Decorating Guides
Which is Better: Particle Board or MDF?
All your questions about density, finishing, workability, strength and performance of the two products get answered here
When it comes to furniture, cabinetry, wall or floor coverings, the type of wood or engineered wood product chosen must be according to the physical and visual properties of the product and the function it needs to fulfil. Particle board and Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) are both treated wood products produced in a similar fashion. Particle board is made by binding small bits of wood or wood chips or sawdust with glue (urea-formaldehyde resin or phenol-formaldehyde resin) under high temperature and pressure. On the other hand, MDF is tailored by compressing even smaller pieces of wood or wood fibres (finely ground wood residuals) mixed with glue.
MDF Tricoya
…and this is the cross-section of a typical MDF.
Now, let’s look at the properties of these two common wood products that can help you choose what’s best for your home.
Now, let’s look at the properties of these two common wood products that can help you choose what’s best for your home.
Density and weight
Particle board is lighter and less dense than MDF. Since MDF consists of very fine particles of wood, the boards are free of knots, lumps and rings. As a result, in terms of durability and strength, the denser, more homogeneous MDF wins over particle board.
Particle board is lighter and less dense than MDF. Since MDF consists of very fine particles of wood, the boards are free of knots, lumps and rings. As a result, in terms of durability and strength, the denser, more homogeneous MDF wins over particle board.
Surface and edge finishing
Particle board has coarser surfaces and edges compared to MDF, as the former is composed of larger, uneven pieces of wood. However, bands or strips can be pasted on the edges to achieve a smoother finish and to reduce the risk of chipping.
The surface of both particle board and MDF can be sheathed with veneers or laminates, according to what is to be built and under what conditions the material is to be used. Many suppliers offer pre-laminated particle board and MDF in various colour and texture options. Both the wood products can also be lacquered, if required.
Particle board has coarser surfaces and edges compared to MDF, as the former is composed of larger, uneven pieces of wood. However, bands or strips can be pasted on the edges to achieve a smoother finish and to reduce the risk of chipping.
The surface of both particle board and MDF can be sheathed with veneers or laminates, according to what is to be built and under what conditions the material is to be used. Many suppliers offer pre-laminated particle board and MDF in various colour and texture options. Both the wood products can also be lacquered, if required.
Ease of workability
Cutting shapes and patterns out of MDF is pretty easy. That is why it is widely used to make jali screens and 3D boards.
On the other hand, particle board cannot be worked on easily to create shapes, patterns and carvings. It is commonly used in a simpler fashion – in shelves, as the substrate in cabinetry, floors, countertops, walls and doors, and so on.
The soft cores of particle board and MDF may cause the sheet to split if a nail is driven into the edge. However, MDF can take drilled screws without a problem, whereas particle board cannot hold screws due to the soft, coarse material of its core.
Cutting shapes and patterns out of MDF is pretty easy. That is why it is widely used to make jali screens and 3D boards.
On the other hand, particle board cannot be worked on easily to create shapes, patterns and carvings. It is commonly used in a simpler fashion – in shelves, as the substrate in cabinetry, floors, countertops, walls and doors, and so on.
The soft cores of particle board and MDF may cause the sheet to split if a nail is driven into the edge. However, MDF can take drilled screws without a problem, whereas particle board cannot hold screws due to the soft, coarse material of its core.
Bearing strength
Both particle board and MDF are prone to sagging (in the absence of intermediate support) due to dead load (intrinsic weight) and live load (extrinsic weight). Pasting veneer or laminate on either side can prevent distortion but does not add to the bearing strength of the board. In general, MDF can bear loads better than can particle board.
Both particle board and MDF are prone to sagging (in the absence of intermediate support) due to dead load (intrinsic weight) and live load (extrinsic weight). Pasting veneer or laminate on either side can prevent distortion but does not add to the bearing strength of the board. In general, MDF can bear loads better than can particle board.
Performance in damp areas
Particle board and MDF are absorptive. They swell and distort when exposed to moisture or dampness. Applying high-quality varnish or sealants can increase the board’s water-resistance to a certain degree. Vinyl, laminates and veneers can boost the sheet’s permanence further.
Particle board and MDF are absorptive. They swell and distort when exposed to moisture or dampness. Applying high-quality varnish or sealants can increase the board’s water-resistance to a certain degree. Vinyl, laminates and veneers can boost the sheet’s permanence further.
Cost
Particle board is cheaper than MDF of the same thickness.
Toxicity
The diffusion of formaldehyde (present in the glue resin) can add to the toxicity of the indoor air. It is advisable to use products that comply with the BIS standards to ensure that they contain toxic compounds only to a permissible level. You can check out the standards for pre-laminated particle board here and for MDF here.
Read more:
MDF vs Plywood: Which is Better?
Which Interior Finish to Choose: Wood Veneer or Laminate?
Tell us:
What’s your experience been with MDF or particle board? Share with us in Comments below.
Particle board is cheaper than MDF of the same thickness.
Toxicity
The diffusion of formaldehyde (present in the glue resin) can add to the toxicity of the indoor air. It is advisable to use products that comply with the BIS standards to ensure that they contain toxic compounds only to a permissible level. You can check out the standards for pre-laminated particle board here and for MDF here.
Read more:
MDF vs Plywood: Which is Better?
Which Interior Finish to Choose: Wood Veneer or Laminate?
Tell us:
What’s your experience been with MDF or particle board? Share with us in Comments below.