We all loved the charm of real wood furniture, but let’s face it, it can burn a hole in our pockets. What if I said there’s another way? A choice that’s durable, versatile, easy on the eyes, and won’t break the bank?
Dive into this guide, where I’ll share the magic of manufactured wood and why it might just be what you’re looking for.
Overview of Manufactured Wood
Manufactured wood combines different wood pieces that are pressed together with other adhesive chemicals like glue and sawdust to create an improved wood variety.
Its top layer is chemically treated with melamine production, while the layer under is a wood composite usually identified as Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).
What are the Different Types of Manufactured Wood?
Fiberboard
Unlike most manufactured wood, fiberboard has a dense texture, making it harder to chip and break. Fiberboard is produced from a mix of finely chopped wood chunks that are heat-treated until they achieve a fiber-like texture.
After which, they are dried and bonded together with adhesives to form uniform-sized boards.
Where is Fiberboard Used?
- Material for furniture
- Interior aesthetics
- Insulation
- Soundproofing
- Roofing
Pros and Cons of Fiberboard
What i Like
- It's highly affordable.
- It does not easily crack.
- Easy to stain and paint
- This board is lightweight.
- Environment-friendly
- Enables optimum thermal insulation
- It's simply flexible.
What i don't Like
- It's hard to nail
- Not water-resistant
Medium Density Fiber Board (MDF)
Due to their high density and durability, Medium-density fiberboards (MDF) have gained popularity among manufactured wood variants. This variety is highly cost-effective and is easy to work with compared to most solid woods.
Woodworkers prefer this for basic furniture-making and skirting as they are readily available and have a good overall output.
Interesting Read: Tips for Choosing Skirting Boards
Where is MDF Used?
- Cabinets, doors, and frames
- Flooring Material
- Roofing
- Soundproofing
- General furniture making
Pros and Cons of Medium Density Fiber Board (MDF)
What i Like
- The texture is smooth.
- This board is flexible.
- It's easy to drill and nail.
- It's inexpensive.
- I like the stability.
- This board is readily available.
- It can hold hinges well.
What i don't Like
- Does not have natural grain
- High maintenance
Particle board
Particle board, frequently referred to as chipboard, is a highly affordable manufactured wood crafted by chemically bonding sawdust and resin with adhesives.
To further improve its stability and overall durability, experienced woodworkers partner it with veneer. This method not only makes it stain-resistant but also enhances its overall aesthetic.
Where is Particle Board Used?
- Basic furniture
- Flooring
- General wall paneling
- Alternate ceiling
- Underlayment
Pros and Cons of Particle board
What i like
- It's highly cost-effective.
- This board is multipurpose.
- Optimum material for basic furniture
- It can hold nails well.
- This board is lightweight.
- Easy to laminate
- I like that it's replaceable.
What i don't Like
- Inferior durability
- Can be toxic
Plywood
Plywood is possibly the most known and top pick among expert woodworkers regarding manufactured wood. It is crafted by bonding multiple layers of veneer wood until they create a smooth solid board that is highly durable without losing its flexibility.
It is affordable and easily accessible. However, it is prone to shrinking and swelling due to veneer crosswires along the grain.
Where is Plywood Used?
- Roofing and flooring
- Wall sheathing
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- Outside furniture
Pros and Cons of Plywood
What i Like
- It's high water resistance is impressive.
- This manufactured wood is sturdy.
- I like it's high workability.
- The wood is flexible.
- Good overall aesthetic
- It's readily available.
- Good alternative to solid wood
What i don't Like
- Not insect-repellent
- Harder to cut
Veneer
Veneer is a thin wood pressed together to form core panels. It is shaved from natural wood and combined with manufactured wood like plywood, MDF, and chipboard.
Various types of veneer serve a particular purpose: raw, paper-backed, phenolic-backed, laid up and reconstituted veneer. Compared to solid wood, veneer creates better stability as it is not prone to warping, cracking, or splitting.
Where is Veneer Used?
- Walls
- Wood Flooring
- Ceiling
- Artworks
- General furniture
Pros and Cons of Veneer
What i Like
- It's very affordable.
- It has good aesthetic value.
- Impressive high strength and durability
- Allos good workability
- I like that it's non-toxic
- Environment-friendly
- Premium overall quality
What i Don't Like
- High maintenance
- Hard to install
Benefits of Manufactured Wood
Ideal for flooring
Manufactured wood is an excellent choice due to its high durability and the ability to treat its upper layer to be stain and scratch-resistant. Moreover, it closely resembles authentic wood, providing a pleasing overall aesthetic.
Durable
They are on par with solid wood regarding strength and durability. The heavy-duty glue that bonds them together makes manufactured wood able to sustain weight and pressure.
Flexible
Manufactured wood is generally more pliable than other wood types. Architectural design experts prefer to use them for intricate projects that involve precise design specifications.
Fire-resistant
They do not catch fire as easily as solid wood. As manufactured wood is has multiple layers, the amount of oxygen that penetrates its core would take a while.
Sustainable
Lumber companies resort to renewable sources of wood to adapt to modern times. Manufactured wood has better sustainability as they are built to last and can be reconstituted for other purposes.
Longer pieces
Engineered wood is longer compared to natural lumber. These laminated boards make a great floor or wall core and are easier to work with.
Wide variety of finishes and colors
As these woods undergo a manufacturing process, they have a wide variety of finishes and colors to choose from, depending on the demands of the consumers.
Ideal for more extreme environments
Unlike real wood, composite wood does not expand or contract despite a harsh and changing environment. Its moisture level is mostly constant, and abrupt changes in the temperature do not affect its overall quality.
Can be refinished
Refinishing is easy with these manufactured wood types. Their top layer can be reworked if necessary, and a quality finish can keep it in pristine condition for a long time.
Uses of Manufactured Wood
Manufactured Wood for Decks
Many wood experts often choose manufactured wood for decking. Why do think so? It’s because it handles moisture and temperature shifts better.
However, it is always important to use treated wood, especially outdoor furniture. If left untreated, moisture can easily penetrate the wood fibers and will be detrimental to your project.
Manufactured Wood for Furniture
Woodworkers choose Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and plywood due to their easy workability, cost, and overall quality. Manufactured woods are highly versatile and cost-effective and can be used for almost anything, including making furniture.
Low-end furniture like desks, chairs, cupboards, cabinets, drawers, racks, and outdoor furniture can be made using this modified wood.
Manufactured Wood for Flooring
Solid wood may give a more premium feel to wood flooring, but I prefer using manufactured ones.
Its thin layers make it easy to stain and paint, and a laminated board has better resistance to dents and scratches. Commercial buildings prefer them because of the low-cost manufacturing, which can last a few years.
Raw materials have been scarce and expensive, so going for cheaper building materials is not only practical but also eco friendly.
Grades of Manufactured Wood
| Grade | Properties |
| Grade A | Highest quality, flawless, expensive |
| Grade B | High quality with minor flaws |
| Grade C | Visible knots and possible discoloration within a 1.5-inch diameter |
| Grade D | Low quality, cheapest, hard to repair |
The grade you opt for depends on what you will use it for. For example, experts recommend using Grade A faux wood to build cabinets because it holds screws and nails better, while you can use Grade B or C for other low-end furniture for cost-effectiveness.
There are other methods to determine the grade of manufactured wood, but the APA Engineered Wood Association [1] method is the most accurate to meet national and international standards.
Differences Between Manufactured Wood and Solid Wood
| Property | Manufactured Wood | Solid Wood |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Density | Medium to High | High |
| Hardness | Soft to moderate | High |
| Durability | Weaker than solid wood, and quality can diminish overtime | Can last a long time |
| Strength | Can accommodate light to moderate weight | Can accommodate heavy loads |
| Construction | Multiple varieties of wood combined | Produced by actual trees |
| Ease of Installation | Easy to install | Can be tricky and requires expertise |
| Sanding | Once or twice | Multiple sanding for years |
| Applications | Perfect for low-end applications | Great for any woodworking project |
| Eco-friendliness | Can be toxic | Organic, homegrown |
Manufactured wood is created as an alternative to expensive solid wood. Because the latter is sourced from raw material, it is harder to produce.
Solid wood furniture lasts for years, but not everyone can afford it. Meanwhile, furniture from faux wood may be cheaper, but they do the job and can even imitate a smooth, authentic wood surface.
Is Manufactured Wood Toxic?
Manufactured wood can be toxic. Most of them are treated with formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. Some manufactured woods also contain Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) like acetone, ethanol, and propanol, which can harm our health and the environment.
Tips to Maintain Manufactured Wood
- Clear dust and other debris
- Lightly wet mop with water
- Apply eco-friendly cleaning solutions
- Air dry
FAQ
Is manufactured wood fake wood?
Yes, manufactured wood is fake wood. The essence of this melamine-covered faux wood is to become an alternative to real wood.
Is manufactured wood better than real wood?
No, manufactured wood is not better than real wood. Because it is modified to be more cost-effective and accessible, it is not as sturdy and has a shorter life expectancy. Using quality solid wood has a greater Return-on-Investment (ROI) in the long run.
Conclusion
After having a blast exploring the world of manufactured wood, manufactured wood is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile, opening up a world of creative possibilities. I genuinely hope this guide has shed some light on what manufactured wood is and its various types and uses. Here’s to making well-informed choices for your future projects!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
