Multi-wood, plywood or MDF: Which is the best alternative for timber?

When it comes to furnishing interiors, nothing can beat the classy look and incredible elegance of timber-works. However, the shortage of good quality timber and its exorbitant price has made us turn to alternative furnishing products that are sturdy and pocket friendly too.

Multi wood
Multi-wood is the most widely used alternative for timber. Although multi-wood offers long-term guarantee, they have both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Fights moisture as it contains plastic.
• Suitable for long-term use as it can withstand any kind of weather.
• Suitable for both exteriors and interiors.
• Could be used without polishing the surface.

Disadvantages

• Unsafe for the environment as it is untreated.
• Could be used only in kitchen and bathrooms where it comes in contact with moisture.
• Screw holding would not be good as it has low density.

Plywood

Plywood is an engineered wood that combines thin layers of wood.

Advantages

• Looks more similar to timber than multi-wood.
• Could be cut into desired shapes and size.

Disadvantage

• Cannot used everywhere as it does not fight moisture.

MDF

Medium Density Fibre boards are also engineered wood made using wooden fibres separated from timber. There are multiple varieties of MDF boards designed for specific purposes.

Advantages

• High-quality material that is cheaper than other timber alternatives
• A better alternative for plywood and multi-wood
• MDF boards could be specially designed in HDF, pre-laminated, veneered MDF anti-cockroach varieties.
• Safe for the environment as it decomposes easily.

Disadvantages

• This is the wood variety that has the most fakes in the market.
• Adding unnecessary chemicals in soft-wood may cause losses in the future. This will lead to gas leaks and damage to appliances
• MDF boards made using tropical hardwood fibres should be bought as they last longer.