29/05/2026
There are many different type of wood for carpentry works and its really has its own pro and cons.
I also need to debunk that heavier not necessary to be better. You will find that particle board or MDF can be even heavier than solid wood or plywood.
For instance, plywood as it is one of the most versatile and plywood has different grade - similar ones are hard to judge while marine plywood are generally better but more expensive.
Here is general information about the different type of woods:
Plywood
1. Versatile as it can be as wide and as long without needing to piece them together. It can also be quite strong depending on the thickness and layers. The strength also quite uniform and not dependent on the wood grain direction.
2. Fairly cost effective depending on the grade, quality, thickness etc
3. quite easy to cut, even with hand saw is fairly possible to cut.
4. Strong holding strength when applying screws directly into it
Downside
1. Don’t have nice grain and if using raw, aesthetically not that nice. That’s why it is quite commonly pair with HPL or Veneer.
2. note ... all are plywood but it is not easy to judge their quality due to there are many different types of plywood in the market. It will also have little gaps which is common. Marine plywood will be better but expensive.
MDF - Medium density fiberboard
These are usually made out of recycled or left over wood or new wood shredded. Compressed with added glue compound
1. Very cheap
2. very smooth and easy to cut also.
3. very smooth surface so no need to do extra sanding etc.
very common in speaker construction, bed base for the mattress to rest on top and etc. usually also pair with veneer or laminates sheets to make the exterior look nicer.
Downside
1. Not as solid or strong compared to plywood
2. Really doesn’t hold screw very well... the MDF will break easily.
3. Easily damage if there is a hard knock.
4. Soak up water like sponge and it will break up and swell. It’s almost not fixable once damaged.
Particle Board - Chipboard
very famously use by Ikea. Some of the China made furniture and contractors use it as replacement for plywood due to its low cost. These particle board are usually left over wood, recycle wood, or even new wood shredded, compressed with glue and chemical.
1. Really much cheaper than MDF and plywood.
2. Common in ready to assemble furniture.
3. Quite lightweight but the lightweight is relative compare to MDF board. Still heavier compare to plywood.
4. commonly need to pair again with veneer, vinyl/pvc laminate or HPL laminate to make it more resilient to water.
Downside
1. Much less mechanical strength versus plywood
2. As it is chemically constructed, it is easily damaged by water like MDF. it will soak up water if not wipe quickly. Swell and bloated and not fixable.
Above is the basic introduction to the types of wood used on carpentry works. Be vigilant when choosing your contractors that fabricate your carpentry works. Not knowing what materials they use will eventually cost you hazards and problems in the future. Ask to show the materials they are using or visit their factory to avoid misleading information.
