In This Article
Though these two materials may have found a place in your home, they are definitely not interchangeable. Both are often used in building kitchens and modular furniture and like every other material, MDF and plywood come with their set of advantages and disadvantages. Given their frequency of use, we thought we’d give you a breakdown of the MDF vs plywood comparison.
Let’s start with MDF (medium-density fibreboard)
MDF is a medium-density fibreboard, which is basically engineered wood obtained by breaking down hardwood and softwood composites. Since an MDF board is made up of small wood fibres, there are no visible wood grains or knots. The fibres are joined together using wax to produce panels by applying pressure and high temperature.
Advantages of MDF
Now that we know what an MDF board is composed of, we are sure you want to know how good or bad it is, to help you select between MDF vs plywood.
- MDF is generally more economical when compared to plywood
- The surface of an MDF board is very smooth and homogeneous which makes it a great base for painting
- Thanks to the smooth edges, it is easy to cut and carve grooves out of MDF
- Compared to plywood, it’s much lighter. Therefore, it’s a great material for window shutters
Disadvantages of MDF
Like every other material, MDF also comes with its set of cons. Knowing the disadvantages will help you differentiate between MDF board and plywood:
- If not sealed well, MDF soaks up water and other liquids like a sponge and swells.
Where to use MDF?
Since MDF is very lightweight, it’s best used as a material for window shutters. Additionally, due to its homogeneous nature, grooves and designs can be easily created on its surface.
MDF designs from #LivspaceHomes
Before you decide whether you should go for MDF versus plywood, check out these images:
Also Read: What is MDF Material? Is MDF Good for Home Interiors?
Now, how is plywood different from MDF?
Like MDF, plywood is also engineered wood, made by binding veneer wood sheets together into one solid piece with resin. Plywood sheets come in different grades, so you can choose the right one that suits your needs. Based on the type of resin used, the water-resistant abilities of plywood change.
Advantages of plywood
Plywood has a lot of advantages that you should consider while deciding between MDF vs plywood:
- Made up of multiple layers of veneer, plywood is a tough material to use at home
- It does not soak water and liquids like MDF. Thus, it is less susceptible to damage
- Since it is made up of layers, plywood holds screws tightly, as each layer ensures better holding of the screw
- This material comes in various designs and thicknesses
Disadvantages of plywood
Before you decide between MDF versus plywood, let us tell you some of the disadvantages of plywood:
- Plywood is more expensive than MDF; and the higher the grade, the higher the price
- It is difficult to create designs using plywood since it is difficult to get perfectly smooth cuts on it
- Plywood splinters easily and the edges that have layers may have voids when not cut properly
Where to use plywood?
Being water-resistant with a strong core, plywood’s best use is as a carcass for kitchen cabinets and wardrobes.
Plywood designs from #LivspaceHomes
Here are some plywood unit designs to help you differentiate between MDF vs plywood:
Still a little baffled with facts? Here is a comparison chart showing you the differences between MDF and plywood:
| Basis | MDF | Plywood |
| Definition | A fragmented and homogeneous blend of hardwood and softwood residue | Thin veneer sheets glued together with resin |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Strength | Softer core | Stronger core |
| Where to use | Places with low water exposure. Due to its lightweight nature, it’s the perfect material for window shutters | Due to its water-resistant nature and strong core, ply is best used as a carcass |
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About MDF vs Particle Board Differences
MDF vs plywood price
When it comes to MDF cost vs plywood cost, MDF is generally more economical than ply.
MDF < HDF HMR < Plywood
Here’s a general comparison of MDF cost vs plywood:
- MDF is generally cheaper than plywood of the same thickness and grade. This is because MDF is made from recycled wood fibres, while plywood uses whole wood veneers
- The price difference can be significant for thicker boards. For example, a 25mm MDF board may be half the price of a 25mm BWP plywood board
The Verdict
So, between MDF vs plywood, which should you choose? Since MDF does not handle moisture well, it is not suitable for outdoor use. So use it indoors—as decorative panels or furniture. Additionally, you can also use it as a window shutter due to its lightweight nature.
On the other hand, plywood is a much stronger material, which can be used for doors, floors, staircases, wardrobes and outdoor furniture. Also, being water-resistant, it serves as a great carcass material for kitchen cabinets.
Do you want to know about laminates or veneers? Then take a look at the article on Laminate vs Veneer that we wrote just for you.
How can Livspace help you?
- With 146 quality checks, we guarantee the best materials for your home
- Our designers are experts at guiding you with the right selection of materials
- Operating across 50+ Indian cities, we offer easy EMIs, a flat 10-year warranty*, and end-to-end services
If you want beautiful interiors for your home, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today.
*For select finishes on modular products. For full scope of warranty, please visit livspace.com/in/service
