Solid wood furniture is generally regarded as exquisite, classic, and well-made. There are several options available when it comes to wood for furniture, including oak, pine, and maple.
In contrast, recycled timer and fiber materials are combined with adhesive based on resin and compressed extremely tightly to create MDF (medium density fibreboard) for school furniture.
MDF is typically seen as a lower-quality substitute for actual wood and as being less expensive. But MDF-made flat-pack furniture has seen a sharp comeback in popularity in the last several years. This is mostly because the materials are less expensive, but it’s also because compact storage is simple.
Let’s discuss in detail…
First Things First, What Is Medium Density Fibreboard?
High pressure and temperature are used to compress softwood or hardwood fibers with wax and resin to create MDF, an engineered wood product. It is utilized in both residential and commercial construction and is denser than particleboard and plywood.
What About MDF Plywood?
DDF Engineered wood with a combination of soft and hardwood textures is called plywood. The knot and wood fibers on the created boards are invisible due to the extremely fine texture.
In order to create a dense, compact board, these fibers are blended with resins. MDF’s high density makes it possible to cut the boards precisely and precisely.
Because MDF is made up of such tiny particles, screws do not fit tightly. MDF has a soft middle layer and two firm top and bottom layers. The MDF boards need to be handled extremely carefully because the edges are prone to breaking.
MDF boards come in thicknesses ranging from ¼” to 1”. Additionally, MDF is susceptible to water and dampness. They should not be in places like bathrooms since they swell when there is water present.
When treated properly, MDF can be a robust material that is cheaper and heavier than particleboard. However, when cutting, MDF boards produce a lot of dust. Thus, it is advisable to use a mask as a precaution when cutting MDF to avoid breathing in wood dust particles.
Benefits of MDF board
- The surface of MDF is extremely smooth and free of kinks and knots, and it can be dyed or painted to resemble real wood. MDF boards can also have wood veneers and laminates applied to them to give them a real wood look.
- Because MDF does not expand or contract in response to changes in moisture or temperature, unlike natural wooden items like doors, it is a good substitute for natural wood without sacrificing the natural wood’s beauty. Water-induced swelling in MDF is likewise quite rare.
- MDF is therefore dimensionally stable. Due to its higher density than open-grained, porous natural wood, hinges and screws adhere to MDF more readily. Thus, MDF can be used to produce a firm grasp.
Let’s Simplify It More for You
- Because medium density fiberboard is less expensive and more affordable, it provides economic value for the average person. Therefore, they are affordable for everyone to buy.
- Because MDF is made from recycled materials, it saves trees.
- Wood takes a long time to stain different hues, yet it is simple to take any color.
- Because certain chemicals are employed in the manufacture of medium density fiberboard, it is resistant to certain insects.
- Knots and kinks that would otherwise disrupt the smooth surface of the material are absent from it.
- It can be stained or painted to have the exact appearance of real wood. It is therefore able to take the place of wood furniture.
Recommended Uses of MDF Plywood
- Cabinetry MDF is an excellent material for use in the construction of kitchen cabinets and other home storage areas. Multiple boards can have better structural stability when they are firmly fastened together. However, because they are more prone to shatter, we wouldn’t advise using them for weight-bearing storage items like benches.
- Shelving MDF is a good material for shelves; in fact, it works really well for floating shelves inside alcoves. A sturdy wood underframe is a must for every MDF shelf to keep it from drooping in the middle.
- For skirting, architrave, and other ornamental elements in your house, MDF is ideal. When painted, they have a beautiful, uniform, and smooth appearance.
Are There Any Drawback of Using MDF?
Despite all of these benefits, there are certain drawbacks to MDF that you should be aware of. They comprise…
- Because MDF lacks the strength of real wood, it is unable to tolerate high levels of stress. It breaks or fractures under pressure. Compared to furniture made of genuine wood, MDF furniture has a shorter lifespan.
- As MDF has a lesser density than actual wood, more nails are needed during the installation process. In order to prevent the board from bowing in the middle, the nails should be pounded at close intervals.
- Formaldehyde is utilized in the production of medium density fibreboard, and when it is chopped, this hazardous substance is emitted. Inhaling the chemical can cause irritation to the eyes and harm to the lungs. When cutting, sanding, or installing MDF, a lot of labor is required due to its dense nature and difficulty in handling.
Wrap Up
Before purchasing the product, it is essential to be aware of all the benefits and drawbacks of MDF as this will enable you to make an informed decision about whether to use MDF or, alternatively, regular wood.
Many MDF sheets are distributed by Vitawood from leading manufacturers. To meet your needs, they can supply boards in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses.
If it would be more convenient for you, they can even make arrangements for them to be sized before shipping them to you. Reach out to them right now to learn how they can assist.