Ah Wood! The material that is used most often to build many items in our homes. There are many different types of wood each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are many different types of wood. Wood is found in the stems and roots of trees. It has been used for thousands of years for fuel, as a construction material, to make weapons, tools and furniture and much more.
Plywood
There are different kinds of plywood, first is softwood plywood which is made of cedar or pine and typically used for industrial and construction purposes. Hardwood plywood is characterized by its excellent strength, it is used for heavy duty floors and wall structures. Hardwood plywood has excellent surface hardness, and damage and wear-resistance.
There is also Tropical plywood is made up of mixed species of tropical timber. It is used for construction purposes in many regions due to its low cost. Aircraft Plywood, also known as High Strength Plywood. There is also Flexible Plywood, Decorative Plywood, and Marine Plywood. Plywood comes not only in different thicknesses but also in different grades, so you can choose the right one for your project.
Advantages:
- It’s a very strong building material
- It’s less susceptible to water damage than MDF, and won’t soak up water and swell as quickly or easily as MDF does.
- It’s stainable, which makes it perfect for kitchen cabinets, table tops, and other projects where you want a large stained wood surface.
- It holds screws very tightly since the varying grains of wood on each layer give the screws something to hold onto.
Disadvantages:
- It’s more expensive than MDF
- Plywood will often splinter on the edges when cut, so it’s harder to get a smooth cut with plywood than it is with MDF.
- It’s more difficult to cut detailed designs into plywood
MDF
MDF stands for Medium Density Fibreboard. It is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood and softwood residuals into wood fibers.
Advantages:
- MDF is generally cheaper than Plywood.
- The surface of the MDF is very smooth.
- Great surfaces for painting.
- MDF is very consistent throughout, so cut edges appear smooth and won’t have voids or splinters.
- You can use a router to make decorative edges.
Disadvantages:
- MDF will soak up water and other liquids like a sponge and swell unless it’s very well sealed on all sides and edges with primer, paint, or another sealing product.
- MDF doesn’t hold screws very well.
- MDF is very heavy.
- MDF can’t be stained. Not only does it soak up stain like a sponge, but also because there’s no wood grain on MDF, it looks awful when it’s stained.
Particle Board
Particle Board is made by compressing wood chips with glue, the amount of glue used in particle board is 10%. Particleboard, in the 1950s, was being used in kitchens but only in the wealthy areas. As technology developed particle board became cheaper and used in many other areas. It is used for flooring, wall paneling, false ceilings, material for doors, wardrobe, counter-tops, the list is endless.
Advantages:
- It is a cost-effective option
- Provides smooth and flat surfaces
- It does not dent easily
- It is lightweight and easy to handle and transport
- Minimal maintenance and easy to clean
- It’s eco friendly
Disadvantages:
- Can easily be damaged
- In the presence of moisture, particle board expands and warps
- It can not support heavy loads as it is weak in strength.
Hard Board
This is also known as High-Density Fiberboard. It does, however, have similarities to MDF. It is made out of exploded wood fibers that are highly compressed together. Mainly used in the construction industry, it can be used as a temporary floor protector. It is popular in the construction of sidings of homes and buildings.
Advantages:
- It is good and cheap
- Strong
- It is more long lasting than other woods
Disadvantages:
- It absorbs water and can not be used outside.
