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MDF vs. Plywood Cabinets: Which Is Best for Your Remodel?
By: Andrew Saladino | 
6 min
July 16th, 2023
Can't decide whether medium-density fiberboard (MDF) vs. plywood cabinets are better for your home? If you want a natural wood alternative but aren't familiar with the differences between the composition, strength, appearance, and price of the two materials, it can be hard to make an informed decision.
Both cabinet materials have their own unique characteristics, and the choice will largely depend on your needs, budget, and design preferences. Here's a guide to the pros and cons of MDF vs. plywood cabinets so you can make the best choice for your kitchen remodel.
MDF vs. Plywood Cabinets: What's the Difference?
Here's a quick look at the differences between MDF and plywood cabinets.
| Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) Cabinets | Plywood Cabinets | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Wood fibers and resin | Thin layers of wood veneer glued together |
| Appearance | Smooth surface, no visible grain | Visible wood grain for a real wood-like appearance |
| Durability | Prone to moisture damage, less structurally sound | More resistant to moisture, stronger, and more stable |
| Workability | Easy to cut, shape, machine, and paint, but don't anchor screws well | Slightly more difficult to cut and exposed edges need to be finished, but anchor screws well |
| Price | More affordable $1,500-$5,000 for a 10'x10' kitchen remodel | More expensive $2,500-$8,000 for a 10'x10' kitchen remodel |
| Sustainability | Recycle sawdust and wood shaving waste | Do not cause as much deforestation as natural wood products |
What Are Medium-Density Fiberboard Cabinets?
MDF cabinets are constructed using a multipurpose wood product made by combining hardwood and softwood fibers with resin under high temperature and pressure. The result is a uniform wood material with no grain pattern.
MDF cabinets are highly regarded for their affordability and consistent quality. Their smooth surface makes them ideal for paint, veneer, or laminate, allowing for a seamless finish. The lack of grain also makes MDF a great material for cabinet designs requiring complex curves and cuts, since the edges are less likely to catch and fray over time.
Pros:
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Affordable: MDF cabinets are generally more affordable than natural wood and plywood cabinets. -
Smooth and uniform surface: The consistent density and lack of wood grain make MDF cabinets a great choice for painting, veneering, and laminating. You also don't need to finish the edges.
Cons:
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Weight: MDF cabinets are dense and heavy, making them more difficult to transport and work with for certain projects. -
Lack of structural strength: While MDF cabinets are sturdy, they're not as structurally sound as plywood or solid wood.
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Susceptible to water damage: MDF is highly absorbent and swells or deforms when exposed to moisture, making it less than ideal for high-moisture environments or areas prone to water contact.
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is a popular sheet material made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together with the grains alternating. This construction method gives it considerable strength, stability, and durability, making plywood an exceptional kitchen cabinet material.
Plywood kitchen cabinets are a reliable choice for hard-working kitchens because of their ability to resist warping and their high load-bearing capacity -which is why all of Kitchen Cabinet Kings' cabinets feature Grade-A plywood cabinet boxes. Additionally, plywood's natural wood grain appearance lends itself well to projects where a more organic and traditional look is desired, like stained cabinetry.
Pros:
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Strength and stability: Thanks to its cross-laminated construction, plywood is known for its load-bearing capacity and resistance to warping, twisting, or shrinking.
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Natural wood appearance: Plywood's visible wood grain gives it an attractive and natural appearance perfect for transitional and traditional style kitchen cabinets. High-quality plywood looks especially good stained.
Cons:
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While plywood cabinets are more affordable than natural wood cabinets, they are pricier than MDF or other wood cabinet alternatives like particleboard.
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Range of grades: Not all plywood cabinets are created equal. There are different grades of plywood varying in quality and performance, so it's essential to source Grade-A plywood cabinets from a trusted company like Kitchen Cabinet Kings.
Physical Qualities
MDF and plywood look very different because of the way they're constructed.
MDF cabinets do not have a visible wood grain, but instead have a uniform density and consistent surface. Their smooth surface lends itself well to painting. However, staining MDF cabinets may end up looking messy, and since MDF isn't very moisture-resistant, it's possible the material will soak up the stain and warp.
On the other hand, plywood cabinets display a visible wood pattern, which lends an organic element to projects. Because of the porosity of the wood grain, plywood cabinets take well to stain. You can paint plywood cabinets, but it requires additional steps like sanding to execute. The edges of plywood cabinets also need to be finished since you'll be able to see the thin veneer layers otherwise.
Strength and Durability
When it comes to strength and durability, plywood cabinets have the upper hand over MDF cabinets.
While sturdy, MDF cabinets lack the structural integrity of plywood. They're not as strong or rigid, making them less suitable for applications that require high levels of strength or load-bearing capacity without reinforcement. They're also more susceptible to moisture damage, putting them at risk of warping, swelling, or even disintegrating. While MDF can be durable in certain contexts, it's not the best choice for kitchen remodels that require resilience.
Plywood's cross-laminated construction creates a strong and resilient material ideal for kitchen cabinets. Quality plywood cabinets have excellent load-bearing capacity and can withstand heavy loads without easily bending or breaking. they're also more water-resistant than natural wood and MDF cabinets, which helps them avoid warping, twisting, and shrinking.
Workability and Installation
MDF and plywood are both highly workable cabinet materials in their own contexts.
MDF works well for cabinets requiring complex cuts, intricate designs, or other detailed work because of its consistent composition. It cuts smoothly, resulting in precise and clean edges. However, it does produce a lot of sawdust when cut, so it's best to work with it in ventilated areas. It's also heavier than plywood, which can make transportation and cabinet installation more challenging.
Plywood doesn't perform as well for complex cuts and may splinter at the edges. That's not to say it's impossible to cut plywood cabinets without getting frayed edges, but it takes an extra level of expertise. On the bright side, it's easier to use screws with plywood cabinets vs. MDF. While MDF is too soft to anchor screws well, plywood's cross-laminated structure provides good screw-holding strength. Cabinets made from plywood are also lighter than those made from MDF, making them more manageable for transportation and installation.
Environmental Impact
Both MDF and plywood cabinets are more environmentally friendly than natural wood cabinets, but they have unique considerations that should be taken into account.
Since MDF cabinets are made from recycled materials, they reduce waste and do not contribute to deforestation. However, the resin used in MDF may contain formaldehyde-based binders, which can emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. This can be mitigated by using low-emission or formaldehyde-free MDF cabinets.
Because plywood cabinets are made from thin wood veneers, they require less wood than solid wood cabinets. Old plywood cabinets can also be recycled and reused for other purposes. However, similar to MDF, plywood's environmental impact also depends on the adhesives used during production. There are formaldehyde-free and low-VOC plywood cabinet options that make them a more sustainable choice.
Price
In terms of price, MDF cabinets tend to be more affordable than plywood cabinets. The cost difference can range anywhere from 10-15%, making MDF a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking for versatile and cost-efficient kitchen cabinets.
Plywood cabinet prices vary depending on factors like grade, type of wood veneer, and specific manufacturing processes used. Cabinets made from higher-grade plywood are typically more expensive, but they're a valuable investment for strength and durability.
MDF vs. Plywood Cabinets FAQs
Still not sure if MDF or plywood cabinets are the right choice for you? Here are answers to the most common questions about the two cabinet materials to help make your decision easier.
Why use MDF instead of plywood for cabinets?
You might use MDF instead of plywood if you want to paint your cabinets or add custom embellishments or curves, as MDF performs better in these applications than plywood. MDF also might be the right choice if you want to keep costs low on your kitchen renovation.
Which is better, plywood or MDF?
Whether plywood or MDF is better depends on the specific needs of your project, like if you want painted or stained cabinets. Plywood is superior in terms of durability, making it an ideal investment for cabinets. MDF is more affordable and provides a smoother surface for painting and veneering.
Are plywood cabinets stronger than solid wood?
Plywood cabinets are not as strong as solid wood. However, plywood cabinets are still a durable choice for a fraction of the cost of solid wood.
Trying to pick cabinet materials for a kitchen remodel? Our NKBA-certified team of designers can aid you in choosing materials and cabinets that match your vision and budget.
