By Kevin Dean
This is an honest comparison of the building materials used in cabinet construction: plywood, MDF,and particle board. Each has pros and cons, and our aim is to unbiasedly explain them so you can make the most informed buying decisions.
How is wood paneling used in cabinet construction?
In the cabinetry world, plywood and its comparable materials are used to make cabinet boxes, partitions, and shelves. They provide the structure and rigidity of a cabinet. Therefore, it is important to choose quality materials that will provide this structure for many years. There are many lumber suppliers and many cabinet manufacturers. Typically, the price of the cabinet will relate to the price of the lumber. Less expensive wood equals less expensive cabinets, usually stock cabinetry. More expensive wood equals more expensive cabinets, usually custom cabinetry. Learn more about the difference between stock and custom cabinets.
What is plywood?
The term plywood is used loosely and can often refer to multiple products. By definition, plywood is made up of thin sheets of veneer or “plys” of wood that are glued together. The layers are typically glued in a perpendicular grain pattern to give strength to the plywood. The visible faces of the plywood will be a higher grade veneer than the core veneers.
What are the pros and cons of Plywood?
Plywood is the most expensive type of wood panel. It is very strong due to its veneered layers, so it can be used in interior and mild exterior situations. It has interior strength, which means it is great for securing to walls or other surfaces.
What is MDF?
MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard. MDF is made of sawdust, wood shavings, resin, and wax. These ingredients are mixed together, pressed into panels, and intensely heated. This process forms rigid sheets of MDF which are sanded smooth.
What are the pros and cons of MDF?
MDF and real wood have very similar properties. In the right application, MDF can actually be better than plywood or solid lumber. MDF has great strength, does not noticeably shrink or expand with temperature, and has a uniform surface without grain or knots. It is also less expensive than plywood. For these reasons it is commonly used by woodworkers in cabinetry and other projects. It is great for painted countertops because it is so smooth. It is also used for the interior panels of doors because it does not shrink and expand. The disadvantages of MDF are that it is very heavy, very dusty to work with, and commonly contains urea-formaldehyde. Interior MDF will swell or disintegrate with water, but exterior MDF is very water-resistant. Additionally, MDF lacks interior strength.
What is particle board?
Particle board is a common type of wood paneling that often has a bad wrap. It is similar to MDF. Particle board is made of small chips of wood that are dried, glued, heated, and pressed together to make panels. Most particleboard panels are then coated with a melamine-urea formaldehyde resin to provide water resistance. These are the particle board panels that most people are familiar with.
What are the pros and cons of particle board?
Particle board is less expensive than plywood. It is great for interior cabinetry and shelving. The melamine coating gives color options and doesn’t need to be painted. The main drawback is that it does not have interior strength and screws can easily strip.
What happens to plywood, MDF, and particle board when exposed to moisture?
In general, most wood products do not do well with moisture. It really depends on the coating used with the wood product. For example, a melamine particle board is water-resistant until the melamine coating is penetrated and water touches the wood chips. The same goes for plywood. However, plywood will last longer in comparison to particle board and MDF when exposed to water.
What is the best material for your cabinetry?
This is a tricky question and there is no one size fits all answer. It depends on the type and use of cabinetry. For interior and exterior strength, plywood is the best. However, this does not rule out MDF and particle board. MDF is the best for painted door panels. Particle board is the best for inexpensive cabinetry. In general it is best to trust your woodworker or cabinet supplier.
The only thing you really need to avoid is particle board and MDF in very wet environments. However, plywood will not do great in this environment either. Moreover, cabinetry in general does not do well with water.
FAQs
What is the difference between plywood MDF and particleboard? ›
Plywood is made of thin sheets of wood veneer that are laminated in alternating directions. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is made of very fine wood fibers that are glued and compressed under great pressure . Particleboard is a combination of wood chips, shavings, fibers, and adhesives. High strength.
Which is stronger plywood MDF particle board? ›Plywood is a lot stronger than particle board as it has a cross-grain surface texture bound together by adhesives.
Which is stronger MDF or particle board? ›In most cases, items made from MDF are considered to be superior in quality and strength compared to particle board, though particleboard is a less expensive option for projects that don't require the elegance.
Is there a difference between particle board and MDF? ›MDF vs particle board
MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard, is stronger and denser than particle board. It is also a waste-wood material, and it's comprised of wood fibers rather than sawdust. While more elegant and heavier, it depends on the project to determine whether or not you need the quality that comes with MDF.
Observers of IKEA kitchen cabinets like to point out that they are not real wood but rather are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Why would you use particle board instead of plywood? ›Difference Between Particle Board and Plywood
Plywood's cross-grain texture also makes it rougher than a particle board. Therefore, due to its rough surface, plywood does not look as finished and shining as a particle board. This rough texture also makes materials like paint or wallpapers look patchy on plywood.
MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat Remember that engineered wood is made out of wax and/or resin-like compounds. This is why you should not leave MDF units in proximity of heaters, radiators, fireplaces, ovens, stoves as well as out in a hot summer. 4. MDF can't support too much weight.
Where should you not use MDF? ›There are a few areas where MDF should never be used – kitchen or bathroom cabinets and trim in the bathrooms. These are the two areas we see the most failure because of moisture. Window sills are also problematic if the windows have any sort of condensation or leaking problems.
Should I use particle board or plywood? ›Which is stronger and more durable? Considering that plywood possesses a cross-grain pattern from which it derives much of its strength, plywood is clearly stronger and more durable than particleboard. Plywood becomes even stronger and more durable with the strong adhesives used in its manufacture.
Which is best MDF or plywood? ›MDF board would be the best option if you want a low budget and material for interior application. If you want material for an exterior application that can withstand moisture, then plywood is the best option.
What are the weaknesses of MDF? ›
Just like particle board, MDF will soak up water and other liquids like a sponge and swell unless it's very well sealed on all sides and edges. Because it consists of such fine particles, MDF doesn't hold screws very well. Because it's so dense, MDF is very heavy which can make it more difficult to work with.
What is particle board best used for? ›Particle board is a waste-wood product that's made by mixing sawdust with adhesives. Although it won't bow or warp like plywood, it can swell and become unstable when exposed to water. The main uses are for furniture, underlayment and as substrate for countertops.
What is particle board called now? ›Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Particle board, also known as chipboard or low-density fiberboard, is an engineered wood product manufactured from wood chips and a synthetic resin or other suitable binder, which is pressed and extruded.
What are the 3 different kinds of MDF? ›The Different Types? Most MDF can be broken down into three categories: lightweight MDF, standard grade MDF & high density MDF. Standard grade MDF is made up of wood fibres with a synthetic resin adhesive to form the board.
Which is cheaper particle board or plywood? ›Most notably, particle board costs less than plywood. Particle board is often made of scraps of wood that are considered waste. Many plywood manufacturers also make particle board from the leftovers. Because of this, particle board is less expensive.
Is OSB better than particle board? ›To sum it up in a sentence, OSB is particle board's stronger cousin. (Both are engineered wood products made from wood pieces combined with resin; OSB features long wood "strands," while particle board is comprised of much smaller wood chips.)
Can you screw into particle board? ›Some of the most typical ones are chipboard screws and self-tapping deck screws. These are helpful as screws for particle board. Chipboard screws are pretty comparable to standard screws. However, one notable difference is that their grooves are typically asymmetrical to allow for better resistance against pull-out.
Can particle board be sanded? ›Finishing work on particleboard
These boards need to be sanded previously to obtain a smoother surface and prepared for later treatments or finishes. Due to its porosity, the use of fillers or primers is required, as well as sanding the surface before applying the finish coat.
Smooth surface and cuts
MDF is pressed extremely compact during the manufacturing process with large steel plates, which makes the overall sheet extremely flat and smooth. This makes MDF ideal for painting, laminating or attaching veneers.
Particle board may be the cheaper alternative, but don't expect those cabinets to last you very long. Particle board breaks down easily when it comes to water and humidity.
Can you cut particle board with a circular saw? ›
To do this you need either a table saw or circular saw (as required by your needs, or available). The recommended blade for cutting the finished board products is the Bosch 10" 80 tooth carbide blade or with a hand-held circular saw, a 100 tooth 5-1/2" blade (iffy as results will show, but may be good enough).
Do you glue or screw MDF? ›Yellow glue and screws make solid joints in MDF, Bob, but not just any screws. Bear in mind that this material has less screw-holding power than solid wood or plywood, and tends to split. When joining 3⁄ 4 " MDF, we recommend using #8 deck screws (featuring straight shanks and deep threads) at least 1- 1⁄ 2 " long.
Why use MDF instead of plywood? ›MDF has great strength, does not noticeably shrink or expand with temperature, and has a uniform surface without grain or knots. It is also less expensive than plywood. For these reasons it is commonly used by woodworkers in cabinetry and other projects. It is great for painted countertops because it is so smooth.
Is MDF more toxic than plywood? ›The level of formaldehyde offgassing is higher than in plywood, even if both are CARB 2 certified – 0.11 ppm in MDF compared to 0.05 ppm for plywood. MDF made with formaldehyde should be avoided where possible in a healthy home.
Does MDF hold screws well? ›MDF panels hold screws as well as most natural woods, but drill a pilot hole first. You also can join this wood composite with spiral grooved dowels, coated staples, and ring shank nails.
What does MDF do to your lungs? ›The noncarcinogenic effects of MDF dust and formaldehyde include eye and skin irritation [2, 7, 8], dermatitis, [9] respiratory illnesses such as nasal inflammation [10], asthma [7, 11, 12], bronchitis [13], coughing, loud breathing, and wheezing [11, 12], and lower chest discomfort [8].
Is MDF still toxic? ›In conclusion, we would just like to reiterate that while may MDF carry a tiny fraction of harmful substances, it is completely safe. The concentration of Formaldehyde in it is well below the safety line and we ensure ample measures to ensure minimal to no emissions.
Does particle board fall apart wet? ›Using particle board for cabinets in wet areas means you'll have permanent damage. When water comes into contact with any unsealed portion of the board, it causes swell and deform. This can happen quickly.
How long will particle board last? ›Solid wood cabinets, especially those produced from teak, are known to last more than three decades, depending on its maintenance. On the other hand, furniture and cabinets made from particle board have a lifespan of 3 – 5 years if the user is lucky.
How long does MDF last? ›The durability of MDF depends on the quality of the product. A cheap MDF board might only last one year before breaking down. On the other hand, high-quality MDF could last up to 10 years.
What is MDF best used for? ›
An engineered material, made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into fine particles, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and pressing it with high temperature, it's commonly used in many home and professional projects, including: Furniture. Cabinets and shelves. Flooring.
Does MDF sag over time? ›MDF is commonly used for shelving in closets and cabinets because it's inexpensive and smooth. But MDF isn't as stiff as plywood and will sag over time.
What is the most stable plywood? ›Hardwood plywood is made from hardwoods like birch, maple and oak. The plies are glued at right angles to one another, making the plywood very strong and stable. It can be heavier than other types of plywood. Use hardwood plywood for furniture and anything that requires a strong load-bearing frame.
Can you paint MDF? ›To answer the question of whether you can paint MDF, the answer is simple, yes you can paint MDF. As with any painting project, it must be properly prepared and painted with the most suitable paint for its particular composition.
What kind of screws to use for particle board? ›Particle Board Screws are the same as a coarse thread drywall screw but available in shorter lengths than standard drywall screws. They feature a bugle head, spaced threads, extra sharp point, and black phosphate finish.
Do you need primer for particle board? ›Step 3: Primer your particle board
As mentioned earlier, paint doesn't stick to the surface of the particle board easily and therefore after sanding it down, the priming step is necessary. Therefore, you will require an oil-based primer to coat the particle board and this can be done using a wide paintbrush.
Essentially, pressboard and pressed wood are similar to particle board but slightly stronger. Pressed wood is made from wood scraps, whereas pressboard is made from paper scraps. The main difference in products like pressboard / pressed wood compared to particle board is the materials used as well as the process.
Why do builders use MDF? ›Builders and homeowners love using MDF because it's durable and highly cost-effective. It's also a solution for a wide range of applications, from doors to storage cabinets, molding and trim. MDF offers great stability, even when there are significant changes in temperature or humidity.
Where is MDF most commonly used? ›MDF is widely used in the manufacturing of furniture, kitchen cabinets, moldings, millwork, door parts, and laminate flooring.
What thickness of MDF should I use? ›18mm MDF panels are ideal for the outer parts as well as the inner compartments, whereas 12mm wide panels can suffice for the door panels.
What is the cheapest alternative to plywood? ›
Particleboard. Also made with recycled materials, particleboard is one of the least expensive plywood alternatives. It's also made by pressing together wood particles with an adhesive, but the particles are larger and the overall matrix less dense. Builders use it extensively as a substrate for laminates.
Are plywood cabinets better than particle board? ›Plywood is usually preferred by manufacturers that want to offer a higher end cabinet and still offer them at an affordable price. Plywood is much more durable than particle board and also much more water resistant.
What is the strongest board material? ›Solid wood is considered as the strongest material on the basis of the type of species of wood when compared to all other engineered woods. After the solid wood, plywood is considered as the second strongest one among all other options.
Which is better MDF or plywood? ›MDF board would be the best option if you want a low budget and material for interior application. If you want material for an exterior application that can withstand moisture, then plywood is the best option.
What are 5 disadvantages of MDF? ›- Engineered wood is easy to damage. One of the main differences between solid and engineered wood is the surface. ...
- MDF is heavier. ...
- MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat Remember that engineered wood is made out of wax and/or resin-like compounds. ...
- MDF can't support too much weight.
However, if you have a project in a high-humidity area, you must use or create water-resistant MDF, or the material will start to disintegrate if consistently exposed to water and damp conditions.
Can you screw into MDF? ›Make the screw as long as possible, rather than fat. Use the special MDF screws (narrow shank, aggressive thread pattern, long, straight shank). Screw designs can vary with MDF density. Note that this predrilling works on edges and faces both.
Should you avoid MDF? ›The main concern regarding the health risks of MDF is the use of urea-formaldehyde adhesives as the bonding agent during the creation of the panels. Formaldehyde has been thought to have cancer risks. However, studies linking cancer to formaldehyde have not been conclusive.
Is MDF cancerous? ›MDF board is a timber product made from hardwood and softwood fibres that are glued together with wax and a resin adhesive containing urea-formaldehyde. Both wood dust and formaldehyde are Group 1 carcinogens.
What's more expensive particle board or plywood? ›Most notably, particle board costs less than plywood. Particle board is often made of scraps of wood that are considered waste. Many plywood manufacturers also make particle board from the leftovers. Because of this, particle board is less expensive.
Do termites like MDF? ›
However, none of the MDF specimens were resistant to termite attack. In severe conditions, the MDFs may require the incorporation of chemical biocides prior to board production for increasing the resistance of MDF to termite attack.
What is the lifespan of MDF? ›The average lifespan of MDF products given in the literature ranges from 14 to 20 years.