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Solid Wood VS MDF(Laminated)

Michael Raffin

The 4 Key MDF Wood Disadvantages (Laminated)

1 – MDF (Laminated) Wood Is Weaker Than Natural Wood

You do not want to use this wood for any load-bearing structure. It might be heavier compared to other manufactured woods, such as plywood, but that doesn’t mean it can support high loads or much weight.

In other words, if you want to make a good shelf, skip over MDF and go for something stronger, such as plywood.

2 – MDF (Laminated) Is More Water Absorbent Than Natural Wood

You are going to have to seal MDF up like a tomb because this manufactured wood is more than happy to soak up any water droplet it comes across.

This will prove a problem, as the constant swelling (with water) and compression (as it dries) will crack and splinter the paintwork.

3 – MDF (Laminated) Does Not Work Well With Nails Or Screws

This engineered wood type is made up of very fine particles, which means there is very little for nails or screws to ‘grip’ onto.

This can be a problem when it comes to holding shelving in place (the last thing you want is for it to collapse and break everything on it).

4 – MDF (Laminated) dust contains formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is something you do not want to be breathing in. This resin, used as an adhesive when manufacturing MDF, is a carcinogen that causes cancers in humans.

In fact, in 1994, it was rumored that because of its formaldehyde content, MDF was on the verge of being banned in both Australia and the United States.

The Solid Wood

1) Strength & Durability Solid wood furniture is extremely strong and durable. It also requires little to no maintenance.

2) Easy Maintenance It doesn’t take a lot of maintenance to keep your solid wood furniture looking great. Wiping down your furniture with a wood cleaner like Murphy’s Oil

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3) Unique Natural Beauty One of the reasons homeowners love solid wood furniture is because of its unique characteristics.

When you take a close look at solid wood pieces, you may notice variations and imperfections:

  • Knots: This will occur naturally during the growth of the tree.

  • Grain: Varies based on how the tree was cut.

  • Color: Wood closer to the bark will be lighter and closer to the center will be darker.

These natural imperfections do not reduce the structural integrity of solid hardwood furniture.

However, it will make each piece one-of-a-kind with unique natural beauty.

4) Lifetime Value Solid wood furniture will have a higher price point than pieces made with cheaper materials.

This is due to material and labor costs. Especially when it comes to handmade furniture. However, furniture made out of solid wood will last much longer than furniture made out of veneers, plastic, or particleboard. Although you may pay more upfront, the lifetime value of solid wood furniture will be much higher than cheaper options.

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Smoothness (Acacia)

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Final Thoughts

The general consensus is that solid wood is stronger, sturdier, and lasts longer than MDF. MDF is seen as a less expensive and flimsier alternative to genuine wood. Solid wood is a natural product, whereas MDF is frequently referred to as “engineered wood.” 

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