MDF vs. Hardwood Furniture

When browsing furniture stores in South Florida, for people it’s a tossup of whether they want MDF or hardwood to furnish their homes. There are two main differences between the two mainly when it comes to cost, but there are other aspects to MDF and hardwood furniture that isn’t well known. 

What is MDF?

People may not be familiar with the term “MDF” or how it pertains to furniture, knowing is just half the battle. MDF stands for “medium density fibreboard” and in all densities, it’s made from wood fibers. These fibers are tiny pieces softwood and hardwood that are mixed in a resin and wax, and then heated up before being pressed tightly together. This creates fibreboard and chances are you probably or someone you know owns furniture made from fibreboard. 

There are different levels of density for fibre board, the main two being low and medium density. Low density fibreboard is often referred to as particleboard since it’s made out of smaller wood fibers, like sawdust. Its low-density rate makes it a cheaper alternative to most piece of furniture, but it’s weaker then MDF. 

MDF is better than particle board because the medium density hits the sweet spot in terms of cost and functionality when applied to living furniture in South Florida. The medium density makes it serviceable since it’s not prone to contract and expand when exposed to humidity and heat like solid wood. Another advantage if MDF is able to take colors better then the solid wood furniture and since it’s made out of recycled wood, it’s helping to save trees. Chemicals used in the production of MDF also makes it a hostile environment for pests like termites to live in and is poisonous to other pests as well. Furniture made from this material also come with a lower price tag and a veneer is be attached easily to give it the appearance of real wood. 

How Hardwood Holds Up

Hardwood is a popular choice in furniture stores in South Florida with its reputation to stand up well to heavy use over the years. Hardwood furniture is popular for its longevity and ability to withstand the test of time but does require care when it comes to heat and humidity. If the air is too dry, the wood will crack and if standing water is left on its surface overnight, it will swell. 

Furniture made out of solid wood also suffers from the drawback of having natural knots that can be hard to work with and make prevent certain pieces from fitting together effortlessly. While these knots are often welcomed as part the craftmanship of the furniture, it’s often an annoyance for people who prefer a certain aesthetic. 

There’s also the cost to consider when considering living room furniture in South Florida that’s made from MDF since it’s usually cheaper then hardwood. MDF is also easier to shape then hardwood, so it’s often a find choice for elaborate designs for people to have certain preference. There are also certain kinds of wood that don’t make good furniture and if not shaped well, a piece of furniture can fall apart. 

The type of materials you choose to have your furniture made from boil down to aesthetic and price at the end of the day. Both hardwood and MDF have their pros and cons, with neither being better than the other. The main concern people have with MDF are the chemicals used in making that are less child-friendly compared to others, but the industry is constantly changing in the production of these materials. 

Whether you choose to go with MDF or hardwood furniture, the choice ultimately relies on which one you like best. MDF is cheaper, takes colors better, and is less prone to pests since the chemicals used in its production make it uninhabitable for bugs. Hardwood furniture is more expensive, but is made from pure wood and does require a bit of maintenance to help it last a long time.