MDF VS Wood: Why MDF Become So Popular for Cabinets Door

MDF VS Wood: Why MDFhttps://www.reboncabinets.com/kitchen-cabinet/pet-kitchen-cabinet/ Become So Popular for Cabinets Door

MDF	Solid Wood

Solid wood is obviously the winner here, right? This is the most common perception when it comes to comparing between wood and MDF. Wood is seen as this strong and sturdy material while MDF is often viewed as a weak and cheap alternative. The truth is, both have their pros and cons for a kitchen remodel. Despite popular belief, wood is not always the superior choice; in some situations MDF might be the better material.

For homeowners who are building or undertaking home renovations, knowing the difference between the two materials and the features of each is essential. Below, we review both MDF and solid wood, noting the pros and cons of each and the best uses for each material.

 

 

Solid wood has been the primary material for furniture for millennia. For definition purposes, solid wood refers to natural lumber while the term ‘engineered wood’ refers to other types of wood-based materials such as MDF. While solid wood consists of wood only, engineered wood is a mixture of real wood, veneers, fibers, resin and adhesives.

Advantages of Solid Wood

Strength and durability – Solid wood is impressively strong and sturdy.

Aesthetics – In terms of appearance, solid wood is unparalleled in beauty.

Customization – when using solid wood, furniture can be customized in numerous ways including shape, finish and color.

Value – furniture made from solid wood tends to have more value than those made from engineered wood, though in some cases MDF furniture can be quite pricey.

Variety – there are numerous types of wood, each differing in strength, cost and look.  

Disadvantages of Solid Wood

Moisture damage – in its unfinished state, wood is not waterproof. 

Warping and cracking – wood tends to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. 

Bug infestation – Solid wood is more vulnerable to pest attack than engineered wood.

 

 

For people who prefer a cheaper but still strong alternative to solid wood, there is MDF. What is MDF wood?

MDF is an abbreviation for a type of engineered wood. The full name is Medium-Density Fiberboard. MDF consists of thin panels made from wood fiber, resin and wax. When it comes to engineered wood, MDF is often considered a level above plywood. It is denser, stronger and more durable. For these reasons, it has almost as many applications as solid wood.

Many homeowners tend to look down on MDF with the perception that it performs poorly when measured against solid wood. But as we mentioned in the beginning both solid wood and MDF have their good and bad points. There are situations where MDF is the superior choice.

Before we lay out the pros and cons of MDF, it is important to note that there are varying types of this engineered wood. They vary by density, size, glue type, moisture content, wood species and thickness. The thicker and denser the MDF board is, the costlier it is.

Why Choose MDF?

In homes, MDF is mostly used in constructing cabinet doors. In fact, solid wood cabinets will opt for MDF doors. There are several reasons for this.

MDF does not warp or crack. MDF, like wood, expands and contracts when there are fluctuations in temperature and humidity. But unlike Wood, MDF does not warp. This is because the board, thanks to its structure, moves as a unit. Even with extreme changes in humidity and temperature, you do not have to worry about any damage to the cabinet doors.

● MDF is made from very fine particles meaning that it does not have noticeable grain. 

● Easier to customize. Cabinet doors come in a wide variety of styles. There are shaker-style cabinet doors, flat paneled doors, inset doors, raised doors and many more. 

● Some boards have better water resistance.

● Available in larger sizes than solid wood. 

● Finally, MDF is often cheaper than solid wood but it is still as strong and can last quite long with proper maintenance.

On the downside, MDF gets easily scratched and cannot be repaired after this. This is unlike wood that can be sanded down to eliminate any damage on the surface. Additionally, MDF does not do very well when exposed to extreme heat as the core materials can get damaged. This is why MDF is not a good material for outdoor furniture.