French Polishing and Bespoke Furniture
Because MDF doesn’t handle moisture very well, it is more suited for indoor use such as in furniture . Also due to its non-directional grain structure, MDF is ideal for cutting, machining and drilling without splinters or chipping.
For people who prefer a cheaper but still strong alternative to solid wood , there is MDF Wood . 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.
In 1994, rumours circulated in the British timber industry that MDF was about to be banned in the United States and Australia because of formaldehyde emissions. There is evidence that formaldehyde-exposed workers have high rates of lung cancer and (nose and throat) cancer.
MDF is ideal for cutting, machining and drilling, since it does not chip easily. On the other hand, plywood is a much more stronger material, which can be used for doors, floors, staircases and outdoor furniture. It is easier to create curved surfaces with plywood , since it bends easily.
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. While MDF dust can cause nose and eye irritation, this is also true for every other dust.
Disadvantages of Medium Density Fibreboard MDF is comparatively weaker than wood. MDF can crack or split under extreme stress . MDF absorbs water quicker than wood. MDF doesn’t take nails and screws easily. MDF contains VOC, containing urea formaldehyde, that can cause irritation to lungs and eyes.
The Verdict: Are Solid Wood Cabinets Worth The Money ? The simple answer is yes. If you weigh up the pros and cons of solid wood cabinets and other cabinet materials, solid wood always comes up on top. It is a high-quality material that is durable, strong, and can last you a lifetime.
Baltic Birch is considered stronger then MDF because of its composition, though this can vary based on the thickness of the material used. Here you see both plys on the side of the Baltic Birch ampersand, as well as the natural wood grain on the face.
A few years back, MDF was less durable than solid wood, but technology and manufacturing have advanced and high-end MDF boards are as durable as natural wood.
MDF board. 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. When working with wood products, dust and free formaldehyde are released.
Despite rumours to the contrary MDF has not been banned in the USA (or anywhere else), nor is it likely to be. The USA in fact uses more of it than any other county. The health effects of MDF dust are similar to those of ordinary wood dust, as described in HSE Woodworking Sheets (WS’s) numbers 6 and 30.
Theoretically, when you paint MDF that has been properly primed, water-based paint shouldn’t do damage to your wood. However, you run the risk of causing damage to the MDF by using water-based paint .
Works great. MDF over plywood – replaced MDF as necessary. MDF is nice and flat and best of all NO SPLINTERS! I can tell you from my own experience with an mdf top, if there is any overhang more than a few inches and any weight it will warp.
Marine or BWP (boiling water proof) plywood is moisture resistant and is the best option for kitchen and bathroom cabinets where a lot of water spills and splashes can be expected. Commercial ply is less expensive than BWP ply but is not as durable.
It should be noted that whichever method you use, MDF is moisture-resistant, not water-resistant , nor waterproof , and is still prone to swelling and warping if in direct contact with the elements.