In the field of woodwork and furniture, for those looking for a cheaper alternative to natural wood, MDF has a lot to say. Especially in cabinets and closets.
In buying a kitchen cabinet (or any type of cupboard and other wooden devices that has the task of keeping something), choosing between types of wood is one of the most difficult tasks. In fact, in a market dominated by MDF, giving up on it and going for other types is considered a risk for some, especially when the price is high.
The natural wood cabinet is considered one of the most luxurious types of cabinets, which does not have a small price. By default, natural wood is much stronger and more durable than MDF, but the fact is that both have their advantages and disadvantages, which every buyer should be aware of. In this article, we have reviewed wooden and MDF cabinets so that we may be able to make this issue a little easier for you.
The difference between MDF and natural wood
In simple words, natural wood is wood that is prepared by hand and its core and material have not been changed, while MDF is one artificial and engineered wood. Engineered wood is a mixture of redwood fiber, veneer, resin, and glue. If you think that MDF has less value and quality compared to natural wood, stay with us to prove the opposite.
Advantages of cabinets with natural wood
In terms of quality, there are many reasons for the preference for natural wood in cabinet making.
Undoubtedly, natural wood is very strong and durable, so it is a safe choice for making furniture and wooden items. Wooden furniture lasts for many years without problems and with strength. Therefore, natural wood is used in many fields such as building skyscrapers and even bridges. However, not all wood is the same; For example, oak wood is much stronger than cedar.
Beauty
When it comes to beauty, it can be said that nothing compares to natural wood, and the thing that distinguishes it among all types of wood is its beautiful veins and texture, but just as the durability of different types of wood is different, their beauty also has different degrees. For example, white oak is much more beautiful than red oak, while it is more durable than red oak.
Project Ability
Apart from beauty and strength, natural wood has a very high ability to change, which makes it a dominant choice for cabinet making. Natural wood is available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, finishes, and colors, which allows cabinetmakers to create unique, high-strength cabinets.
Value
Due to the advantages and prevailing opinions on the preference of solid wood over MDF, people often place a higher value on natural wood. If you own a house and intend to sell it, you can use natural wood in the construction of kitchen cabinets to increase the price so that the higher price of the property is justified.
Disadvantages of solid wood
Despite its impressive advantages over MDF, natural wood is not without flaws. Even in some cases, MDF is preferable to solid wood. Below are some examples:
Most types of wood are vulnerable to moisture, especially if they are not finished. However, wood such as red oak has good moisture resistance. Therefore, waterproofing natural wood is necessary and increases its durability.
Cracking
Natural wood is prone to expansion and contraction against temperature and humidity fluctuations and may not be the best option for cabinet doors. Also, natural wood quickly deforms and cracks in extreme temperature fluctuations, and these cracks are visible even when painted. Therefore, they use MDF in the central panels of the cabinet door.
What is MDF?
MDF, which stands for medium-density fiberboard, is a type of synthetic or engineered wood that is produced in the form of thin boards, and its ingredients include wood fibers, wax, and resin.
This engineered wood is one of the most popular (and cheapest) alternatives to natural wood, which has its advantages and disadvantages but is generally ranked higher than plywood due to its higher density. MDF is available in a wide range of cabinet products due to its wide range of applications and high durability.
Like all types of solid wood, MDF boards also vary in size, density, type of glue, and moisture content. The general rule is that the thicker and denser the MDF is, the more expensive it is.
Advantages of MDF
Those who are looking for a cheaper alternative to natural wood and for whom the strength and durability of wood are important should always keep MDF in the corner of their minds, especially in the cabinet. Let’s take a look at the advantages of MDF over other types of synthetic and engineered wood.
Unlike natural wood, an MDF board with a normal structure does not deform or crack against extreme weather and humidity fluctuations. This is the main reason for using MDF for kitchen cabinet doors.
Flat
Unlike solid wood, there are no significant streaks in MDF, as a result, it has a much smoother and softer surface after being painted. This again makes MDF a better choice for cabinet doors.
Project Ability
Cabinet doors are produced in a wide range of styles and models, such as flat doors, raised doors, etc., and since MDF boards are very flexible, it is easier to cut, drill and design them.
High resistance to moisture
MDF performs surprisingly well when it comes to water resistance. Some types of MDF are made for use in bathrooms and toilets and are waterproof.
Price
Of course, MDF board is cheaper than natural wood, and with proper maintenance, it can last as long as natural wood.
Disadvantages of MDF
Despite all the positive aspects, MDF cabinet doors are not suitable at all for some applications:
MDF cabinet doors are not suitable for high temperatures.
Compared to wood and plywood, MDF has less strength.
Because MDF is made of fine particles, it may not be very suitable for screw use in some situations.
If you don’t use a suitable cover (sealer), the possibility of water penetration and loss of MDF is high.
If MDF is scratched, it is difficult to repair.
When it comes to kitchen cabinet legs, natural wood and MDF are both important choices. While natural wood offers high durability and strength, MDF also provides a smooth and soft surface and high resistance to moisture (especially indoors and on shelves). As the owner, you should consider the various aspects of these wooden products and choose the material for your cabinet. Contact asa cabinet for more information.
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