Toybox Using Hardwood Plywood Vs Mdf

I am trying to understand the pros and cons of hdf vs.

Toybox using hardwood plywood vs mdf.

Plywood works but still is a softer less dense material. Sheets of plywood ending up with a 3 in thick top. Higher grades of plywood are more expensive because they are more aesthetically pleasing often displaying natural hardwood or softwood grains. Mdf offers smoother straighter surfaces than plywood.

Mdf with its smooth surface and lack of grain takes paint like a champ although for the best finish start with a coat of oil based primer. Also the is no problem with gluing mdf plywood together this works. The hard surface of plywood makes the furniture made from it durable and strong. Both plywood and mdf are easy to use especially for diy experts who work with them regularly.

Mdf is usually cheaper than plywood but a lot depends upon the grade of plywood and types of wood used. Let s look further into this and see if mdf is the right material for you to use in your build first a common misconception. Mdf is very consistent throughout so cut edges appear smooth and won t have voids or splinters. Mdf is generally cheaper than plywood.

While you can paint plywood higher grade plywood. It won t swell from the paint and once painted it won t absorb anything. You have to keep water away from it and its strength compared to plywood is a topic of debate but for the right applications it can be a great option. The salesman we talked with said the hdf was just as good but how can that be.

As mdf has a smooth surface it is mostly used for simple pieces that can be painted and used for interior designing. However if you are after an effect plywood can be more giving than mdf. Strips then gluing them together on edge to a base of two 3 4 in. If you use plywood you ll have to trim the edges which you could do with mdf too if you thought you d have to.

But i am hoping to save some money by cutting my hardwood into 1 1 2 in. I d be leaning toward mdf because it paints so well. Toy chest build mdf or plywood. If dust is going to be a concern then plywood is a better choice.

Mdf is more dense than plywood or wood. Hdf vs plywood layers in engineered hardwood discussion in solid and engineered hardwood q a started by wjb oct 1 2015. Wood on its own depending on type has all kinds of problems with expansion and contraction. Lower grades are used in construction work where they will not be seen e g for subflooring.

The fineness of the particles used to make mdf mean it generates a lot of dust. I am preparing to build a workbench and would like a properly thick top of hardwood. Because of the smooth edges you can use a router to create decorative edges. The surface of mdf is very smooth which makes it a great surface for painting.