MDF vs. PVC: Which to Choose?

MDF vs. PVC: Which to Choose?

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MDF and PVC are two fairly common materials, however, both are very different, and usually aren’t used for the same purposes. Today, we want to find out what both MDF and PVC are, what they are used for, and what makes them different. Let’s help you figure out which one of these materials you might want to use for specific applications.

MDF and PVC: The Basics

Before we get to talking about the similarities and differences between MDF and PVC, let’s first figure out what they both are.

What Is MDF?

MDF is short for medium-density fiberboard, which is a special type of engineered wood. Either softwood or hardwood is taken and broken down into very small fibers. These fibers are then taken and mixed with wax and binding resin, which is then pressed with a great amount of heat into solid panels.

These solid panels are what is known as medium-density fiberboard. This material is generally used for indoor applications, particularly for cabinetry, desks, and other such pieces of furniture. It is certainly not the most durable material around, and it’s not water-resistant either.

What Is PVC?

We then have PVC, which stands for polyvinyl carbonate, which in simplest terms, is a type of plastic. This material is often used for things like plumbing pipes, as they have mostly replaced metal pipes.

PVC may also come in the form of flat sheets and is often used for things like moldings around doors, and windows, as well as along floors and ceilings. Seeing as it is plastic, it is quite hard, and it is also 100% waterproof.

Similarities of MDF and PVC

Now that we know what both of these substances are all about, let’s figure out what makes them similar to each other. As you will see, they don’t really have much in common.

1. They Are Often Used for Moldings

One of the most basic similarities between these two materials is that they are both often used for moldings, such as crown molding along floors and ceilings.

2. They’re Both Hard

Another similarity that both of these materials share is that they are both quite hard and smooth.

Differences Between MDF and PVC

Now that we know what makes these two building materials similar, let’s figure out what makes them different.

1. The Material

The most basic difference between these substances is that they are completely different materials. MDF is a mixture of wooden fibers, resin, and wax, whereas PVC is technically just a type of plastic, as it is a polymer.

2. Waterproofing

Another massive difference between these two materials is that medium-density fiberboard is not waterproof at all, and is not even really water resistant. It’s just not something that you want to use for outdoor applications. PVC, on the other hand, is a type of plastic and is therefore 100% waterproof. You can use this material outdoors with no problem.

3. Overall Durability

While PVC is not the most durable material in the world, it’s still much more durable than medium-density fiberboard. It takes a whole lot of force or impact to damage a PVC pipe or PVC crown molding. On the other hand, medium-density fiberboard cannot really support a lot of weight at all, and it can’t really handle much of an impact either. MDF just isn’t all that durable, especially when compared to PVC.

4. Ease of Working

Another major difference here is of course that with PVC, it’s not something that you would use to build walls, cabinets, or furniture, and you really can’t sand it down or paint it.

On the other hand, MDF is extremely smooth and is often used for cabinets, walls, and other such things. This material is also very easy to sand down and paint any color you see fit.

As long as you have the right saw, cutting PVC is easy enough to cut, although it’s not as easy to cut as MDF. You can cut MDF using virtually any type of saw out there.

5. Fire Resistance

PVC piping will melt if exposed to extreme amounts of heat or direct flame for prolonged periods of time. However, it is not nearly as susceptible to combustion as MDF. Medium-density fiberboard is very flammable and will catch fire fairly easily when exposed to an open flame, even for short periods of time.

6. General Usage

The most common use for PVC is for making pipes for plumbing. Yes, you can also make crown molding out of it, just like you can out of MDF. MDF on the other hand is generally used for making low-end furniture and cabinets.

MDF vs. PVC: Which Should You Use?

If you are doing molding, then PVC is best used outdoors and MDF is best used indoors. Of course, if you are putting in new pipes, they will obviously have to be made out of PVC, whereas if you are building your own desk or cabinet, it’s going to have to be MDF.

Summary

Now that you know what the main differences between these two building materials are, you can make an informed decision as to which ones you use for specific projects.