MDF VS. PLYWOOD (Which Is Better?? Pros + Cons!!)

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MDF or PLYWOOD? Which material is better? What are the Pros and Cons of both? Most DIYers want to know these things. In this video, The Honest Carpenter breaks down the similarities and differences between MDF and Plywood!

Both MDF and plywood are used in a variety of projects--but they mostly are used to build shelving, built-ins and cabinets. They can also be used in paneling projects.

They are both made of wood byproducts and glue. But, Plywood is made of actual wood layers, or "veneers"; each layer runs 90 degrees to the layers above and below it. MDF is made from fine wood pulp and glue--it's kind of like cake batter that gets pressed into a sheet.

COST: MDF is generally a bit cheaper than plywood, about $35 per sheet. But, plywood comes in a huge variety of grades and types, with prices all over the place. Sandeply and radiata pine plywood tend to be reasonably priced, under $40. But cabinet-grade plywoods, like birch, maple and oak, can be up to $65 per sheet.

STRENGTH: Plywood is much stronger than MDF because of the cross-laid grain layers.

DURABILITY: Plywood is also more durable than MDF for this same reason. The corners hold up better--they don't get dinged or bent as badly.

WORKABILITY: They both respond to tools in a similar fashion. MDF will produce sharper, cleaner cuts than plywood, which tends to tear out. Both can be drilled with drill bits. But, plywood holds a screw much better, especially in the edge. MDF edges should basically never been fastened into without extra support.

DUST CONTROL: Plywood makes dust similar to other lumber. But, MDF makes terrible dust! It's like a powder. Be sure to wear a respirator and hook up vacuum filtration for your cuts.

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR: Plywood comes in both grades. But MDF is really an interior material. The wood pulp fibers make it soak up water like a sponge. It will bloat and rot quickly.

On the whole, I like plywood a lot more. But, MDF is a decent cheap alternative, and it also is very FLAT, which is one of its main advantages over plywood.

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[TheHonestCarpenter]

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[calvinbutler]

As a novice to wood working, this content is gold. I’m sure it’s useful to non novices as well, but I cant express how much confusion each of your videos clears up for a novice. Thanks dude.

[TVB-Co-Thuy]

So my first time here and my first impression was: He's pretty honest with the explanation. And then I looked at the the channel's name. Good work mate!

[ParadoxicLunatic]

Scroll along, I’ve got nothing useful to say other than that I really appreciate how clearly and calmly you explain everything in an unbiased, well grounded manner. Thank you :)

[steadyeddie]

Just my opinion but I have found that the biggest advantage of MDF is that it perfectly flat and void of defects. So you get the entire sheet to work with, and you don't have to work around knots and voids. I have made many jigs using it, and my table saw extension tables are doubled up 3/4" MDF covered by a plastic panel material, making cutting sheet goods a breeze. And when it comes to fastening I try to incorporate dados, rabbets, and grooves to help support the material. Then glue and screw as usual. And if you are really concerned, Confirmat (RTA) screws are made specifically for MDF. Good video, thanks.

[MichaelButlerC]

I used to use MDF all the time for building speaker enclosures (mostly to house subwoofers in cars). Its weight was actually an advantage there, and I would still recommend it for audio speaker enclosures.

[kennycoulter]

I went to school for art, and I grew to love mdf for its smooth finish. We used it under acrylic when we would mill pieces. We would also use it for sculpture, as you can use scrap pieces that are still extremely flat, glue them up, sculpt, then cover with fiberglass resin to essentially make a very durable and heavy solid sculpture.
my friend and I started making speaker boxes out of it and quickly learned about the layers splitting out.

[Eklipzek]

Sometimes I feel like the only person in the world who actually loves the layers along plywood edges, totally happy to have them on display!

[LetsBuildThatApp]

This didn't make much sense the first time I watched this a year ago. Having worked with both during lockdown, I can't agree with this video more.

[CCoburn]

Great video. One thing that MDF is good for is jigs -- anything where you need a REALLY smooth edge.

[SilentBil]

I really liked this video. I work at a lumber/plywood/tools hardware store (not Lowe's or home Depot it's privately owned) and to be honest this is more training on plywood than I've gotten in 4months work experience. I'm the plywood guy and I work in the plywood bay, it's just me and only me for 4 months, it's just me working there and most of the time I can help customers but every now and then I get people talking about certain things I just don't understand and this video taught me a lot more than my boss ever has. Thanks :) will subscribe to learn more

[diletomarcenaria]

Nice straight forward explanation! In Brazil we use mostly mdf. They have this melamine material that comes in virtually all colors and grains designs that are just really modern looking. Since our cabinet projects include mostly straight lines and flat surfaces, just about every project is 90% mdf (white melamine for the boxes of the inside of cabinetry and wood or decorative melamine for the doors, drawer fronts, sides and so on). Oh and there are all kinds of edge tape and aluminum trim for everything also. Our sheets are very large, 6x9 or 10, but we use bigger table saws, actually I think they're called panel saws, with one moving table. One other thing, they do make this water resistant mdf (which is of this green substrate, or red for fire repellent), but still only for interior projects. Exterior mdf is available, but really expensive.

[besaid]

It's just nice to hear someone talk about something they know

[Slidaulth]

Only use mdf when 100% certain it won't get wet. Ever.

[rolandmetayer]

Thank you VERY MUCH for your time and expert advice. I am a beginner DIY and the reason that I use MDF is the lower price. Furthermore, if I screw up, it doesn't cost me as much to start over. I do agree with you when you say that plywood is much stronger and that plywood holds screws much better than MDF. I really enjoyed your video ! ! Cheers from Canada, Polar Bear country.

[RogerDiscombe]

In the UK we have an exterior grade of MDF available. I used it for a bird feeder, the material is not very attractive but so far it is surviving.

[FrancoDFernando]

I kinda like how the edge of plywood looks haha. I've seen woodworkers create furniture purposefully showing the edge, and I think it looks great!

[thefirestarterpack]

One use of MDF where it has an advantage over plywood is in speaker cabinets. Either for household or vehicle use. It does a much better job of minimizing cabinet vibrates and has been a great budget option for speaker enclosures.

[BrainFizz]

Pros and cons to both. It mostly boils down knowing the limitations and characteristics of the material. MDF is an amazing product when used properly. You can easily get a full 8’ span in MDF without sagging, just a torsion box with 12mm MDF and 18/25mm internals.
Edging is easily overcome with paintable edge banding.
Dust is the biggest drawback, MDF dust is cancenogeic (probably next generation asbestos),
But is stable, paints well. Machines well.
Bottom line, you can do great long term high end jobs with it. If you know your trade.

[Metalbass]

I actually like to glue a thinner plywood piece to a thinner MDF piece, and generally get a nice combination of the benefits of both. Glue a decent piece of actual wood on the outer edges, and for things like shelves it's great.