MDF Vs Particle Board- What is the Difference?

When choosing home interior furniture and designs for a home, there are many different market materials. One of the key materials used in home décor is solid wood. However, the major disadvantage of this material is that it is costly. Today, furniture manufacturers are looking for new ways to cut down costs by using cheaper materials. The two alternative materials used in home décor are MDF and particleboard.

Both these home interior materials are made up of combining different types of elements. This blog will discuss everything about MDF and particle boards, including the difference between the two.

What is MDF?

MDF, the long-form term – medium-density fibreboard, is a type of engineered wood made using wood fibre. The wood fibres are stuck together using glue and then put into a hot machine that compresses the fibres to form a board. It is a great home décor material that is inexpensive. The smooth finish of the MDF board makes it an effortless surface to paint and cut out designs. It’s a strong and dense material that makes it a great choice in home interior designs.

Advantages of MDF

MDF is inexpensive, so it’s useful for most people looking for cheaper home décor materials.
The recycling process is used to make MDF. Hence it is eco-friendly.
Smooth surface.
It can be easily painted.
It offers a more realistic finish.
Solid, flat, and dense material
MDF is easier to drill and cut into without causing any damage.

Disadvantages of MDF

MDF is not stronger than wood.
When put under stress, MDF can easily split or crack.
MDF can absorb water faster than wood. So, it is prone to swelling up and causing damage.
MDF comes with VOC that contains urea-formaldehyde, which can be harmful to the eyes and lungs.
During the production of MDF, there is a lot of dust released into the air, which can be harmful.

What is a Particle board?

Particle-board is another inexpensive product made using waste wood materials. It is made combining resin and sawdust that’s heat pressed together. Particle-boards are widely used to make low-end home décor furniture. It is also used as an underlying layer for countertops as well. Particle-board can be easily drilled into; however, it is subject to a certain level of tear-out. Laminate or veneer is used to finish a particle board’s surface to give it a better look. It is difficult to shape and mould a particle-board as it tends to break or chip.

Advantages of Particle-board

One of the main advantages of a particle-board is that it is low in cost compared to other products like MDF, solid wood, and plywood.
It is lightweight and can be easily carried and transported around
When compared to MDF, it can hold nails and screws better.
Easy to clean and maintain
It can be easily drilled, cut, milled, painted, glued, etcetera.
It’s an eco-friendly product made from waste-wood products such as sawdust, wood chips, and shavings.
They do not come with natural defects like solid wood.
Particle-boards come with soundproof properties, and that’s the reason they are a good choice for auditoriums, speakers, and theatres.
The smooth and flat surface allows for easy sticking of veneer and laminate materials. Thin sheets of these materials can be easily glued onto the surface to add to its beauty.

Disadvantages of Particle-board

Particle-boards are not strong enough compared to other types of home interior materials such as plywood and MDF. Since it’s low on strength, it should be handled with care as easily damaged.
Particle-boards have low durability.
It comes with a low resistance to moisture and humidity. It is one of the significant disadvantages of particle boards. Due to moisture, particle boards can expand.
Not eco-friendly as some types of particle-boards are manufactured using a resin which can be harmful to health.

Difference between MDF and Particle board