Materials Matter
When fabricating interior furnishings, material selections directly affect the final product's performance and longevity. Aside from natural wood species, there are three main materials that the casework of interior furnishings are typically made of: particle board, MDF, and plywood. Below we explore the differences between these materials and why our choices yield a product that lasts 10x longer than mass-produced alternatives.
Particle board is a waste wood product created when sawdust is compressed with resin adhesive. The low cost of particle board can make it attractive to some buyers; however, the cost advantage is often short-lived as furniture built from it tends to deteriorate quickly. Addressing this exact scenario is a New York Times article that cites Deana McDonagh, a professor of industrial design at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, who explains that most items typically constructed of particle board are designed to last about 5 years.
MDF, Medium Density Fiber Board, shares some basic similarities with particle board. Like particle board, MDF is a waste wood material; instead of sawdust, it is comprised of wood fibers pressed with a high-quality resin adhesive. The result is a much denser, stronger product that remains relatively cost-effective. MDF offers the same smooth finish, but maintains its integrity when drilled and cut.
Plywood, often referred to as Veneer-Core, is fabricated by gluing cross-laminated layers (or "plys”) together with a waterproof adhesive. It is then cured using heat and pressure. The result is a highly durable wood-based panel.
When choosing materials for a project, we rely on a proprietary selection process to ensure that we choose the correct materials for the job. We avoid using particle board entirely, always opting for higher-quality options. When using hardwood species, we source primarily native species from trusted lumber yards on the East Coast. This commitment to quality extends to every stage of fabrication. Each piece we create is hand-sanded and meticulously inspected before moving on to the finishing stage, where we apply 3 to 4 coats of natural and water-based finishes that exceed AWI standards. Although the information on this page pertains specifically to cabinetry materials, we use this selective approach across every type of project because we believe that materials matter.