MDF Board or Shuttering Plywood? A Quick Comparison

Selecting a suitable material is more important than you may think when initiating a construction or interior design project. Most individuals confuse which of the MDF boards and shuttering plywood to use when looking into the building process or interior decorating. These two are common ones, but they serve very different purposes. Whether you’re working on furniture, cabinets, or a complete building project, understanding the differences will help you make the right decision.

Here in this blog, we will deconstruct each material’s uniqueness, its advantages and disadvantages, and where each excels. The tough duel between MDF and a shuttering plywood is about to go down, and we are here to assist you in the selection of the right choice for your upcoming project!

What is MDF?

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is an engineered wood material manufactured out of wood fibers, wax, and resin, which is pressed to form a sheet. It is among the most widely used materials in indoor Woodworking and furniture making.

Features of MDF:

•  Flat and nonconditioned surface
•  Easy to paint or laminate
• Low-cost and lightweight 
• Suitable in decorative finishes 

MDF boards will be generally used in cabinets, wall panels, and any other interior structural work where the look is more important than strength.

What is Shuttering Plywood?

Shuttering plywood is a hard and durable version of plywood manufactured and sold as a construction material. Many simply use it as a mold or a formwork for concrete structures. Several thin layers of wood, which are pressed together using waterproof glue, produce this kind of plywood board since it is strong and water-resistant.

Features of Shuttering plywood:

•          High strength and weight-bearing capacity 
•          Weather and moisture resistant 
•          Can be used in several construction cycles
•          A more rugged finish, created to perform

Owing to its strength, Shuttering plywood is used in framework construction, bridges, beams, and large slabs of concrete.

MDF vs Shuttering Plywood – Major Differences

Now, we are going to compare MDF and shuttering plywood by different factors:

Pros and Cons

MDF Board:

Pros:

• Super soft to handle
• Excellent painting and decorative material
•  Cost-effective for large indoor utilization
•  Various thicknesses Disponible

Cons:

•  Not waterproof
•  When wet, it may swell or warp
• Not as strong as plywood

Shuttering Plywood:

Pros:

• Very stiff and long-lasting
• It can be used in more than one construction project
• Moisture resistances
• Ideal for heavy loads

Cons:

• Unsmooth, it could not be used as the decoration
• Densely packed as compared with the MDF board
• It may be more costly

Other Alternatives: Versatile Plywood Boards

Then there are other types of plywood which are also excellent middle ground products besides MDF and shuttering plywood. To give an example, a common plywood board works both indoors and outdoors.

Such plywood is popular:

• General furniture plywood: Commercial plywood
• Waterproof plywood: It can also be used in kitchens and bathrooms
• Marine plywood: Very durable and waterproof
• MDF board plywood: A combination for interior-grade applications

These options provide higher flexibility according to the environment and the kind of project to which you are involved.

Which of These Should you choose?

Before making a choice, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you doing indoor or outdoor projects?
• Are you looking for a finishing touch or a good framework?
• Does it matter that it is water resistant?
• How much is your budget?

In case you are decorating a piece of furniture, a TV console, or any other decorative wall, then MDF is preferable. It can easily be cut, and it is lightweight, having a professional finish.

Shuttering plywood, on the other hand, is your inverted answer in case you are rumbling concrete or constructing a structure. It is durable and water resistant, and able to carry the weight of any magnitude without bending or cracking.

Final Thoughts

Shuttering plywood and MDF are both useful in the field of construction and design. It is all about knowing what the project requires. In case it is the aesthetics, economy, and easily putting a finishing touch, consider the MDF board. If your interest is durability, water resistance, and reusable, then the shuttering plywood would be your choice.

There is no one-size-fits-all material. The finest solution will be to pair the wood and the plywood material with your particular project requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Interiors and furniture should be made of MDF board
• Construction – Shuttering plywood should be selected to cast-in concrete support
• Use moisture-prone areas, such as water-resistant plywood
• Diversify into other types of plywood boards to be used in general work

Whenever next you find yourself at a crossroads wondering whether to use plywood, MDF, or shuttering plywood, just turn to this guide and make the material that can not only make your project stronger but can also make you stronger, because every project is only as strong as the builder himself!