What is the difference between plywood construction and particle board (MDF board)?

Plywood is a series of wood veneers, sheets of wood cut from a log, glued together in a cross grain pattern making a composite sheet. Because of the cross grain pattern, plywood is more stable than solid wood. Wood expands and contracts in the direction of the grain. By alternating the grain pattern in each layer of veneer, plywood cancels most of the nature stresses caused by moisture and heat cycling. Exposed plywood are finished by either veneer of natural wood cherry, maple, birch etc.., painted, or have a sheet on lower pressure melamine applied. (melamine is a paper product with a print or image on the surface hardened with an aluminum oxide coating)

Particle board is a composite sheet wood product. The sheet is made by combine wood particles with a binder and either shaping via a mold and press operation or continuously pressing process. Since the sheet is a composite of wood fibers, there is very little directional movement. Particle board products are classified by their particle size and overall density. The higher the density the heavier the product, in general terms. Additionally, sheet products have grades based on quality control standards set by the industry. Exposed surfaces can be finished with either wood veneers, painting if the material is suitable, or a laminate low pressure melamine.

Which is better in Plywood vs. Particle Board? Unfortunately, the answer is “it depends”. Both products have features and benefits and there is no real winner in the head to head match up.

Weight – Plywood has a lower weight per square foot. The weight advantage is not a major benefit to the consumer except in certain specialized installations, wall hung vanity cabinets or large hung units.

Dimensional Stability – Particle board and more specifically MDF (Medium Density Fiber Board) has a greater level stability. In the carcass construction the more stable the material the better. To the consumer this becomes a major benefit in painted finishes. Most highly finished doors are MDF because of its stability.

Moisture Resistance – Plywood has the advantage. Plywood will be damaged by long term exposure to water, but the failure is longer in the cycle due to roting rather than structural failure. Particle board has a tendency to swell and lose structural strength quicker and with less exposure.

Construction Longevity – Plywood holds mechanical fasteners (nails, screws) better than particle board. Additionally, plywood has greater effectiveness in holding glued joints. A glued joint has much better physical properties than a mechanical joint. Higher end cabinets will have glued construction.

Surface Quality – Because of the process used to make particle board, its surface is better for paints, lacquers, and exotic veneers. MDF is generally accepted as the standard product for highly finished doors.

Cost – In very general terms particle board has the advantage in costs. The process and volume through put of a particle board production line is higher than plywood line. Also the basic feed stock for particle board is less expensive, because the material is often considered waste. Many plywood manufactures also have particle board lines to utilize waste product from their plywood lines. Depending on the cabinet manufacturer the cost savings by using particle board box construction ranges from 7% to 20%.

Green Benefit – For this particular discussion we are going to speak very briefly in terms of the glues used to make the finished sheet. “Green” products are products that do not introduce or emit toxins into the environment. The environment has several meanings. The first is in the broad sense, the global environment. The second is the local environment in which the product is placed. The glues used to make both plywood and particle board contain urea formaldehyde. The gases released over time from these sheets have been tagged as an environmental risk factor. Both plywood and particle board products used in modern cabinet manufacturing have certain level of these gases, unless specifically noted by the board manufacturer as being NON-urea formaldehyde based. Plywood cabinetry has a slight edge in this category, because there is less glue per square foot of finished product and therefore less potential off gases. However, there are several issues in the current market that doesn’t make this decision cut and dry. The importation of plywood from Asia and has caused concerns, because the higher allowable level of formaldehyde in foreign countries. Domestically produced board products are better choice in either construction method. **Note to the consumer** If cabinet company offers a plywood cabinet cheaper than a particle board cabinet, ask about the origin of the plywood and make an informed decision with all of the facts in hand.

Eco-Friendly – Good environmental stewardship is must and we urge everyone to take a role. The edge goes to particle board in this category. Because particle board is not dependent on large veneers, less desirable cuts that would not be used in plywood production can be used making it a bit more efficient. Also particle board can be produced from alternate fiber sources such as wheat, removing the need to harvest forest completely. However, there are a multitude of factors in the calculation and plywood has some strong points to be made such as farmed wood products and alternate veneer sources like bamboo. Eco-friendly has many meanings and the definition will continue to evolve over time.

Strength – Plywood has a marked advantage over particle board in tensile and shearing properties. In compressive strength plywood still has the advantage, but not as large.

When comparing carcass construction styles, there are many factors to consider and neither product has a clear advantage. You, the consumer, should look at your needs and make the determination which physical properties are the most important and balance those requirements against your budget.

How much of the work will we do?

We can do as much or as little as you would like us to do. Some clients like to do things like to their own paint jobs or the tear out to help with the budget. We are licensed to do all the basics in your project from tear out to complete remodel.

How much space is required between the wall cabinets & counter top?

18” is the space set by industry standards.  Most blenders, coffee makers and “on the counter appliances” in general are made with the 18″ of space as a guideline for them to determine the height of their products.  

Normal walkways between cabinets and an island or an appliance should be  at least 36” but  42” is preferred.

What size do cabinets come in?

Standard width sizes are usually in 3” increments with some exceptions.  Wall cabinet heights are 30”, 36”, 39″ 42”.   Base cabinet depth is 21″ for bathroom cabinets and 24” for base kitchen cabinets with 12″ of depth for a wall cabinet. Wall cabinet heights are 84”, 90”, 93″  &  96”.  All the cabinets we carry can be custom modified for your kitchen, bath or any area you would like to use cabinetry.

What do I do first?

1. Gather a scrapbook of notes, photos, and articles that you have collected.
2. Get together with your family and ask them for their input and wish lists.
3. Come up with a budget you can live with.
4. Draw a rough sketch of your floor plan and take measurements (or, if building, get floor plan from architect or builder).
5. If you would like, print and fill out the Kitchen Planning Guide.
6. Call us to make an appointment, or stop into our showroom.

Can I reuse my faucet & sink?

In most cases it is best to get a new faucet & sink. Especially if you are considering a new countertop .  In most cases you will need an undermount sink but vessel sinks and continuous surface sinks are also very popular. Visit our section on Design Tips for more sink choices.

What should you look for when shopping for kitchen cabinets?

Cabinetry is like any other product you purchase.  From cars to clothes there are differences in features, finishes and craftsmanship.  Before you purchase your cabinets, inquire about the specs and warranty of the cabinetry.

• Drawers: Look for wood dovetail drawers. It’s the mark of furniture quality drawers that will hold up over time.
• Shelves: ¾” thick shelves.  Less than that and your shelves will likely sag.
• Hinges: The Blum concealed 6-way adjustable hinges are our preference.
• Drawer Guides: Blum under mount ball-bearing full extension with soft-close drawer guides is good.  These guides support 75lbs as a standard.
• Construction: All-plywood construction is preferred, but particle board with melamine is just as sturdy and will save money.
• Sides: You’ll want the side walls for your cabinet to be at least ½” thick.  Less than that, and it won’t support the weight in the cabinets, let alone the weight of the countertops (especially granite).

What’s the best counter top to use?

Lots of choices!  Most popular are: Granite, Engineered Stone (Cambria, Ceasar Stone, Silestone) , Corian, HiMacs, Concrete, Ice Stone…check our our Design Tips section for more information on choosing the right counter top for your needs.

Is it important to use a licensed contractor?

Yes!  We are licensed bonded & insured. We also have a A+ rating with the BBB.

. Do you do in-home visits?

Complementary visits are easily scheduled by calling – (520) 531-9187.