If you are doing some construction around the house, then using the right materials is always important. Two materials that you may be considering using are MDF and laminate. Now, both laminate and MDF are great, but they are also very different and do not at all serve the same purposes.
Let’s figure out what both are, what makes them similar and different, and which one to use for specific applications.
MDF and Laminate: The Basics
Before we talk about similarities and differences, let’s first determine what both MDF and laminate are.
What Is MDF?
MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard, which is a type of engineered wood. MDF is made by taking old wood shavings and scraps, usually from the milling process, and then mixing them with binders and resin to form a mass.
This mass is then pressed with great amounts of heat to form a solid and rigid panel with a hard outer shell. It is then sanded down so that it becomes very smooth.
MDF is not overly durable or moisture resistant, but it is strong enough to use for basic indoor purposes, such as for furniture and cabinetry. It is also very cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to paint, therefore making it quite popular.
What Is Laminate?
We then have laminate, otherwise known as laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is a material made up of various layers and substances. It usually consists of an inner core made of melamine resin and fiberboard materials, and may even contain particle board on the inside.
This inner core is then covered with an image layer, the graphics to make it look nice, and an outerwear layer, which is some kind of plastic resin, to help increase durability and to make it waterproof. These are quite strong and durable, designed to be walked on, and come in many different colors, styles, and sizes.
Similarities of MDF and Laminate
Now that we know what both MDF and laminate are, let’s figure out what makes them similar. As you are about to see, there isn’t much similarity here at all.
1. They Contain Engineered Wood
Really the only similarity shared is that MDF is a type of engineered wood, whereas laminate usually has an engineered wood core. It’s a very minor similarity, and in fact, it is the only one.
Differences Between MDF and Laminate
Now that we know what makes these two things similar, let’s figure out what makes MDF and laminate different.
1. The Composition
Of course, the main difference here is that MDF is a type of engineered wood made of wood fibers and resin. Laminate flooring is a composite material made of many layers, with just a bit of engineered wood on the inside. They really aren’t the same things at all.
2. Durability
The next difference between these two materials is that technically speaking, laminate is the more durable of the two. If you have laminate flooring installed, it is quite impact resistant. Its composition makes it very durable in this sense. It is also resistant to scratching and other forms of damage. MDF, on the other hand, is not very impact resistant at all. It can break rather easily, and it is easily scratched.
3. Weight-Bearing Capabilities
Although laminate is used as flooring, it actually cannot bear much or any weight if not supported with a good subfloor. If you have a piece of laminate supported on just the sides, and you step on it, it will snap in half. MDF on the other hand, while it also cannot bear too much weight, can bear enough for you to stand on it if needed.
4. Moisture Resistance
You then also need to consider that MDF is not very moisture resistant at all. This is not something you could use for outdoor applications, and certainly not to make a floor where there is a lot of moisture. MDF will absorb water, at which point it will crumble. Laminate flooring on the other hand is designed specifically for this purpose, that being long-term usage as a floor. Laminate flooring is also waterproof.
5. Appearance
MDF just does not look very nice at all. Sure, it is smooth, which makes it easy to paint, but on its own, it doesn’t look nice. Laminate flooring, however, comes in virtually all colors of the rainbow, and in many styles too. It’s flooring and it’s meant to look nice.
6. General Uses
MDF is best used for purposes such as the making of low-end furniture and cabinets. On the other hand, laminate is used almost exclusively as flooring.
MDF vs. Laminate: Which Should You Use?
Which one you use really comes down to what you are doing. For flooring, use laminate, and for furniture and cabinets, use MDF.
Summary
Now that you know exactly what both MDF and laminate are, you can choose which one to use for a variety of applications.