MDF VS. PLYWOOD (Which Is Better?? Pros + Cons!!)
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MDF or PLYWOOD? Which material is better? What are the Pros and Cons of both? Most DIYers want to know these things. In this video, The Honest Carpenter breaks down the similarities and differences between MDF and Plywood!
Both MDF and plywood are used in a variety of projects--but they mostly are used to build shelving, built-ins and cabinets. They can also be used in paneling projects.
They are both made of wood byproducts and glue. But, Plywood is made of actual wood layers, or "veneers"; each layer runs 90 degrees to the layers above and below it. MDF is made from fine wood pulp and glue--it's kind of like cake batter that gets pressed into a sheet.
COST: MDF is generally a bit cheaper than plywood, about $35 per sheet. But, plywood comes in a huge variety of grades and types, with prices all over the place. Sandeply and radiata pine plywood tend to be reasonably priced, under $40. But cabinet-grade plywoods, like birch, maple and oak, can be up to $65 per sheet.
STRENGTH: Plywood is much stronger than MDF because of the cross-laid grain layers.
DURABILITY: Plywood is also more durable than MDF for this same reason. The corners hold up better--they don't get dinged or bent as badly.
WORKABILITY: They both respond to tools in a similar fashion. MDF will produce sharper, cleaner cuts than plywood, which tends to tear out. Both can be drilled with drill bits. But, plywood holds a screw much better, especially in the edge. MDF edges should basically never been fastened into without extra support.
DUST CONTROL: Plywood makes dust similar to other lumber. But, MDF makes terrible dust! It's like a powder. Be sure to wear a respirator and hook up vacuum filtration for your cuts.
INTERIOR / EXTERIOR: Plywood comes in both grades. But MDF is really an interior material. The wood pulp fibers make it soak up water like a sponge. It will bloat and rot quickly.
On the whole, I like plywood a lot more. But, MDF is a decent cheap alternative, and it also is very FLAT, which is one of its main advantages over plywood.
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Early in my career, I used a lot of MDF as a way to keep prices down for clients. But it's weight and dust drove me crazy! I switched almost completely to plywood, even though it warps more easily and the edges tear out on cuts if you're not careful. If something needs a routed edge, though, without screen trim, I will opt for MDF in those cases. WHAT ABOUT YOU? DO YOU PREFER PLYWOOD OR MDF???
Plywood
I was looking at building a project that required mdf but watching your video I will be building my project out of plywood.
Will always use plywood and use a trim on the face, MDF is AWFUL!!
I prefer to use plywood specialy birch plywood. Mdf is to dusty
Plywood. MDF is good for audio enclosures and thats about it.
As a novice to wood working, this content is gold. I’m sure it’s useful to non novices as well, but I cant express how much confusion each of your videos clears up for a novice. Thanks dude.
Well said
Same here!
The exterior MDF craze in the 90's provided a lot of work for me in the 2000's replacing it.
I had seen houses much older having entire areas made out of MDF including roof fascias. Unbelievable.
Lol we have been using MDF in New build since 1995 now it’s 99% MDF where do you work lol
It’s still done by unscrupulous/lazy builders and contractors. Too bad the building industry only cares about getting paid and making maximum profit. A lot of homeowners don’t know better.
@@Shadowfalls89 yo he don’t talk for us builders lol not all of us are bad like lawyers and estate agents and just like any other trade full of bad eggs why it’s full of clever humans not stupid monkeys lol …. Well there are a lot of them to actually now I think if it 😂
@@Bart-Did-it I blame the industry standards to be honest. MDF for exterior was industry standard for a while because it was cheap and maximized profit for the builders.. We later found out it was a bad idea. Similarly Masonite siding was the industry standard for a long time because it was cheap and maximized profit.. we later found out it was a bad idea.. The thing is, anyone with any understanding of those materials was leery of their adoption to begin with.
I think a lot of things that are being pushed hard right now (engineered lumber, MDF, use of OSB for literally everything in a home) are going to wind up being seen as a bad idea in 10-20 years. The industry will have made their money though. I know not all contractors/builders are unethical crooks, but the industry as a whole is crooked. Gone are the days of caring about the product you create, but that's a society wide phenomenon. It just irritates me because of how expensive homes are, you would expect a product that's built to last.
I went to school for art, and I grew to love mdf for its smooth finish. We used it under acrylic when we would mill pieces. We would also use it for sculpture, as you can use scrap pieces that are still extremely flat, glue them up, sculpt, then cover with fiberglass resin to essentially make a very durable and heavy solid sculpture.
my friend and I started making speaker boxes out of it and quickly learned about the layers splitting out.
Scroll along, I’ve got nothing useful to say other than that I really appreciate how clearly and calmly you explain everything in an unbiased, well grounded manner. Thank you :)
Sometimes I feel like the only person in the world who actually loves the layers along plywood edges, totally happy to have them on display!
Eklipze3k Baltic Marine Grade Birch Plywood is gorgeous!
i like the exposed plywood edge too, put some linseed oil on it and design the build to accentuate the contrasting laminations and the build can really pop. Box joins where hidden at one time since they where undesirable after all.
Check out the work by the guy from Greece who does a lot of cast epoxy. He cuts plywood into strips and glues them together end on. He gets “automatic” finger joints for drawers and the striped face of drawer fronts look amazing when resin sealed.
MDF can be joined by using long screws with dowels across the grain as barrel nuts or use actual barrel nuts and bolts. Ikea do this all the time where visible screw heads are acceptable and the nuts are hidden.
I agree. I have seem some truly breathtaking projects made with the edges in full display and if done properly and sanded smooth, they are very striking.
Exceptional thank you. I was thinking about learning to use MDF for some projects (some low rent rolling cabinetry for myself) and some other stuff outside. Now that I know it will only stay indoors. I can't wait to use both!
Your explanation really answered all the concerns I had. I really appreciate your video. Thank you!
This didn't make much sense the first time I watched this a year ago. Having worked with both during lockdown, I can't agree with this video more.
Thanks for following up, Lets Build! 😄
"The only source of knowledge is experience."
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Only use mdf when 100% certain it won't get wet. Ever.
Or you can use HMR which is essentially MDF but water resistant.
I've used Medex for my kitchen doors and Extira for OUTSIDE. Very hard MDF, and water resistant. Had a sample sitting in a bucket of water for weeks before committing to the product.
Well thats what i was thinking!!
@@kaikart123 I just recently became aware of HMR. I've never seen it sold in Canada.
will it be ok to buy an mdf table in a fully air-conditioned room? l
Thank you-good job. I actually like making drawers out of 1/2 inch Baltic birch plywood. The exposed edges route/sand very well. The occasional void is easily filled and poly urethane provides a nice- unobjectionable finished appearance.
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polyurethane glue? like gorilla glue? rookie here. thanks!
It's just nice to hear someone talk about something they know
Great video with clear and concise explanation! I use MDF in the past to make speaker cabinets, but after I had to put some veneer or paint. With good quality plywood, I will be able to stain or varnish them to a much better looking effect. Thanks for your efforts.
In the UK we have an exterior grade of MDF available. I used it for a bird feeder, the material is not very attractive but so far it is surviving.
When it comes to outdoor uses, you can get maritime-grade plywood, which is expensive, but basically impervious to water damage. And it is available in all sorts of great looking finishes.
Marine plywood is not necessarily treated for outdoor use. The glue is waterproof though. Untreated marine ply is typical and gets resin saturated in boat building to protect itself. Untreated works better with resin.
Never heard a better clearer explanation/comparison of the two. Thanks!
Perfect video on these two very different products. 20 year carpenter and painter. Couldn't have done a better job explaining all this to a new guy than you, even though I know every bit of what you explained. Great video. Thanks.
I kinda like how the edge of plywood looks haha. I've seen woodworkers create furniture purposefully showing the edge, and I think it looks great!
I use mdf for panels on painted cabinet door panels with maple rails and styles gives smooth finish after priming, for stained cabinets they have mdf core maple which provides stable panels
Thanks for your opinion. I enjoy building speaker cabinets and my no. 1 choice is Birch plywood for its looks and sound quality when properly braced.
thank you sir, every town need a honest carpenter.
Thank you VERY MUCH for your time and expert advice. I am a beginner DIY and the reason that I use MDF is the lower price. Furthermore, if I screw up, it doesn't cost me as much to start over. I do agree with you when you say that plywood is much stronger and that plywood holds screws much better than MDF. I really enjoyed your video ! ! Cheers from Canada,Polar Bear country.
Great video. One thing that MDF is good for is jigs -- anything where you need a REALLY smooth edge.
MDF works great for pressing jig because they are not hard and distribute pressure pretty evenly.
I use it as a guide for circular saw
Or templates.
@@paulmood308 Exactly. Jigs, fixtures, and templates.
I just planning to make my first table saw jig, this comment definitely helps me what to choose. Thank you so much
Once again, incredibly helpful for a purchase decision I’m making. A cabinet constructed of MDF that will remain inside. Thanks, you’re pretty awesome!
I got inspired to watch this by watching wood turning videos and then looking at my shelves made from mdf and wondering if they ever use that leftover material in such a way. It's fun how you go down these rabbit holes sometimes.
I used to use MDF all the time for building speaker enclosures (mostly to house subwoofers in cars). Its weight was actually an advantage there, and I would still recommend it for audio speaker enclosures.
how can weight be advantage if it is installed on a car, something lighter would be more I guess better
@@baqoyevogabek2864notice how he said for subwoofers
Those put out a lot of vibration force and like recoil on a gun, the heavier the gun, the less recoil it has.
You don't want your subs shaking around a lot
Now this is a very clear and informative video. Great job!
I am new to woodworking and I am so thankful for this video! I had no idea about the differences and you were so thorough and addressed every question I had! Thank you, thank you!
Just worked with MDF for the first time. Built a shop cabinet. Finished product looks great, BUT was very difficult to put together. Went with using dowels as the fasteners AND my god finished product was Heavy to get in place. Appreciate your video and channel, I am a novice and certainly appreciate the advise/instruction and comments.
I have always used either dimensional lumber or plywood due to their inherent strength. That being said if I needed a stable surface I would certainly consider using MDF. I liked this tutorial and I think you covered all of the pros and cons thoroughly. Thanks for sharing this.
Which is better for bedroom Mdf or plywood ?
Literally learned carpentry from this dude. One of my favorites
🤔
Soon I'm going to make a small work table for small wood projects. It sounds like MDF would be a great choice for the work surface: heavy and very flat. Thanks for the video!
I love how you present good and useful information!!! So many other videos take 15 minutes to give 5 minutes of information. Thanks!!
I've made my own plywood out of leftovers of fine, exotic and domestic, hardwoods, from my instrument building or furniture building, because I really like the look of plywood edges on certain projects.
Totally agree, it comes to another level when you glue waste ply together, then turn it on a lathe, good rub down with sandpaper (Through the grades) then coat with bees wax, it looks well!
i too thought I was the only one
I was shocked to learn that the baseboards in our new house are MDF. That was not a problem until there was a tiny leak in the utility room. The MDF swelled up and split, and then grew mold, all within a couple of months. I replaced the baseboard in the utility room with real wood.
I have seen vinyl wrapped moldings which are used a lot in motor home actually disintegrate into sawdust when windows or roofs leak.
I use both in many of my projects. There is a piece of every project that can be MDF
I think your video is mind-opening and reassuring. Thank you a lot indeed! I've been working with MDF for years,now next time I'm at the board seller I'll check the density of the plywoods available and seek out the least porous sides to prevent humidity seeping in. Thumbs up.
Nice straight forward explanation! In Brazil we use mostly mdf. They have this melamine material that comes in virtually all colors and grains designs that are just really modern looking. Since our cabinet projects include mostly straight lines and flat surfaces, just about every project is 90% mdf (white melamine for the boxes of the inside of cabinetry and wood or decorative melamine for the doors, drawer fronts, sides and so on). Oh and there are all kinds of edge tape and aluminum trim for everything also. Our sheets are very large, 6x9 or 10, but we use bigger table saws, actually I think they're called panel saws, with one moving table. One other thing, they do make this water resistant mdf (which is of this green substrate, or red for fire repellent), but still only for interior projects. Exterior mdf is available, but really expensive.
Makes sense. Brazil is more constant and mild weather. May as well use mdf more. Same in the Netherlands, although it's very wet it holds up in interior applications.
The major thing though is American houses use a ton of wood and it's been my experience they sweat a ton to the interior in damp weather.
I’m a consumer and I am contemplating of buying a furniture with MDF. Is this a safe material? I have read somewhere that it gas off formaldehyde. Thanks
Same goes for the higher end clients in the dominican republic
@@demammoet O brasil é muito grande, tem todos tipos de climas que quiser , mas o padrão é o mesmo ... Mas quem faz o movel durar É o dono ! ... Era bom fazer um video orientando os Donos dos Moveis , por que muitos são sacanas e tentam destruir e dizer que é culpa da má qualidade do material ...
Seria como usar um MDF comum na area do banheiro ... rsrsrsrs
Sempre cobra pelo o que é certo , mas o cliente nunca aprova o orçamento , tendo condições ou não , opitam pelo mais barato ... chegando até no MDP, diferente do MDF
@@muuzikk vai usar o MDF em qual lugar ? compra ele laminado sempre ! , assim evita o problema com úmidade ...
MDF puro sem lamina Raramente usamos ... somente máximo Estrutura ...
Thanks for the video--answered a lot of questions that I wouldn't have known to ask. My current project is a snooker table (and because I'm building it cheap, slate is out of the question), and because of its flat surface and tendency to resist warping, I'm planning to use MDF, so I really appreciate your discussion on what you can and can't do in working with it. Thanks!
Just don't spill drinks on it, and you should be good!
Great advice!!! Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. Subscribed
Thanks for the video! Learned a lot about their differences and advantages. Keep safe!
Just my opinion but I have found that the biggest advantage of MDF is that it perfectly flat and void of defects. So you get the entire sheet to work with, and you don't have to work around knots and voids. I have made many jigs using it, and my table saw extension tables are doubled up 3/4" MDF covered by a plastic panel material, making cutting sheet goods a breeze. And when it comes to fastening I try to incorporate dados, rabbets, and grooves to help support the material. Then glue and screw as usual. And if you are really concerned, Confirmat (RTA) screws are made specifically for MDF. Good video, thanks.
Holy shit, I never knew they had so much difference with each other, thanks a lot!
So my first time here and my first impression was: He's pretty honest with the explanation. And then I looked at the the channel's name. Good work mate!
This is an excellent video! You answer all the questions. Lot of good info here.
Enjoyed the video Ethan. That was interesting.I'm more old school since I'm older anyway. Never used MDF much at all. I have replaced allot that was used for trim on the exterior of homes. I have some on my on outside storage buildings that needs replacing now. Y'all stay well, take care and God bless.
Thanks Ron! I've done tons of that same MDF trim replacement. Crazy how many houses out there have it.
I really liked this video. I work at a lumber/plywood/tools hardware store (not Lowe's or home Depot it's privately owned) and to be honest this is more training on plywood than I've gotten in 4months work experience. I'm the plywood guy and I work in the plywood bay, it's just me and only me for 4 months, it's just me working there and most of the time I can help customers but every now and then I get people talking about certain things I just don't understand and this video taught me a lot more than my boss ever has. Thanks :) will subscribe to learn more
I know this was 2 years ago, but I just want to say how much I appreciate somebody who wants to learn more about the product they sell at retail. Many people just get the minimum training and then stop without trying to gain more knowledge about the topic.
I’ve used a lot of both and definitely agree with your points. I would add that I have edged mdf shelves with wood trim in painted projects to both build the profile and fight against sagging. Gluing the trim is needed if you want the structural benefit, though.
Which is better for bedroom Mdf or plywood ?
MDF for some shop jigs (e.g. sacrificial fences) is OK, and it is very good for making router templates. If someone else is cutting it and finishing it with laminated front back and sides, then it's pretty good for flat cabinet doors that won't warp or expand/contract, providing you use euro hinges to support them.
plywood with glued/nailed solid wood on the edges will always be my choice.
Totally agree with everything you just said. I'd just like add from out of bounds that many of the similar down falls of the MDF also exist in the OSB realm. I don't care how much they want to sell that it's engineered. In a few years it has the same moisture problems as MDF. Whether inside out out.
Yep, pretty much anything with glue, Dave. OSB they at least have some grades with acceptable weather exposure time frames (it's printed on that stamp on OSB sheets). But, given enough moisture, it'll just peel to pieces.
Arogsy Console uses MDF and their professional console desks hold up well for years. Theres people using the same console desk for 15 to 20 years. MDF is pretty much the standard in all high end studio furniture.
Just apply a sealant to the MDF or OSB or Chipboard or any other wooden composite material. You really should seal plywood too, if you don't want it to delaminate, warp and split.
It's not rocket science, sheesh!
Which is better for bedroom Mdf or plywood ?
I try and stay away from MDF. I’ve had so much trouble with the dust and mess that I feel the cost is worth keeping more healthy. I will use MDF but as little as possible. Great channel I’m really glad I found you.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and safety tips. I’m so grateful.
Thanks James, I, not in a situation where I need to choose between the two materials, but I'm a,ways up for more knowledge about carpentry. I'm going to be building an MTB (Mountain bike) kicker/jump out of wood soon for myself (I've made several simpler ones with my neighbor), and I'll beep using thin plywood for the sides, as well as top and bottom, and I'll use 2"x3" for the "ribs" of the jump.
I don't like how MDF turns into that "toxic dust", I definitely don't want to breathe that stuff in. I'm just going to steer clear of the stuff, I don't do much sod working at all, mostly just at really small scales. Another thing is, for my ramp, it's going to be curved (this way you can really get a good pop off the lip, and hone in your jumping technique), and plywood is, well, ,ore playable then other options. I might soak the plywood before screwing it onto the ramp, as this will make it more flexible and less likely to crack.
spot on, mdf is for interior, mainly decorative work
I had a contractor doing a rehab for me that used MDF for window trim and closet shelving and it worked perfectly. Looks great
Thanks! That was an extremely helpful and informative video!
I actually like to glue a thinner plywood piece to a thinner MDF piece, and generally get a nice combination of the benefits of both. Glue a decent piece of actual wood on the outer edges, and for things like shelves it's great.
Great idea. do you cover the entire sheet in wood glue when bonding them.
Awesome video! In addition, Regular wood and Plywood sawdust and chips (even treated grades) can be discarded in your garden as a decent soil amendment. Degrades nicely over time and holds some extra moisture for your plants. MDF dust on the other hand, is a complete no-go for plants and earthworms. Speaking from experience 😁
Wow that's a new one for me...thanks!
Great video. About everything I wanted to know in a concise well thought out vid. My question that was not answered is whether very high grade plywood is a viable option for outdoor projects (outdoor kitchens, bbq grill cabinets, etc.)? What are the best types of wood. Also, at my local lumber store there is "teak" plywood. Crazy expensive but might be the perfect wood for the cabinet front panels.
You covered the topic nicely. I am not a professional woodworker. I prefer plywood for interiors for all the reasons you have given.👍
Information dense: I appreciate that.
Although you mentioned it, the dust factor needs to be really stressed when working inside. Effective dust collection and air filtration is a must. MDF dust gets everywhere. Plywood dust (or conventional wood dust), not so much. Wear a face mask when processing MDF! And keep it on for a long time after the machines have stopped. Your lungs will thank you....
Straight to the point, no nonsense, all meat and potatoes, big thumbs up to you mate! Really appreciated
Where have you been all my life
Very easy to understand and wealth of knowledge
Thank you
Thank you
THANK YOU
Excellent review. Extremely informative and technical too.
Keep up your good work.
Due to climatic reasons at equatorial region with humidity around 70% to 80% most of the time, I prefer solid hard wood.
Thanks you very much. Really enjoyed your video.
How does marine grade plywood hold up? It isn't generally rot resistant but it shouldn't fall apart.
Thank you for the helpful info. Starting some DIY projects and will be using both products.
Good profile pic
What an amazing informative video! thank you for answering alot of my questions!
Good tutor/tutorial. You mention the toxic dust of mdf but did not mention the toxic fumes, when using hand tools to cut /shape ply or mdf the usual dust mask rules apply but when we use power tools, saws, routers etc then we have the added danger of fumes. In mdf, urea-formaldehyde glue is used in it's manufacture and when heated by using power tools gives out formaldehyde fumes which are carcinogenic (not 100% proven). So when selecting masks you have to go from a particulate mask to a fume /vapour mask . I use a facial mask with interchangeable filters so only use the fume mask (50%more expensive than the dust filters) when using mdf. I hope this may be of some help but if anyone thinks otherwise then please leave a comment. Keep up the good work very enjoyable. Rjt London UK
Thanks for this Great video, It helps me a lot.....You did a Great job explaining the difference between the two....
One use of MDF where it has an advantage over plywood is in speaker cabinets. Either for household or vehicle use. It does a much better job of minimizing cabinet vibrates and has been a great budget option for speaker enclosures.
The acoustic advantages of MDF over plywood are barely measurable, let alone hearable. I still prefer using plywood for speaker cabinets, as you can simply oil or stain it.
Plywood is always my choice over MDF.
Great video!
Take care
Thanks Sandra! 😄
This is incredbly useful information, loving your channel man, I'm learning so much!
Great video, thank you. Soooo many kinds of plywood out there, so kudos for keeping it simple.
Here's a compromise, but only if you're into black industrial chic. I'm building some utility shelves at our college's textiles room, so they need to be tough, and a bit funky. Using 17mm concrete form ply with the black epoxy coating and rounding the edges is a nice halfway material in terms of properties.
Formply's water resistant glue up means that cut edges finish nicely. With a bit of sanding, a tiny bit of putty (very few gaps in the glue) and some grapeseed oil, it comes up a treat as the pine ply edge really pops off the shiny black faces. Formply is really flat like MDF, but nowhere near as nasty, dust-wise. It also makes for a hard-wearing shelf face in designer black. And that ugly branding printed on it..? It's a feature! :-)
Pros and cons to both. It mostly boils down knowing the limitations and characteristics of the material. MDF is an amazing product when used properly. You can easily get a full 8’ span in MDF without sagging, just a torsion box with 12mm MDF and 18/25mm internals.
Edging is easily overcome with paintable edge banding.
Dust is the biggest drawback , MDF dust is cancenogeic (probably next generation asbestos),
But is stable, paints well. Machines well.
Bottom line, you can do great long term high end jobs with it. If you know your trade.
*carcinogenic
Which is better for bedroom Mdf or plywood ?
I really like mdf.. even better if you can find it hdf.. I just wish it wasn’t so heavy! For smaller projects I go mdf. For larger ones I’m going to have to move and install I go plywood. But the final finishing if mdf is sooooo much easier and faster then plywood. Long as you edge band the mdf with plywood like say a face from for a cabinet.. I’ll build the cabinet from mdf over plywood all day. But then an upper unit I’ll build from plywood and then use mdf for doors and drawers if doing something like raised panels cause it finishes and shapes so nice. I also like the fact that mdf comes oversized so you actually get what you’re paying for as well as getting a true 3/4” thickness so layouts and measurements are way faster and easier. The last thing is I tend to screw plywood together where mdf I use a lot more brads and finish nails.. especially around the edges. When I can I’ll get some hdf for these areas as it will hold a screw even better then ply to the point if you don’t ore drill you’ll snap the screw head off every time. If you’ve never tired you can stain mdf.. not the same way but you can get some interesting looks and finishes with it. Shellac makes for a nice finish on mdf actually but a lot of your clearish finishes take nicely to mdf and give a really unique look. Like an odd brown marble counter top top look lol
I like using true 1" thick MDF for jigs, like an upright extension for the table saw fence. It's flat and stable, and measurements are simply exactly 1" off.
Thank you for this comprehensive comparison of the two materials.
One note though: many, including yourself, comment on the edge of these materials as not being as aesthetically agreeable as real wood. I happen to really like the edge of plywood showing, maybe not all the time perhaps but there is a lot of modern furniture out there and modern designers who do not hide the plywood edges but instead make integral to the piece's look by exposing it. Would I put such furniture in my house? I don't know but I've seen many examples that I've liked.
One point worth consideration, MDF is the preferred sheet good for speaker cabinets due to higher density and lower stiffness which dampens cabinet resonances.
High end speakers use baltic birch plywood, usually with a veneer.
MDF is the preferred *inexpensive* sheet good for speakers. As LBCAndrew rightly points out, Baltic birch ply has been and continues to be the standard for speaker enclosures of a serious calibre.
when i cut ply, i tend to put painters tape over the area im gonna cut to prevent tearout. also just cut it slow helps too.
Also, if you're cutting it on a table saw, you may want to get a zero clearance insert to prevent the tearout.
Same
A couple of other things help too. First, get the right tablesaw blade. Don't use just any old crappy combination blade you pick up at HD or Lowe's. Get a good Freud or Forrest high tooth count combination carbide tipped blade. Clean it frequently. And by frequently, I mean after every occasion where you saw plywood or MDF or relatively green lumber. I even go so far as to wax my tablesaw blades. Then again, I live in an area of extreme humidity so I have to in order to prevent rust. But it's a good idea for any woodworker with the time./inclination.
Learned so much, thanks for making this 🙏🏻
You're welcome Serapent, thanks for watching!
Really good differentiation on the two. Seeing the long-term wear example of the MDF is excellent.
Which is better for bedroom Mdf or plywood ?
I live on the Texas Coast, so humidity is always high, even with painting, MDF doesn't seem to last long and will start to swell after a short time.
Yes, same thing here in New Zealand, the humidity alone turns the MDF into Weetbix. I suppose you would need to run a dehumidifier constantly if one wanted to use MDF. I avoid MDF at all costs!
I live in Ontario, and even here the humidity messes up MDF, if you live near a lake or something. Largely switched to OSB here.
just completed large shelving project. Used bc plywood for some, mdf for others. Both supported on brackets on 16" OC studs. Both firmly supported. Big difference when you paint them. paint on plywood raised the grain badly and had to sand between all three coats.Primed and painted mdf one coat...much better finish. Also could put a nice round over on the mdf. No way with plywood. Just my experience.
This video is exactly what I needed!! Thank you❤
You've done a very good job and a very comprehensive presentation my friend..
The only thing I used to use mdf back in the nineties, was when we needed to build cheap flat cabinet doors with routered edges.. it gives you a smooth finish look and if it's sprayed primer an two coats of paint it looked great.. we even made raised panel cab doors imitation... a lot of router work... and all that dust that came with...
Now days cabinet doors are very economical... thank God... and we only use mdf for shelving sometimes..
It would be nice if you "updated" this video with an "MDF vs OSB vs plywood" video.
I agree. Or, do an MDF vs. OSB video.
@@oldfart269 Apples and oranges. Nothing to compare too
@@lightbulb1982 MDF and OSB are both produced from wood by-products. MDF is sawdust, glued and compressed. OSB is wood chips, glued and compressed. Both are used for various construction purposes, but I would take OSB over MDF if I had a roof to replace, or subfloor to put in.
Appearance wise, I would consider MDF for shelving, if I had to put in a shelf for low stress use. OSB doesn't offer the visual appeal.
@@oldfart269 I actually disagree, I quite like the "rough" vibe you can get with natural osb.
I really don’t think OSB belongs in this comparison. OSB is really for rough carpentry not interior shelves, cabinets or built-ins.
I agree, MDF has fewer uses than plywood.
You helped me decide between plywood and mdf for my next project. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Algos!
I came here to look for information about the best one to use, since I’m renovating my room and Im kinda in a small budget so this really helps . Thanks.
I'm a young painting contractor, and though I haven't spent a lot of time building, I am exposed to a lot of renovation work. I agree with you in the sense that plywood is better than mdf is almost all situations. MDF is amazing for both floor and door trim, and works really well when applied as cleats for shelving. It finishes is extremely well, and can be really durable when paired with sturdier finish coats. (Such as Benajamin Moore's Advance line) One application I see MDF used that I would highly recommend NOT using it for is shelving. Although it finishes really well and is durable, after several years MDF will start to sag/bow in the center of the shelves. Otherwise it can be a really amazing trim product, and would still highly recommend it for anything non-structural such as shiplap!
Yup. It is inevitable/axiomatic that an MDF shelf will droop over time. Even if you never place anything on it, MDF cannot support even its own weight.
Which is better for bedroom Mdf or plywood ?
Very good comparison. In my case, being 81 years old, you miss to mention the heavy weight of something made of mdf vs play wood
He did mention it in the video
Thanks for the great video! I have built a few nightstands and end tables, all with plywood and solid wood tops and drawer faces. Thinking of doing a bathroom vanity and now will stay with oak veneered plywood for that. Definitely the possibility of water getting inside of MDF, there, so it's still worth using plywood instead of MDF for that. You have some really nice, honest, "tell it like it is" videos. I have learned a LOT from them! Thank you!
What would you recommend for an office desk tabletop?
@@KingRockets I used red oak planks doweled and glued together for all my tops. Did a patio table with that, too. It's been out in the weather since March and shows no signs of problems...yet. Used 5 coats of exterior poly on it.
This was a very well presented video. Thank you very much!
I limit my use of MDF to well-supported surfaces where FLAT and SMOOTH are key, e.g., sacrificial layer on top of my work bench or sawing surfaces (even Festool does this) and for jigs, sacrificial fences on table saws, and miter gauge extensions.
I haven’t build any panels with it (yet), but it should be good for decorative work that is well sealed and not exposed to a lot of hard wear.
So what did You use to hold down a sheet of MDF as a work surface if screws aren't the best?
In the uk we have moisture resistant and for higher quality hdf (high density) which machines much better
Awesome video learned alot. Been watching alot of your videos since I tidyed up shed. Quality thanks bro
MDF has multiple grades as well. LDF, MDF, and HDF. Most of what I see at home improvement stores is either LDF or MDF. Some dedicated wood suppliers carry HDF and the surface finish is night and day different from MDF. HDF also weighs considerably more because the filler is finer and therefore more dense. I used to use an ultra lightweight MDF that had very dense surfaces but the core didn't have the same denseness. Great video with loads of good info.
What I've found is when using MDF often it is necessary to clean blades and router bits more often. Yes, plywood has glue too but MDF has much more. Easy enough to do just have to remember to up the frequency (no its not that your blade is getting dull)
Great video! More than I needed to know! Thank you! 😎
Great pro/con video! I’m restoring a 1984 Winnebago and was looking at the difference between the two. I’m doing the roof and floor so I’m going plywood. Thanks