Discover the best types of wood for your DIY closet project, including pros and cons of plywood, MDF, and particle board.
As a DIY enthusiast, you can’t wait to roll up your sleeves and get to work on your new closet. Your excitement is well justified. Building things yourself has many benefits:
But before you start, you’ll want to get a basic understanding of the materials you'll be working with. The choice of building materials will determine how smooth your project will go and how strong the finished product will be.
The first thing you may be wondering is what kind of wood you should use to build your closet. Two of the most popular kinds of wood are Plywood and MDF.
Plywood is a wood product made by combining 3 layers of veneer (solid wood sheets). These veneers are called "PLYS," and when they’re glued together, they form "Plywood."
MDF stands for “Medium Density Fiberboard.” MDF is also an engineered wood product, but it’s not made from veneers. Instead, it’s created by grinding woodchips into tiny "fibers" that are compressed with heat and pressure.
Many manufacturers and designers recommend Plywood over MDF for two main reasons:
Plywood holds screws well and is firm, so you can insert screws without damaging the wood. MDF, being more delicate, often requires pilot holes to avoid splitting. Additionally, plywood is lighter, making it easier to handle during projects.
Plywood can be cut or sanded anywhere. However, MDF should only be cut or sanded in well-ventilated areas due to the release of toxic dust particles containing formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant and carcinogen.
Mount Sinai Hospital advises against working with MDF without a proper respirator. Due to health concerns, there were even calls to ban MDF in England.
Plywood can be cut with a basic handsaw, whereas MDF requires special attachments to avoid blade dulling. This makes plywood a more straightforward option for DIY projects.
Plywood withstands wear and tear better than MDF, making it ideal for furniture and structural use. During WWII, plywood was even used to protect British planes.
Plywood’s balanced structure helps it retain its shape, while MDF may warp over time.
Plywood can withstand indoor moisture exposure, though outdoor applications require waterproofing. MDF, however, is highly susceptible to water damage, which can lead to crumbling and disintegration.
Particle Board is similar to MDF but made from wood particles instead of fibers, making it less dense and weaker. Although it’s cheaper, Particle Board is not as durable or sturdy as Plywood.
Manufacturers and designers often recommend Plywood over Particle Board because it’s more DIY-friendly and better suited for closet construction.
Plywood can be twisted or curved without breaking, unlike Particle Board.
Plywood can be painted without primer, while Particle Board requires primer due to its moisture sensitivity.
Plywood can support heavier loads than Particle Board, which can collapse under excess weight.
Well-built Plywood furniture can last 15-20 years, while Particle Board furniture may only last 2-4 years.
A plywood sheet is the best choice for your DIY projects because it’s lightweight, safe, and flexible. A Plywood closet is ideal for your wardrobe, as it’s durable, strong, and long-lasting.