Uses of the Particleboard, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), and Plywood vary due to their different properties. Particleboards are used to make loader trays, covering hardwood floors, wall paneling, false ceilings, core door material, and many types of furniture. MDF is used in soundproofing, furniture, roofing, fire resistance, and vapor repulsion. Plywood has a lot of variants based on their manufacturing and uses like hardwood plywood, end fitment ply, shipping container flooring, shuttering ply, and LVL.
Based on different properties of the Particleboard, MDF, and Plywood, here is the comparison:
- Composition: Particleboard is a product formed by combining wood chips, shavings, fibers and, adhesives. MDF is made from very fine wood fibers glued and pressed together under high-pressure. Plywood is made by gluing together thin sheets of veneer which are arranged in cross-grain formation alternatively to build more strength.
- Strength: Particleboard is of low strength and cannot support heavy loads. MDF is not as strong as plywood and can be damaged if mishandled. Plywood on the other hand has variants that are very strong & rigid so much so that even compared to concrete and steel sometimes.
- Deformity: Moisture has a lot of impact on particleboard & MDF, and can change the dimensions of the material. But Plywood has improved stability due to cross graining.
- Holding capacity: Both Particleboard and MDF are soft and brittle in comparison to the plywood so their nails and screws holding capacity are very low. But plywood holds the nails and screws strongly due to its cross graining.