Because of the smooth edges, you can use a router to create decorative edges. The consistency and smoothness of MDF allow for easy cutting of detailed designs such as scrolled or scalloped designs using a scroll saw, band saw or jigsaw.
Browse our MDF products here Plywood Plywood is also an engineered wood product, made by pressing and binding sheets of wood veneer together into one solid piece. Advantages of plywood Made from multiple layers of wood veneer, plywood is a very strong material to work with. Because it carries a grain, plywood is stainable. Which makes it perfect for kitchen cabinets, tabletops and other projects where you want a large stained wood surface.
It holds screws very tightly since the varying grains of wood on each layer give the screws something to hold onto. Disadvantages of plywood Plywood is more expensive than MDF and of course, the higher the grade and depending on the species of wood, it can increase in price.
Because of the layers that show on the edge, plywood needs finishing with iron-on edge banding, pieces of timber or decorative mouldings. Browse our Plywood products here So, which one should you use?
Furniture made from solid wood is typically thought of as beautiful, timeless and high quality. In comparison, MDF Medium Density Fibre-Board is made with recycled timer and fibre materials, mixed with resin-based glue and compacted very tightly together.
Typically, MDF is seen as a cheaper alternative to solid wood and is often perceived to be lower in quality. However, in recent years there has been a rapid resurgence in flat-pack furniture being manufactured with MDF. So, with advantages and disadvantages for both solid wood and MDF, which is the better option?
Image by Grain and Frame via grainandframe. Every material has its strengths and weaknesses which makes it hard to state whether one is better than the other. We recommend that MDF is best used for the following household furniture:. Painted Cabinets by Grain and Frame via grainandframe. Solid wood is a fantastic choice for furniture despite it being more expensive than other materials. We believe solid wood is worth the investment, particularly for items of furniture that are either weight-bearing or on display.
The strength and durability is second to none when compared to MDF. Image by Grain and Frame via GrainandFrame. Although MDF manufactured today tends to be a lot stronger than it was many years ago, its strength is still no comparison to solid wood. The natural grain of solid wood is what gives a high level of structural strength which is missing with MDF. We advise not to use MDF for weight-bearing items as they can sag, crack or break over time.
Veneered or laminated MDF products are often prone to chipping around the edges over time and often can not be refinished. Even though wood is often a lot more expensive it will last a lot longer than MDF and can sometimes prove to be a lifelong investment within the family home. Solid wood can, in most cases, be easily refinished or repaired if it gets scratched or damaged, however, it is important to ensure consistent humidity levels and avoid direct sunlight as this can permanently damage solid wood furniture.
One of the things we love most about solid wood is the natural beauty of each piece. At Grain and Frame we manufacture and sell stunning, solid wood tables in a variety of styles; from contemporary to rustic and farmhouse designs. Last updated Sep 13, Buying Guides. The bookcases are manufactured by one of the best names in the furniture business, with one of the best reputations for furniture quality.
The price tag was not insignificant. In order to alleviate that tiny bit of doubt in the back of my mind, I wrote the company and asked if the bookcases contained any MDF. Their response? The entire thing was built on an MDF core!
Sure, it is supposedly a high end MDF product but the idea bothers me. What bothers me more? How many people take the time to write? I think most reasonable people assume that furniture that looks like wood is, in fact, wood. That may no longer be the case. That, to me, is an ethical failing.
Back in the s, there was a class action lawsuit when one particular company sold MDF as siding on households. Long story short, it began to rot and get infected with fungus once it got wet from the rain. I think that is true, even if it turns out that MDF poses no safety risks whatsoever. Do you remember the lawsuits caused by asbestos? People who were hardly sick were able to bankrupt entire companies because of things that happened 40 years prior!
Trying to save a few bucks could end up costing a few thousand.
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