The cabinet is one of the kitchen appliances that perform a big role in collecting things and in decorating the interior design. One of the main decoration components in the kitchen, which seriously affects the beauty of the house, is the cabinet.
Today, due to the variety of available cabinets, one of the most important challenges for people is choosing between a wooden cabinet and an MDF cabinet.
MDF is an abbreviation of Medium Density Fiberboard which means a wood board with medium density, which is obtained from wood fibers obtained from recycled wood chips from factories and by using special devices.
What is MDF? And how is it different from natural wood?
In simple words, natural wood is wood obtained from timber and its core and material have not been changed, while MDF is one of the artificial and engineered woods.
MDF is a synthetic engineered composite wood material. This type of wood is obtained from high-density compression of wood particles. It is not very resistant to water and fire. Since MDF is an easier material to process, it can be used in the production of parts such as tables, door panels, drawer fronts or profile surfaces.
Is MDF cabinet better or wood?
- Nowadays, the MDF cabinet is an economic choice for people due to its modern appearance and more reasonable price than the classic cabinet made with wood.
- Economically, MDF is better than wood.
- It is better than MDF in implementing special and different styles of wood.
- In a humid environment, plywood and coated MDF has more priority than raw MDF and wood.
- MDF is produced from recycled wood chips. Therefore, without cutting down a tree, MDF is obtained.
- MDF is resistant to cold and heat and does not change shape.
- MDF is much easier to shape than wooden sheets.
What are the characteristics of MDF wood?
With its physical properties, it allows to be used as a substitute for solid wood materials. With high surface density, all kinds of colors can be applied on the surface of the screen. Another advantage of the high-strength MDF cabinet is its ability to hold screws and nails.
Advantages and superiority of MDF cabinets:
- Due to the widespread use of cabinets in every home, there are various models and types of cabinets, among which MDF cabinets and wooden cabinets are the most used.
- MDF is considered an economic and affordable choice; Because its production is relatively cheap and its price is low compared to the finished price of the wooden sheets.
- The chemicals used in MDF repel insects such as termites.
- It is easier to shape MDF sheets than to shape wooden sheets, and this is another reason for the variety of shapes and designs of MDF.
- MDF cabinets are produced in various designs and types. One of the most widely used MDF cabinets is the high-gloss type that a plexiglass layer is used as a cover. The material of this cover is polycarbonate, which has a glass-like appearance and is very transparent.
- Surely, MDF board is cheaper than natural wood, and with proper maintenance, it can last as long as natural wood.
Disadvantages of MDF cabinets:
- MDF cabinet door is not suitable for high temperature.
- Compared to wood and plywood, MDF has less strength.
- If MDF is scratched, it is difficult to repair.
Wood Veneer Cabinets
Wood veneer is thin strips of natural hardwood that are peeled or sliced from tree logs. These wood veneers are then bonded to plywood, MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), or particleboard to create the natural appearance on the surfaces of wood veneer cabinets. They resemble solid wood cabinets but are much lighter, thinner, and come at a lower price point compared to solid wood.
Advantages:
- In comparison to solid wood cabinets, wood veneer kitchen cabinets come at a lower cost, making them an attractive option for those who want the look of real wood without the expense.
- Veneers can be an environmentally friendly choice as they use thinner layers of wood, reducing the demand for solid wood.
Disadvantages:
- Veneer on cabinets is susceptible to damage such as chipping, water damage, and stress cracking. The lifespan of veneer cabinets is shorter than that of solid wood cabinets. Melamine cabinets last about five years, plywood cabinets last around 20 years, and solid wood cabinets can endure for approximately 50 years.
Solid Wood for Kitchen Cabinets
At first glance, most people may not notice the differences with solid wood because solid wood is cleverly processed. This involves the use of glue. On one hand, cracks and damaged areas can be removed and replaced with other pieces of wood. Furthermore, solid wood does not react strongly to temperature and humidity fluctuations, making it more suitable for high-demand kitchen environments where people often enjoy cooking.
Therefore, furniture made from wood is less prone to warping. It’s not just a matter of sticking pieces of wood together; here, a carpenter ensures that these pieces “work with each other” and, as a result, do not warp in one direction.
MDF and Melamine as Affordable Alternatives to Wood in the Kitchen
The word “melamine” often evokes a sense of disdain, although compressed wood chips bonded together and coated with a resin also serve as a carrier material for durable finishes and coatings. In the case of melamine, it can be said that this type of wood processing offers the most significant savings in natural wood resources.
Compressed melamine boards can be quickly and, most importantly, inexpensively produced. They are often covered with foil or other plastics, especially in budget kitchens. This variety in colors and ease of maintenance is guaranteed. However, depending on the type of plastic used, these surfaces may not be resistant to scratches or can quickly suffer damage on edges.
A more durable and high-quality alternative to melamine is MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) panels. Unlike melamine boards, MDF panels are not made from wood chips but rather from finely bonded and compressed wood fiber, which is why these panels have high resistance to breaking and bending. In higher-end kitchen designs that still need to be cost-effective, MDF panels, often coated with real wood veneer or plastic, are frequently used.
Reclaimed Wood in the Kitchen: A Popular Choice
The term “reclaimed wood” says it all: reclaimed wood is composed of pieces of wood that have either been mechanically processed in the past or bonded, colored, and finished in some other way. Wood waste is collected, processed by specialized recyclers, and delivered to carpenters or woodworkers for further use. They utilize reclaimed wood in its original form as planks, beams, or boards in kitchen spaces and furniture.
Reclaimed wood waste is also reused in the production of compressed wood pallets and melamine. It is less common in the production of MDF boards.
Reclaimed wood has gained significant popularity in recent years as it has been rediscovered for kitchen spaces. The often rough texture and unique wood grain, accompanied by a dark appearance due to prior staining or patina, make surfaces crafted from reclaimed wood appear visually robust.
as a result:
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we tried to put wood in front of MDF and tell the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you have any experience using these two, share them with us in the comments section of the site.
FAQ
Is MDF the appropriate material for kitchen cabinets?
According to the points mentioned, which of the MDF or wooden cabinets is economical to buy? MDF and wooden cabinets each have advantages and disadvantages. For example, a wooden cabinet has higher resistance while MDF is impermeable to water. Therefore, you should choose one of these two cabinets according to the conditions and features of the residential area and your budget.
Is MDF durable enough for kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Although the MDF cabinet is made of chopped wood particles, it is equally strong.
As the owner, you should consider the various aspects of these wooden products and choose the material of your cabinet.
