Written by Scott Legros
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an extremely versatile building product, chosen for its strength, affordability, durability, and consistency. An engineered material, made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into fine particles, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and pressing it with high temperature, MDF uses span a variety of home and professional projects, including:
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Medium density fiberboard, or MDF, and particle board are both pressed wood products often used for cabinets, shelving, furniture and paneling. The two materials share similarities in terms of price, density, strength and durability. MDF, made from fine wood fiber, is primarily used in cabinetry, shelving, furniture and molding. It’s easier to mill than particle
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Melamine panels and plastic laminate, used to build cabinets, office furniture and display counters, and white boards are often referenced interchangeably, but the two materials are slightly different. Melamine is a laminate, but not all laminates are melamine. Melamine Panel Melamine is considered, and often referred to as, a direct or low pressure laminate (LPL)
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Beadboard: DIY Projects that are simple and can transform any room Beadboard is an MDF panel with grooves made to resemble a tongue and groove pattern commonly used to mimic wainscoting alongside the bottom portion of walls. The material gets its name from the indentation or “bead” that is formed when pieces are fastened together.
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Historically, consumers might have considered laminate “low-end,” not only in terms of price, but for look as well. But over the years, laminate has improved dramatically in finishes and durability, and can create a high-end kitchen design. Pionite is a versatile plastic laminate made up of layers of treated paper that forms a extremely hard-wearing
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
The rough edges of plywood that show off the wood’s composite composition are often covered up with veneer and edging to produce a neat, polished, “finished” look. As industrial, rustic and DIY aesthetics sweep the home design scene, though, leaving the edges of plywood unfinished or even featuring this visually interesting characteristic in a more
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Baltic birch is a popular type of plywood, particularly in cabinet and furniture making. It’s naturally stronger and more durable than other types of plywood and often has an attractive, uniform face (depending on the grade). This type of plywood gets its Baltic name from the area the trees are harvested from, the Eastern European
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Not all composites — in fact, not all medium density fiberboards — are created equal. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a composite product used in many home and professional projects, such as furniture, cabinetry, flooring and even speaker boxes due to its smooth finish, machinability, strength and consistency. All MDF is made using a process
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Hardwood and even cheaper plywood isn’t necessarily the best material for every project. Depending on the application, a composite material may be a more affordable and better suited option. There are also some uses where composites are the only acceptable solution. Just as there are many hardwoods, builders and DIY-ers have their choice of composite
Read more »
Written by Scott Legros
Typically sold in four foot by eight-foot sheets, handling plywood presents a bit of a challenge beyond the general safety procedures involved in any woodworking project. Safely Hefting Around a Hulking Piece of Plywood Part of what makes plywood such a great material is its sheer size. Unfortunately, that quality also poses one of its
Read more »
