Manufactured Boards

Question 1

What are the advantages of MDF? (manufactured boards)

Answer 1

Come in large sizes (2440mmx1220mm),
Come in a range of thicknesses, board specific thicknesses,
Less prone to wrapping for movement, lack of a grain so they are more stable,
Usually cheaper than natural timber,
Considered sustainable, made from waste of timber,
Consistent board quality

Question 2

What are the Disadvantages of MDF? (Manufactured Board)

Answer 2

MDF = Medium Density Fibrewood
Engineered wood is easy to damage,
MDF absorbs water more quickly than wood
MDF can’t support too much weight,

Question 3

Characteristics of Plywood

Answer 3

Veneers of layered wood, usually at 90 degrees to previous layer,
Very strong = resists movement,
Excellent strength to weight ratio,
Alternating grain means the designer doesn’t have to consider grain in design,
The glue is used for maldehyde resin
Plywood can be more expensive than natural timber

Question 4

Characteristics of Chipboard

Answer 4

Made by compressing chips of wood together with resin glue,
Very cheap,
Unattractive,
Very difficult to work with by hand tools,
Cheaper than both ply and MDF but not as strong or durable