Choosing the right board is the first decision in any furniture project. Here is a straightforward comparison of the three boards we cut most often at our Peterborough workshop, and where each one works best.
At a glance
| MFC | MDF | Plywood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Chipboard core with a decorative melamine face on both sides | Fine wood fibres pressed into a smooth, uniform board | Thin wood veneers glued in alternating layers |
| Finish | Ready-finished – hundreds of colours and woodgrains | Raw (for painting) or decorative faced | Natural wood face, can be lacquered or painted |
| Best for | Kitchen and wardrobe carcasses, shelving, office furniture | Painted doors, routed profiles, CNC work | Van conversions, strong shelving, exposed-edge designs |
| Edging | Needs edgebanding on visible edges | Can be painted, edged or left profiled | Edges can be left on show or banded |
| Weight | Medium | Heaviest | Lightest for its strength |
MFC (melamine faced chipboard)
MFC is the workhorse of fitted furniture. Because the decorative surface is already applied, there is no painting or finishing to do – once it is cut and edged, it is ready to assemble. Brands such as Egger, Kronospan and Swiss Krono offer huge ranges of plain colours, woodgrains and stone effects, many with matching edging. 18mm is the most common thickness for carcasses and shelving.
Good to know: MFC must be edged on any exposed edge, and moisture-resistant versions are available for kitchens and bathrooms. Browse our Egger and Kronospan collections.
MDF (medium density fibreboard)
MDF has no grain and a very even core, so it cuts, routes and machines cleanly – ideal for shaker doors, decorative profiles and anything you plan to paint. It is heavier than MFC and plywood and does not hold screws in its edges as well, so pilot holes and the right fixings matter.
Good to know: moisture-resistant MDF is the better choice in kitchens and bathrooms, and pre-finished decorative MDF is also available. Explore our MDF boards.
Plywood
Plywood’s layered construction gives it an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strong screw holding, which is why it is the go-to board for campervan and van conversions, workshop fit-outs and heavy-duty shelving. Birch plywood has an attractive layered edge that many people choose to leave on show.
Good to know: for wet or outdoor use, choose a plywood specified for exterior or marine use. See our plywood range.
What about high-gloss and super-matt doors?
For premium kitchen and wardrobe doors, decorative boards such as Alvic Luxe and Senoplast give a high-gloss or super-matt finish. Pair them with matching 2mm edging for a seamless look.
Still not sure?
Tell us what you are building and we will recommend the right board. Call 07791 290848, WhatsApp 07479 219421 or email cutandedgexpress@gmail.com. Every board can be cut to size, edged and CNC machined in-house.