Are you searching for the most suitable and affordable material for your upcoming joinery and cabinet work? While most people know the most common types of materials are MDF, particle board and plywood, you would be surprised how many people don't understand the differences.
In this article, we will explain each material's characteristics, pros and cons. We will also recommend the most suitable material depending on your project needs so you can make a better-informed decision for your next project!
What is Particle Board?
Simply put, particle board is a wood product made by heating and gluing wood chips, sawmill shavings or even sawdust and resin. Compression is applied to the particle board sheet multiple times to create the tightest possible bond between the resin and the wood bits. Additional chemicals are added into the mixture to make the product water resistant, fireproof or insect-proof.
Pros
Low cost
Lightweight
Easy to cut
Perfect for ready-made furniture
Cons
Cannot support heavy loads
Not as eco-friendly compare to other wood materials
Tends to expand and sometimes even discolour due to moisture
What is MDF Wood?
MDF stands for Medium-Density Fibreboard. It is an engineered wood composite made up of wood fibres. Similar to making particle boards, MDF is made by heating and gluing tiny wood fibres together. However, since MDF is made with wood fibres, it has no visible wood grain, rings, or knots. This composition creates a strong building material. Additional materials are added to the mixture to make the material moisture and fire-resistant.
Pros
Low Cost
Smooth without splinters and wood grain
Easy to paint
Easy to cut
Denser and more robust than particle board
Cons
Heavy
Cannot be stained
Can dull blades quickly
What is Plywood?
Plywood is an engineered wood product made with multiple sheets of wood veneer. The wood veneer boards are pressed and bonded together to create one solid piece. This manufacturing process is called cross-graining, reducing shrinkage and expansion while improving panel strength consistency. Different grades of plywood are used for various purposes. Lower grades are perfect for subflooring in buildings and homes. High grades can be used for cabinets and shelving. Make sure to choose the correct plywood type for the furniture or fixture you are building.
Pros
Comes in different thicknesses
Different wood species are available
Very strong material
Less susceptible to water damage
Stainable and paintable
Holds screws well
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
Have to finish edges because layers show
Often splinters
Difficult to cut
So What's The Best Wood Solution?
It comes down to what you are building and the conditions in which the material will be used. When building cabinets, you can use any three of these wood composites. Most people will use plywood for the cabinet frame because it holds screws and takes paint and stain well. The plywood's multiple wood layers make the cabinets lightweight yet solid and durable. Plywood is also the preferred option if the cabinets' location is often exposed to moisture (i.e. kitchen and bathroom). But on the other hand, shelving units could be built with MDF to save money. As you can see, you can use any manufactured wood for many projects, but keep weight, material strength, clean cutting, and possible water damage in mind.
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