exceptionally well, allowing you to choose from a wide range of finishes to match your interior decor.
Disadvantages of Using MDF for Furniture:
- Weight: MDF is denser and heavier than plywood, making it less ideal for furniture that needs to be moved frequently.
- Moisture Sensitivity: MDF can be susceptible to moisture damage, so it’s not the best choice for outdoor furniture or pieces that may come into contact with water.
- Structural integrity: because MDF is just fibres glued together, it isn’t as solid structurally for holding together with screws or nails. It’s also difficult to cut intricate designs using a coping saw, however, using machines makes this possible.
ABOUT PLYWOOD
Plywood is a composite material made from thin layers of wood veneer, or “plies,” that are glued together with each adjacent layer’s wood grain rotated 90 degrees to one another. This construction creates remarkable strength and stability.
Advantages of Using Plywood for Furniture:
- Strength and Durability: Plywood is known for its structural integrity, making it a preferred choice for furniture that needs to withstand heavy loads, such as bookshelves and bed frames.
- Moisture Resistance: Exterior-grade plywood can resist moisture and is suitable for outdoor furniture or pieces exposed to humidity.
- Lighter Weight: Plywood is generally lighter than MDF, which can be advantageous for larger furniture items.
Disadvantages of Using Plywood for Furniture:
- Visible Layers: The layered structure of plywood can sometimes result in visible lines on the edges, which may only be ideal for certain furniture styles with edge banding.
- Cost: Plywood can be more expensive than MDF, especially if you opt for high-quality hardwood veneer plywood.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR YOUR FURNITURE PROJECT
Now that we’ve explored the key characteristics of both MDF and plywood let’s consider which material is best suited for different types of furniture:
- MDF is ideal for projects requiring a smooth and flawless finish, such as cabinet doors, panels, and furniture with intricate details (if you aren’t cutting the detailing by hand). It’s also a budget-friendly option. Avoid using it for furniture prone to getting wet, such as bathroom cabinets and outdoor furniture.
- Plywood shines in structural applications like tables, chairs, and bookshelves where strength and durability are paramount. Additionally, it’s a good choice for outdoor furniture due to its moisture resistance.
Personally, I have never used MDF for furniture because I find it structurally less stable than plywood. Plywood is my go-to for large furniture projects, such as this floor-to-ceiling alcove wardrobe. The rough edges are a bit of a nuisance, but with some work, they can be covered using techniques such as edge banding and wood filling.
In conclusion, the choice between MDF and plywood depends on your specific woodworking project’s requirements. Both materials have unique advantages and disadvantages, making them valuable assets in furniture building.
