Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
More
Over the last few years, there has been a demand for furniture manufactured from MDF (medium density fibre) – an eco-friendly wood composite material that is made by combining small fibres of hardwood or softwood with chemical binders under high heat and pressure. MDF is commonly used to manufacture furniture like beds, wardrobes, tables and so on, where MDF board is used as the core material and the piece is finished with materials like veneer, laminate or spray paint. MDF furniture in numerous designs is widely available in leading stores, local shops and major online portals.
Here are the strengths and shortcomings of pre-fabricated MDF furniture that you should know about.
Since MDF is made of recycled wood, it is very reasonably priced. Veneers can be pasted on the MDF furniture to simulate the look of expensive wood, which makes it an affordable alternative to real wood.
Pro: Has a smooth surface
MDF comprises very fine wood particles (sawdust), and it has no knots, splinters or voids, which makes the surface of the MDF boards very smooth, thus imparting a sleek finish to the furniture.
The homogeneous core material of MDF boards allows easy drilling and cutting with a CNC router. This is a great way to incorporate intricate jali designs in the furniture.
Pro: Pre-fabricated in factories
The best part about MDF furniture is that they are machine-made and manufactured in factories, hence the furniture comes with a flawless finish.
Most MDF furniture comes to site in a ready-to-install form that is easy to transport and assemble. Unlike carpentered furniture, MDF furniture does not create noise or dust during assembling.
Pro: Resistant to termites
Many chemicals are used during the process of manufacturing MDF boards, which makes the MDF furniture resistant to termites.
MDF furniture, shelves and drawers have a tendency to crack and sag over a period of time, if they are subjected to excess load.
Con: Not resistant to moisture
Direct exposure to water or moisture can cause MDF to soak water and swell. Before buying new MDF furniture, make sure that the furniture is properly sealed on all the sides. Avoid using MDF furniture outdoors or in moisture-ridden areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Since MDF is made of small particles of wood, it does not hold screws very well. With continuous use, the screws and hinges tend to come off. Another drawback is that once the surface of MDF furniture gets damaged, it cannot be repaired.
Con: Not suitable for rough use
MDF furniture (especially wardrobes doors and cabinet drawers) should not be subjected to rough use, otherwise the hinges and channels may get loose, come off and result in poor opening or closing mechanisms.
The chemicals used for manufacturing MDF boards contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that emit harmful gases. Utmost care should be taken by people who are cutting and sanding the MDF during the fabrication of furniture to avoid inhalation of these toxic gases. However, by the time the furniture reaches one’s home, most of the gases may have been released from the furniture.
- Pro: Budget friendly
Since MDF is made of recycled wood, it is very reasonably priced. Veneers can be pasted on the MDF furniture to simulate the look of expensive wood, which makes it an affordable alternative to real wood.- Pro: Has a smooth surface
MDF comprises very fine wood particles (sawdust), and it has no knots, splinters or voids, which makes the surface of the MDF boards very smooth, thus imparting a sleek finish to the furniture.