Choosing material is a key decision when designing furniture. Laminate, MDF, or wood? We check what works best for a kitchen and what for a wardrobe.
Choosing Material - Your Furniture's Durability Depends on It
The decision on material affects not only the look but primarily the durability, price, and difficulty of making the furniture. If you plan on [ordering furniture yourself](/zamawianie-mebli-online/), you need to know the differences.
1. Laminated Board (Chipboard)
The most popular material in furniture making. 90% of wardrobes, desks, and dressers are made from it.
Pros:
- ✓ Price - cheapest material on the market
- ✓ Ready surface - no painting or varnishing needed
- ✓ Huge selection - hundreds of decors (woodgrains, concrete, unicolors)
- ✓ Easy to process - just order panels with edge banding
Cons:
- ✗ Sensitive to prolonged water contact
- ✗ Hard to repair (scratches are permanent)
- ✗ Edges must be banded
Ideal for: Wardrobe bodies, cabinet fronts, desks, shelves.
2. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
A material denser and harder than chipboard. Most commonly used for furniture fronts.
Pros:
- ✓ Homogeneous structure - patterns can be milled into it
- ✓ Ideal for painting - smooth surface
- ✓ More moisture resistant than chipboard (especially when lacquered)
Cons:
- ✗ More expensive than laminated board
- ✗ Heavier
- ✗ Requires finishing (painting, foiling, or veneering)
Ideal for: Kitchen fronts, bathroom furniture, decorative elements.
3. Solid and Glued Wood
Noble, natural, and long-lasting material, but demanding.
Pros:
- ✓ Naturalness - unique grain pattern
- ✓ Renovation possible - can be sanded and varnished multiple times
- ✓ Mechanical strength (depends on species)
Cons:
- ✗ Price - most expensive solution
- ✗ Material movement - wood "works" (shrinks and swells)
- ✗ Requires protection (oil, varnish)
Ideal for: Table tops, legs, bed frames, rustic furniture.
Price Comparison (per 1m²)
| Material | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| White laminated board | $10-15 |
| Woodgrain laminated board | $15-25 |
| Raw MDF (for painting) | $12-20 |
| Lacquered MDF (ready front) | $75-150 |
| Glued wood (pine) | $40-60 |
| Glued wood (oak) | $150-250 |
What to Choose for First DIY Project?
If you are starting your adventure with [designing furniture online](/projektowanie-mebli-online/), we definitely recommend laminated board.
Why?
- You order ready, cut, and edge-banded elements
- No painting required
- Assembly is simple (using screws or cam locks)
- If you make a mistake - material is cheap to replace
Summary
- Wardrobe: Body and fronts from laminated board.
- Kitchen: Bodies from laminate, fronts from MDF (for durability).
- Table: Wood top or thick laminated board, wooden or metal legs.
Choose material wisely, matching it to budget and furniture function. Remember, our configurator lets you easily check how much material you'll need.
