Difference Between Plywood and MDF Boards

Plywood vs MDF Boards

As wood has become costly, people are now turning towards plywood and MDF board for making furniture. In earlier times, plywood was mostly used, but now MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard is also being used widely.

Wood fibers, resin, or glue is used for the manufacture of MDF. These are combined together under pressure and heat to form a kind of hardboard. Plywood is manufactured by gluing thin hardwood in between pieces of wood.

Plywood is produced from solid wood whereas Medium Density Fiberboard is made from wood fibers. In the manufacturing, there is some waste in plywood production whereas there is no waste in MDF production.

When comparing the two, it can be seen that plywood comes with attractive grains or knots. However, these grains or knots are not visible in Medium Density Fiberboard.

Furniture can easily be made from MDF rather than plywood. The MDF can be easily cut and drilled without any damage to the surface. On the other hand, when cutting or drilling plywood, more care is needed as it comes in grains or knots.

It is very easy to join pieces of MDF by dowels and traditional joints. Moreover, veneers, varnishes, laminates, water-based paints and oil paints work well with MDF. These do not apply smoothly with plywood.

When comparing strength, plywood is better than MDF. Manufacturers produce plywood in varying strengths, and there is only the need for adding more veneers in between the pieces. Plywood is better than MDF for both indoor and outdoor use, and it is also water resistant. The furniture made from plywood is stronger than those made from Medium Density Fiberboard.

Summary:

1.Plywood is produced from solid wood whereas Medium Density Fiberboard is made from wood fibers.
2.Plywood comes with attractive grains or knots. However, these grains or knots are not visible in Medium Density Fiberboard.
3.There is some waste in plywood production whereas there is no waste in MDF production.
4.The MDF can be easily cut and drilled without any damage to the surface. On the other hand, when cutting or drilling plywood, more care is needed as it comes in grains or knots.
5.When comparing strength, plywood is better than MDF.
6.It is very easy to join pieces of MDF by dowels and traditional joints.
7.Veneers, varnishes, laminates, water based paints, and oil paints work well with MDF, but these do not apply smoothly with plywood.

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