Furniture guide: Is MDF furniture right for my home?

By Pooja Khanna Tyagi

MDF furniture is manufactured with Medium Density Fibreboard which is an engineered wood composite. These boards are made of hardwood fibres that are bonded with synthetic resins under high temperature and pressure to create sheets of different thickness. Since these boards mimic the look of wood, they are used to manufacture furniture which substitute solid wood and plywood. Here's what you need to know about MDF furniture to decide if it is right for your home.

Since MDF furniture is made with waste wood, it is not only eco-friendly but also more economical in comparison to furniture made from solid wood or plywood. Its boards are popularly used for fabricating lightweight beds, wardrobes, tables, shelves, etc.

MDF furniture is factory-manufactured and can be finished with materials like laminate, real wood veneer or spray paint. The core material is smooth because of the absence of any knots or splinters which results in a smooth finish. Since it is a homogeneous material and is easy to work with, it is suitable for creating interesting shapes, incorporating 3D patterns, decorative designs and perforated panels.

MDF furniture comes in a ready-to-install form and is usually assembled on site. The best part about it is that it ensures a clean, dust-free and hassle-free installation process.

Furniture made of MDF material is light and has a smooth texture. Photo courtesy: Kalle Sanner/Bornstein Lyckefors Architects (picture is representative)

Unlike solid wood or plywood furniture, MDF furniture is not very strong and durable but is resistant to termites. It has to be handled with care. In case it gets damaged, it is difficult to repair it. Note that the drawers of MDF furniture cannot hold excess weight. Even the screws can loosen over time and tightening them may split the edges of the furniture.

MDF furniture has the tendency to soak water, swell and may break or disintegrate under pressure. Therefore, its edges should be properly sealed. One can use good quality varnishes and sealants to increase moisture resistance of the furniture. Yet, it is not advisable to use this furniture for outdoor seating or in moisture-laden areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

One major drawback of MDF furniture is that urea-formaldehye is used as a resin to bind the small particles of wood. As a result, the boards release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the surroundings for a certain period of time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to take utmost care while cutting, sanding and working with MDF boards to avoid inhalation of small wood particles and VOCs.

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