Toybox Using Hardwood Plywood Vs Mdf

Wood on its own depending on type has all kinds of problems with expansion and contraction.

Toybox using hardwood plywood vs mdf.

As mdf has a smooth surface it is mostly used for simple pieces that can be painted and used for interior designing. Both plywood and mdf are easy to use especially for diy experts who work with them regularly. 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. Sheets of plywood ending up with a 3 in thick top.

I am preparing to build a workbench and would like a properly thick top of hardwood. Toy chest build mdf or plywood. The hard surface of plywood makes the furniture made from it durable and strong. Plywood layers in engineered hardwood floors.

The surface of mdf is very smooth which makes it a great surface for painting. 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. Strips then gluing them together on edge to a base of two 3 4 in. Contractors working with mdf would do best to cut and sand outside or if that isn t an option make sure there is plenty of ventilation indoors.

While you can paint plywood higher grade plywood. The salesman we talked with said the hdf was just as good but how can that be. Also the is no problem with gluing mdf plywood together this works. 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.

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. However if you are after an effect plywood can be more giving than mdf. I d be leaning toward mdf because it paints so well. Higher grades of plywood are more expensive because they are more aesthetically pleasing often displaying natural hardwood or softwood grains.

It won t swell from the paint and once painted it won t absorb anything. Lower grades are used in construction work where they will not be seen e g for subflooring. Hdf vs plywood layers in engineered hardwood discussion in solid and engineered hardwood q a started by wjb oct 1 2015. Mdf offers smoother straighter surfaces than plywood.

Plywood works but still is a softer less dense material. Mdf is usually cheaper than plywood but a lot depends upon the grade of plywood and types of wood used. Pine would do well too. Mdf is very consistent throughout so cut edges appear smooth and won t have voids or splinters.

But i am hoping to save some money by cutting my hardwood into 1 1 2 in. Because of the smooth edges you can use a router to create decorative edges. Mdf is generally cheaper than plywood. The fineness of the particles used to make mdf mean it generates a lot of dust.