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Deciding between medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood for a project can be a puzzle for many DIYers. While both MDF and plywood are sheet materials found near each other in a home improvement center, contain real wood, and are highly engineered into their finished forms, they are made differently so they don’t perform the same way.
Plywood is a versatile and strong sheet material that’s often used for underlayment, furniture, and flooring while softer yet stable MDF most often works for cabinet doors, trim, and shelving. So why is one material chosen over the other? Let’s break down the differences between MDF and plywood so you are ready to make the best choice for your next DIY project. Here’s what you need to know about MDF vs. plywood.
What is MDF?
If you wonder “is MDF plywood” and whether there really n is a difference between the two materials, the reality is that they are very different. MDF starts off with hardwood and softwood fibers, which manufacturers glue together with various resins. They then subject the material to high heat and pressure to form panels. MDF has no grain, isn’t as smooth as plywood, and looks like what it is: pressed wood fibers.
Types of MDF
Under the umbrella of MDF products are several types of the panels with different features.
- Standard MDF: Used for shelving, furniture, cabinet doors
- Moisture-resistant MDF: With its green core, it has resins to help resist humidity
- Fire-retardant MDF: Can help slow the spread of fire due to added chemicals
- Exterior MDF: Resists moisture in partially exposed areas
- Ultralight MDF: Weighs less than standard MDF and used for trimwork
Pros
- Costs less than plywood
- Takes paint well
- Does not have knots or grain
- Has a smooth surface (just not as smooth as plywood)
- Easy to cut and route
- Can be made to be fire retardant
Cons
- Softer than plywood
- Weighs more than plywood
- Creates more sawdust
- Doesn’t take screws well
- Swells with water contact
- Easily scratched and corners susceptible to damage
- Can contain formaldehyde
What is plywood?
Plywood starts off with very thin layers of wood from peeler logs. Since plywood is made with wood strips, its surfaces take on the solid-wood appearance better than MDF. Higher grades of plywood are smooth and quite attractive, with plenty of grain, yet none of the knotholes that can mar solid wood.
Types
Here are some common types of plywood followed by plywood advantages and disadvantages to consider.
- Softwood plywood: Created from softwood trees, often used for subflooring
- Hardwood plywood: Made from an outer layer of hardwood with a core of softwood, often used for furniture
- Flexible plywood: Bendable plywood that can curve for furniture or arches
- Marine-grade plywood: Waterproof glue helps for use in boats or outdoor projects
Pros
- Smooth surface with wood grain
- No knotholes
- Can flex for curved surfaces
- Doesn’t warp
- Less susceptible to water damage than MDF
- Costs less than wood
- Holds fasteners better than MDF
- Easy to paint and stain
- Can be made to resist moisture or fire
Cons
- Costs more than MDF
- Requires edging
- Not as easy to route or shape
Differences Between MDF and Plywood
While they might appear similar, these two popular wood composites are not interchangeable. To help you decide between them, we’ve addressed their primary differences in the categories that matter most to the average DIYer.
Strength
Understanding the difference in plywood vs. MDF strength will help you choose the right material. Plywood is stronger than MDF and is used outdoors in marine construction and as roof underlayment. MDF is a softer material than plywood and tends to sag or split under pressure. That’s why it’s important to reinforce it if you’re going to use it to build shelves or other weight-bearing furniture. Plywood also has more flex than MDF, so you can gently bend it to create curves; plus, plywood won’t expand, contract, or warp, even under temperature extremes.
Weight
Plywood vs. MDF weight is an important detail when DIYing. As it’s quite a bit denser than plywood, MDF weighs considerably more. This can be a major issue if you’ll need to lift, hold, or clamp panels in place or construct something that requires an overhead reach, such as elevated shelves.
Durability
Plywood can be much more durable than MDF, especially in damp situations. Since MDF can warp or scratch more easily than plywood, it’s not used as underlayment, for shipping crates, or to board up windows during a storm.
Price
At home improvement stores, you’ll find both wood alternatives in sheet forms of different thicknesses and grades—the higher the grade, the higher the price. Though the price depends on the thickness and grade of the material, in general, MDF costs less than plywood. If you are cost-conscious and there are no other factors recommending one material over another, MDF wins the price wars.
When to Use MDF
Planning to make a piece of furniture, frame, or cabinet door with elaborately scrolled or routed trim? Then you’ll find it’s easier with MDF. Because of its lack of grain and its softness, MDF is easy to cut and won’t splinter or crack along the edges, even if you carve in curves, sharp angles, or ridges. By contrast, due to its stacked construction, the edges of plywood are rough and not well suited to fancy curves or cuts. Even straight cuts can turn out ragged edges, but our tips for cutting plywood can spare you those imperfections.
Due to its construction, MDF creates far more sawdust when cut than plywood does, so you’ll need to be extra cautious about working in a well-ventilated area and wearing a respirator or other protective mask and goggles. MDF, with its smooth surface and lack of grain, takes paint like a champ. For the best finish, start with a coat of oil-based primer. Use MDF to make:
- Shelving
- Trimwork and paneling
- Cabinet doors
When to Use Plywood
Look at the edge of a piece of plywood, and you’ll see the thin layers of wood from which it is comprised. That means you’ll need to finish any exposed edges of your project if it’s made with plywood, usually either with edge banding or molding. This isn’t an issue with MDF, which doesn’t show layers at the edges.
Because it’s soft, MDF doesn’t anchor screws very well. So if your project involves many screws or nails, plywood might be the better choice. While you can paint plywood, higher-grade plywood looks great with a stain, due to its solid-wood-like grain and finish. Use plywood for:
- Flooring
- Wall cladding
- Furniture
- Roof decking
- Floor underlayment
FAQ
Plywood lasts longer since it withstands moisture better, is stronger, and withstands loads better.
Plywood is stronger than MDF. The cross layers of plywood construction make it hold up to loads, resist bending forces, and hold fasteners more securely.
MDF’s wood fibers easily wick moisture, causing it to expand and soften. While plywood is better at resisting moisture than MDF, it can swell and warp.
Although you can screw into MDF, it’s best to always predrill a pilot hole to avoid splitting. Just don’t try to fasten into the end of a sheet of MDF.
The pair of materials work well together to create cabinets. Plywood’s strength is best for the cabinet boxes and MDF’s smooth and easily workable nature with a router and paint is best for door fronts.
The post MDF vs. Plywood: What’s Best For Your Project? appeared first on Bob Vila.