Last updated on October 13th, 2021
Let’s face it, buying furniture is like an investment. Hence, having a basic understanding of the type of wood that it is made of, is of utmost importance to make a well-informed decision. And some basic knowledge about the different kinds of wood used in furniture making will help you get a piece that suits your need.
And, in today’s blog, we shine our spotlight on two major types of wood – particleboard and MDF. Particleboard and MDF are both types of engineered wood mostly used for home decor and furniture making. Here are some basic differences between them.
What is Particle Board?
To put it simply, particleboard is a waste-wood product made by heat pressing resin, sawmill shavings, and wood dust or wood chips together. It is a cheaper and lighter alternative than other engineered wood types and is mostly used to make lightweight pieces like shoe racks and kitchen cabinets.
Here are a few of its Pros:
–Particleboard is a cheaper alternative to natural wood and MDF sheets.
–Particleboard is substantially lighter than both natural wood and MDF, making it an ideal fit for those looking for lightweight furniture.
–Furniture made of particle boards is more affordable as compared to that made of natural wood and MDF.
Its Cons Are:
–It is less durable than natural wood or MDF and requires extra care.
–Particleboard cannot hold too much weight and cannot resist moisture.
What is Medium Density Fibre (MDF)?
MDF is also a type of engineered wood composite, however, is significantly denser and more robust than particle board. It is favored by manufacturers of higher-end furniture, cabinetry, and racking.
MDF is easier to process as compared to particle board on the grounds that it resists chipping and tearing. MDF can be finished with either veneer or laminate and can be painted over without any excessive absorption.
Here are its Pros:
–Being more durable than particle board, MDF is mostly used for making furniture pieces and storage units like cabinets and wardrobes.
–MDF board is made of uniform wood grains, making it less susceptible to water damage.
–Unlike particleboard, MDF is more durable and resistant to warping and cracking.
And its Cons are:
–Furniture made from MDF is high maintenance – in case you chip it or break it, you cannot repair or conceal the damage as you can with solid wood.
–Being made of synthetic chemicals, MDF pieces are not child-friendly, as compared to solid wood.
–Furniture made of MDF tends to swell up due to direct water exposure.
