Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Jun 14, 2008 12:43am | #1

   In particleboard, the wood is chopped up into lots of little pieces, stewed for a while, and then glued up into panels. In MDF, the wood is chemically treated to separate into its individual fibers, stewed for a while, and then glued up into panels.

   MDF is generally stronger, smoother and more uniform in density. Particleboard is generally cheaper. The one you would choose depends on the application.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   oldusty | Jun 14, 2008 01:45am | #2

     Hi chomper ,

               MDF and particle board are different products and yes, there is a difference in the two .
        I would ask for the application at hand or for various different scenarios to be able to determine which one is best .

        Depending on what you want to end up with ? Either may be used for various tasks but for say Paint grade cabinet door panels or other parts and window sills and such MDF is a superior product (I didn't say I love the stuff ) most painters prefer it to wood .

         One difference in PB and MDF the PB has larger particles and is a coarser blend of wood resin / glues & chemicals .

          The MDF is actually ground much finer into what is called wood flour not like the particles used in PB .

             Now there may be more then one way to manufacture MDF but this is how the local factory did it .

           The flour blended with the resins and such makes a smoother panel then PB .

                              dusty , from CVG Fir

        

3. 
   KeithNewton | Jun 14, 2008 02:17am | #3

   There are lots of grades of both. There are some softer, denser and lighter MDFs, and there are other grades of PB on up to industrial grades even in larger sizes. I really hate getting a job where I need 1 1/8" x 5' x 12'. I don't do that anymore.

   Also, there are some exterior grades, like extira. http://www.extira.com/

   Might be a good article for FWW if they have not done one recently.

1. 
   oldusty | Jun 14, 2008 05:08pm | #7

         Root Burl ,

                I think you are correct about an article in FWW , seems material / sheet goods is an area that little space is devoted to in the mag.

           The posters right here in this thread have given oodles of facts on pb & mdf just for starters .

          Perhaps an article explaining the different grades of plywoods and the types of cores and the pitfalls to avoid C###a ply for one . Many including the late and wonderful Jon Arno from FWW are very knowledgeable about lumber but don't have the hands on experience and wisdom when it comes to sheet stock .

      So many buy an sheet now and then , but are at the mercy of the big box er the store they go to . So much looks good but is of questionable quality , not to mention the contents can be a health risk to some .

                          regards           dusty

4. 
   Sean2112 | Jun 14, 2008 02:39am | #4

   Never use particle board. Ever.

1. 
   PlaneAround | Jun 15, 2008 02:34am | #9

   Sean, That's a shame you've never used particleboard or MDF, as both make excellent substrates when doing veneered pieces. I too used to be a "solid woods, only" kind of guy... until I discovered the beauty of bent laminations and rare wood species that are very difficult and overly expensive in their solid format. Try it and you may be surprised with the path your woodworking may take. As a separate issue, I have found a preference for particleboard for large veneered tabletops, as screws grab much better than MDF. On those occasions when I use MDF, I first plug the area with a solid wood tenon to allow the screw threads something to grab onto.Marty Schlosser
   http://www.martyswoodworking.ca

   Edited 6/14/2008 7:34 pm ET by Planearound

1. 
   BioHaz1906 | Jun 15, 2008 02:38am | #10

   Speaking of MDF and screws, what type do you guys use on MDF?  Someone told me drywall screws.  Is that so?

1. 
   PlaneAround | Jun 15, 2008 02:54am | #11

   Drywall screws have very little sheer strength and as such aren't suited for joinery. I use deck screws, as they are much stronger and have the necessarily coarse threads. If one is making primarily cabinets of MDF - which is not what I do, as I build mostly furniture - there is a production screw specifically engineered for the application. I can't recall their name, but they're self-tapping and have a robertson head on them which is excellent for production work. Hope this helps.Marty Schlosser
   http://www.martyswoodworking.caEdited 6/14/2008 7:57 pm ET by Planearound

   Edited 6/14/2008 7:57 pm ET by Planearound

1. 
   BioHaz1906 | Jun 15, 2008 03:02am | #12

   Sure does, I'll look up the screw you mentioned right now.  Thanks!

2. 
   BioHaz1906 | Jun 15, 2008 03:20am | #13

   heat-treated parallel-thread screws that have been designed specifically for composite panels are recommended. 

   That is what I have found on the net for MDF screws.  Don't know if those are something you find normally at the big box stores but I'll check. 

3. 
   oldusty | Jun 15, 2008 03:53am | #14

   confirmat may be the name you speak of

2. 
   Sean2112 | Jun 15, 2008 08:07pm | #15

   Marty,
   I use mdf all the time. It's a wonderful substrate and the surface paints out very slick.
   I have no use for pb. It's given me nothing but headaches over the years.
   Sean

1. 
   PlaneAround | Jun 16, 2008 02:10am | #16

   Sean, I went back and re-read your original input. Sorry for having misunderstood what it was you were saying. Would you mind describing the difficulties you've had with PB? One of my associates, who is undoubtedly one of the area's foremost studio furniture makers, uses it extensively as substrate material for very sophisticated veneer laminations.Marty Schlosser

5. 
   ring | Jun 14, 2008 07:35am | #5

   I'm not going to repeat what was already said about the technical differences. Personally I can't find any practical use for particle board at all. Depending on the application, you're better off with plywood or MDF (or even OSB for building purposes). Particle board is a nasty material invented for factory production.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   oldusty | Jun 14, 2008 04:57pm | #6

     David ,

                The countertop shops here in the West use PB for underlayment when fabricating laminate counter tops . They do use an industrial density panel that is laid up  under more pressure then a standard flake board .

          I don't use any PB in my production , some mdf for panels and such but the laminate shops use the PB because it is lighter and less costly for this substrate application .They do in some applications use MDF as well not sure when .

                      happy Fathers day

                                  dusty

     

1. 
   ring | Jun 14, 2008 07:00pm | #8

   Hi Dusty,

   In my neighborhood PB costs the same as MDF, so I don't have that justification.  Not that I'm in love with MDF but given the choice I'll pick it over PB anytime.

   regards,

    David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

6. 
   [email protected] | Jun 16, 2008 04:25am | #17

   I'm a bit confused with your terminology.  When you say underlayment, I think of a surface applied over a subfloor, to put either vinyl flooring or carpet onto.  And in that application particle board is very common and MDF is rare. 

   If you are intending to use it as the substrate in a furniture carcass, onto which you will apply veneers, then mdf is common, and the particle board is used  less frequently.