MDF Board Karachi Pakistan
MDF is an engineered wood composite that is similar to particle board, but is much denser and stronger than particle board.
Buk Stock Available of Particle board and MDF board Call: 0315 3164120 & 03132680225
Imagine if all of the sawdust was swept up from other wood product manufacturing processes, and then that sawdust was mixed with binders and pressed into large sheets the size of plywood. Okay, that’s way oversimplified, and it’s not exactly the process they use to make MDF 😀 , but that gives you an idea of the makeup of the product.
Because it’s composed of such small wood fibers, there’s no wood grain in MDF. And because it’s pressed so hard at such high temperatures, there are no voids in MDF like you find in particle board. Here you can see the visible difference between particle board and MDF, with MDF on the top and particle board on the bottom.
MDF vs. particle board
Just like plywood, you can purchase MDF in different thicknesses depending on what you need for your project.
Advantages of MDF
MDF is generally cheaper than plywood.
The surface of MDF is very smooth, and you don’t have to worry about knots on the surface.
Because it’s so smooth, it’s a great surface for painting. I recommend first priming with a quality oil-based primer. (Don’t use aerosol spray primers on MDF!! It just soaks right in, and is a huge waste of time and money. It will also cause the surface to become rough.)
Also because of its smoothness, MDF is a great substrate for veneer.
MDF is very consistent throughout, so cut edges appear smooth and won’t have voids or splinters.
Because of the smooth edges, you can use a router to create decorative edges.
The consistency and smoothness of MDF allows for easy cutting of detailed designs (such as scrolled or scalloped designs) using a scroll saw, band saw, or jigsaw.
Disadvantages of MDF
MDF is basically glorified particle board.
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 with primer, paint, or another sealing product. Again, I recommend a quality oil-based primer. No aerosol spray primers!!
Because it consists of such fine particles, MDF doesn’t hold screws very well, and it’s very easy to strip the screw holes.
Because it’s so dense, MDF is very heavy. This can make it more difficult to work with, especially if you don’t have a helper who can help you lift and cut the large sheets.
MDF can’t be stained. Not only does it soak up stain like a sponge, but also because there’s no wood grain on MDF, it looks awful when it’s stained. (Kind of like staining particle board. Why would you bother?)
MDF contains VOCs (urea-formaldehyde). Off gassing can be greatly minimized (but probably not eliminated) if the MDF is encapsulated with primer, paint, etc., but care needs to be taken while cutting and sanding to avoid inhalation of the particles. I recommend cutting and sanding outside while wearing a particle mask.
Plywood
Plywood is also an engineered wood product that is made by pressing and binding sheets of wood veneer together into one solid piece.
MDF vs. plywood - view of the edge of plywood
Plywood comes not only in different thicknesses, but also in different grades, so you can choose the right one for your project. Lower grades are used in construction of houses for subfloors and such. Obviously these types of plywood don’t need to look pretty since they’ll be covered up.
The higher grades of plywood (stain grade, cabinet grade, etc.) are much prettier and smoother. They have consistent wood grain showing, and generally lack knot holes or other major imperfections. And cabinet grade plywood is always sanded very smoothly on the surface.
You can also find plywoods in various wood species, like oak, or maple, or pretty much anything else, so that you can get exact look you want for your project.
Advantages of plywood
Because it consists of layers of wood veneer with the grain on each layer running a different direction, it’s a very strong building material.It’s less susceptible to water damage than MDF, and won’t soak up water and swell as quickly or easily as MDF does.
It’s stainable, which makes it perfect for kitchen cabinets, table tops, and other projects where you want a large stained wood surface.
It holds screws very tightly since the varying grains of wood on each layer give the screws something to hold onto.
While most plywood does contain urea-formaldehyde and other VOCs, it is now possible to purchase plywood without formaldehyde. Look for the Purebond brand at Home Depot.
Disadvantages of plywood
It’s more expensive than MDF. And obviously, the higher the grade, and the more special the species of wood, the more expensive it gets.Because of the layers that show on the edge, you have to finish off the edges somehow. This can be done with iron-on edge banding or with pieces of lumber or decorative moulding.
Plywood will often splinter on the edges when cut, so it’s harder to get a smooth cut with plywood than it is with MDF.
It’s more difficult to cut detailed designs into plywood (scrolled, scalloped, etc.) because the edges will splinter, and then you’re left with edges that show layers and might possibly have voids in some places.
Like MDF, most plywoods contain urea-formaldehyde and other VOCs which can off-gas into your home. Take precautions while cutting.
How I determine which one to use:
Actually, we’re going to do this “pop quiz” style. Are you ready? Don’t be nervous! There will be no failing grades handed out in this class. 🙂
