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We are closed from July 19th till 5th of August for Summer Holiday. Orders received during Shutdown will
have 10% Special Discount applied including User discounts if applicable and will be processed from 5th
of August as per our normal LEAD TIMES. Delivery cut off times : Wardrobes/Carcasses - 3rd of July; Cut To Size/Edging - 10th of July; Spray Finish - Please Enquire;
Author Chigwell Building & Joinery
Date 01/06/2024
Quartz worktops have become a very popular choice for kitchens and counters.
They are hard wearing and durable, while also being aesthetically pleasing.
But can they be easily cut using regular every day power tools found at a hardware store?
Let’s find out.
Quartz is a manufactured compound, made up of natural quartz set in a resin with pigments.
In a very similar way to cutting a granite worktop, the material is very hard, thus the cutting process requires precision, the appropriate tools and experience.
As a result, cutting quartz is not that simple and specialist equipment is needed if you wish to do it yourself.
It makes more sense to hire a professional to do the job because you would need specialist equipment, sufficient space, and ideally have some experience how to go about it.
Quartz is not cheap, and you do not want it to crack or waste a significant part of the material because you did not cut it correctly.
A professional will be experienced at the job and be able to do it well, thanks to specialist tools.
Most professionals will also take care of installing the worktop onto any type of kitchen units for you.
Being a solid material, it is not that straightforward to cut quartz.
Most people prefer to leave the task in the hands of a professional, who will have the necessary experience and equipment to do the job properly and safely.
Quartz is one of the hardest commercial materials.
A regular saw will simply not be up to the job.
You will need very strong power tools such as a circular saw with diamond tipped blades to cut through quartz.
While such power tools will be found at most hardware stores, you will need to factor in their cost, and the fact that they are ideally used by professionals as such tools need skill and expertise.
Consequently, considering that you would need to procure specialist equipment, ensure that there is sufficient space to do the job, and be very precise, since it is not an ideal DIY job.
Besides, there is also the risk of cracking.
So, all in all it is safer and more reasonable to have a professional see to such a task.
If you do decide to attempt to cut a quartz worktop yourself, you will need the following tools:
It’s important to point out that cutting quartz is not simple, and as power tools will need to be used, you need to bear in mind the dangers associated with this.
If you have never used power tools, it is not a good idea to start off by cutting quartz.
Circular saws are powerful and very loud.
They could harm your ears unless you wear suitable ear protection.
Moreover, the fine dust and powder that is released when cutting quartz could irritate your nose, eyes, mouth and skin.
Therefore it is essential to wear proper protective gear and breathing apparatus.
This includes overalls, goggles and a respirator.
You also need to choose a space which is big enough, while also taking into consideration that the quartz debris will easily move around.
So it is not such a great idea to do the cutting indoors as there is a lot of cleaning up involved too.
Also consider potential harm to children and pets should they breathe in the debris.
Cutting in a well ventilated, open space is recommended.
Using a wet saw can help to reduce the spread of dust.
Make sure to clean up immediately after the cutting is done.
The fine particles of quartz have jagged edges, and should they be inhaled they could cause serious damage to the lungs.
It is also important to ensure that you have a secure base which can hold the quartz safely while it is being cut.
Using heavy duty supports to secure the quartz slabs is important.
Needless to say, quartz is very heavy and it would cause serious injury should it fall on your feet.
It is also best to use spotters.
Check all the corners for placement and hold the pieces to prevent slipping.
Make sure to work slowly and very carefully.
You need to take your time and the drill speed needs to be slow and well controlled.
Avoid applying pressure, and let it cut steadily at its own pace.
Reduce speed as you get closer to the edge.
To cut quartz you will need to be familiar with two basic cuts, namely the straight and the curved cuts.
When combined, you can achieve a seamless and smooth result.
Most countertops will be rectangular with straight edges, and in these cases you will only need to make straight cuts.
You may need to use a stationary circular saw or a manual plunge saw, depending on the size of the quartz slab.
Curved cuts are obviously trickier and more demanding.
You would generally need to do such cuts to accommodate appliances and the sink. Here is how to go about it:
In order to cut a hole it is best to make use of a template where you will be drilling.
You will also need to use a drill that is ideal for masonry and hard material like quartz.
Hold the template in place, put the drill bit in the hole and start drilling.
Make sure to work your way slowly, without applying pressure to the drill.
It is recommended to use water to keep the drill bits cool and lubricated.
When you are around ¼ inch deep, stop drilling and remove the template.
Continue the drilling process, adding water as needed.
As you start to get close to the end of the hole, reduce the speed slowly.
You should only let the drill make just enough contact to cut the hole at this point.
This is important to reduce the possibility of cracking and chipping.
Drainer grooves are often used on countertops.
They are designed to collect water that gets splashed onto the sides.
This helps to protect the material from damage.
These grooves are cut into the quartz and to do this you would need to use a diamond drainer groove flute wheel.
These can be either sintered or electroplated or resin, and they come in different sizes to achieve the desired widths.
Cutting and rotary tools are a must to cut quartz precisely. Such power tools are best handled by someone who has experience. Commonly used tools for cutting quartz include a wet saw, a plunge circular saw, or a fixed circular saw. Grinder wheels or rotary stone cutters are also used.
Yes, a circular saw is one of the best tools that you can use for cutting quartz. A wet cutting circular saw is better than a dry circular saw as it helps to reduce the dust generated.
This is not recommended, as a circular saw is more ideal to cut quartz. While you may still manage to cut it with an angle grinder you will need more time and patience, and be prepared to deal with a lot more dust and debris.
Cutting quartz is no easy task, and you will need specialist power tools to do the job.
Cutting quartz is not straightforward at all, and while it can be done if you have some experience and the right tools, it may still be better to hire a professional to do the job.
Small mistakes can be quite costly, and there are also safety considerations to take into account.
Author Chigwell Building & Joinery
Date 02/04/2024
Granite is a very popular countertop surface for modern kitchens.
However, if you’re planning on a DIY project that involves cutting granite yourself, it’s important to understand how to best go about it.
Granite is an extremely hard organic material that requires the right tools, skills and experience to cut correctly.
Cutting a granite worktop yourself is not that simple, even if you have tools for the job.
First of all, granite is a very heavy material, and as a result you will need the assistance of other people in order to handle it.
Moreover, since granite is brittle, it’s prone to breaking if mishandled.
It’s also easy to damage while cutting, and needless to say, since it is an expensive material this is something to consider.
Considering all this, plus the fact that you will need specialist tools, it’s often more practical to leave the job in the hands of a professional.
If you do not have specialist tools you will need to either borrow them or buy them, so it will end up being uneconomical.
Additionally, granite worktops need to be cut very accurately.
Even the slightest millimetre discrepancy could end up making a difference when installing it, because then the cabinets, sink etc may not fit flush or correctly.
Cutting granite properly is not that straightforward.
You will need great precision, and most importantly, the right tools for the job.
You will also need to have a clear layout of the kitchen worktops, including templates.
While it is possible to do the job yourself, many people opt to hire a professional for the job to ensure that it’s done properly.
The following tools and materials are required to cut granite countertops:
You will need to prepare a stable work surface where the cutting will take place, with the granite clamped down so that it does not move.
Worktop templates are a must, so measure and mark lines to guide the cutting in advance.
The lines should be covered with some painter’s tape to protect the granite from possible chipping.
Once you’ve done this, remark the lines on the tape.
Finally, make sure to wear a dust mask and safety goggles before you start the cutting process.
Firstly, set up a straightedge guide along the first line that you intend to cut.
While cutting, it’s recommended that you back-cut the granite first by cutting a section of around 2 inches at the finishing end of the line.
You will need to cut slowly and precisely along the cut line, either using a circular saw or an angle grinder.
Make sure that you always move the tool as you proceed along the cut line, but avoid forcing it along.
If you feel that the tool is struggling, it’s best to cut in two passes.
Once you have completed the cutting, let the dust settle and remove the tape. Then, wipe the granite edges with a damp cloth.
You may notice uneven or rough edges which can then be smoothed down with an angle grinder.
It’s recommended to regularly spray the top of the granite with water so as to help minimise the dust produced and cool the blade.
It is also a good idea to stop at regular intervals to apply cutting oil to the drill.
Cutting granite in situ can be quite complicated.
The complexity of the job will depend on the size and the layout of the granite, as well as on any in-built elements such as sinks.
In such a case it is often more practical to hire a professional for the job.
Start by preparing the granite by marking the cut lines. Like the example above, cover the lines with tape.
Then before you begin cutting, put on appropriate protective equipment.
Start by slowly cutting along the lines using a circular saw.
Cutting holes is more challenging as you will need to change the direction of the cutting.
In the case of holes, you will need to drill a hole in each corner of the hole you want to cut.
You will need to start with plunge cuts in order to enter the granite surface with the saw or grinder. For round holes you will need to use a diamond-tipped hole saw.
Press down as gently as you can on the hole drill, pull the trigger, and try to keep firm pressure on the drill.
If you do not push you should get a better result as you will be able to cut more cleanly.
Always use both hands when operating the saw to have maximum control over it as well as prevent any kickbacks or slipping.
It’s important to ensure that any hole that you make is at least an inch away from the edge as otherwise there is a good chance that the granite will break.
Housing a sink will require you to cut the granite accordingly.
The process is similar to that required to cut any hole in granite, but in this case it is highly recommended that you have a clear template to match the exact dimensions of the sink that will be installed.
Start by drilling a hole in each of the corners of the sink’s outline.
Then make a plunge cut to enter the granite and commence cutting.
To cut drain grooves in granite you will need to use a flute wheel.
This will allow you to grind the grooves as well as polish them and get a smoother finish.
This is a highly skilled and challenging task, so unless you know what you’re doing, hire a professional for this job.
A standard circular saw or a wet-cut circular saw are the best tools for cutting granite. The latter is better as it produces less dust.
Yes, in fact a circular saw is the most suitable tool you can use for granite cutting. Granite can be cut either wet or dry. So, depending on what you prefer you can use a standard circular saw or a wet-cutting saw.
The following is an overview of how to proceed:
Granite can be cut by hand. However, since it is very brittle, hand cutting is not recommended. You should also consider the financial aspect, because you would not want to damage the granite and have to find a replacement. Any mistakes can be very costly.
If however you feel experienced enough to do so, the following is how to best go about it:
While considering everything, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional to cut granite.
With it being such a fragile and expensive material, any mistake could be a costly one.
If however you are skilled and experienced enough for the job, and have the right tools at your disposal, cutting granite yourself is possible.
But as mentioned above, it carries huge risks.
As long as you take the right precautions and have the right tools, you can carry out granite cutting as a DIY job if you wish.
Author Chigwell Building & Joinery
Date 01/02/2024
When buying building materials or even purchasing new furniture, you need to consider the quality of the material you choose.
MDF and particle board are among the most popular materials used for various kinds of building projects as well as furniture, since they help to keep prices down.
However, it’s important to be aware of some key differences between the two in order to choose wisely.
Both materials have a similar look but don't quite match up in practical terms.
In the chapters below, we take a look at the key difference between MDF vs particle board, highlighting their pros and cons.
Image credit: Amazon
MDF stands for Medium Density Fibreboard.
Despite being a by-product of waste wood material, it’s considerably strong and dense.
This is because it is mainly made from wood fibres as opposed to sawdust.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Particle board is also known as chipboard or low-density fibreboard.
Like MDF, it is essentially another waste-wood product.
This is because it is made up of byproducts derived from woodwork.
The sawdust gets compressed with resin adhesives to produce sheets of workable material.
Particle boards are used for low-end furniture and home decor projects.
It’s often used for the underlying layer of countertops.
Often laminate or veneer are used to finish the surface of particle boards in order to give it a better look.
One of the main differences between MDF and particle board is that a different amount of material is used to produce them.
MDF is relatively more expensive as it’s stronger and denser than particle board.
This is mainly attributed to the fact that it is made from wood fibres rather than sawdust, as in the case of particle board.
In fact, while particle board has an acceptable level of strength, it’s nowhere near as strong as MDF.
Moreover, it will not stand up to humidity and high levels of moisture as well as MDF.
Despite the fact that they look very similar, MDF does not have any wood grain.
This is due to the fact that it is formed under high pressure and at extreme temperatures, resulting in no voids at all in its composition.
There is no denying that MDF is stronger than particle board.
In fact, many like to describe it as being a type of particle board which has been improved.
MDF is an engineered wood that is manufactured using wood fibres which are then bonded together with resin and other adhesives by means of very high compression and temperatures.
On the other hand, particle boards are made similarly but using sawdust.
Hence, MDF is considerably denser and stronger than particle board.
MDF is still not ideal for scenarios with high moisture or humidity, but if sealed at the edges, it will withstand such conditions more than particle board for a certain period of time.
By now you should be in a better position to appreciate the differences between MDF and particle board.
As explained in more detail above, both of them have their respective pros and cons.
Hence, when choosing you will need to take into account their durability, functionality, aesthetic appeal, weight and budget.
This will help you to make a well informed choice depending on your project requirements.
Author Chigwell Building & Joinery
Date 01/12/2023
Wood has been a foundational material for centuries, shaping our homes, furniture, and countless other items.
But there's more to wood than what grows in forests.
Manufactured wood, also known as engineered wood, brings forth a world of possibilities.
In this article, we'll explore eight common types of manufactured wood, delving into their uses, advantages and drawbacks.
Manufactured wood stands as a testament to human ingenuity in the realm of woodworking.
Unlike traditional lumber, which is sourced directly from trees, manufactured wood is an amalgamation of wood fibres, particles, or even entire logs that have undergone meticulous engineering processes.
The production of manufactured wood involves breaking down raw wood materials into smaller components, often in the form of fibres, chips, or sawmill shavings.
These components are then combined using high-quality adhesives, creating a strong bond that is further reinforced through heat and pressure.
This process, often termed as composite technology, results in the formation of sturdy and versatile wood products.
One of the defining features of manufactured wood lies in its consistency.
Unlike natural wood, which can vary significantly in terms of density, texture, and appearance, engineered wood products offer uniformity.
This consistency allows manufacturers and builders to predict and control the material's properties, ensuring that it meets specific standards and requirements.
Moreover, the adaptability of manufactured wood is noteworthy.
By altering the composition, density, and adhesives used in the manufacturing process, engineers and designers can tailor these materials for a wide array of purposes.
This adaptability has led to the creation of diverse engineered wood products, each optimised for particular applications in the construction, furniture, and interior design industries.
Manufactured wood is not merely a replication of natural wood; it represents an enhancement, an evolution that addresses the limitations of traditional lumber.
While solid wood can be susceptible to warping, cracking, and insect infestations, engineered wood products are engineered to resist these issues.
Additionally, due to their consistent quality and availability, they are often more cost-effective, making them an attractive choice for both large-scale construction projects and intricate furniture designs.
Image credit: Gharpedia
Blockboard, a versatile type of manufactured wood, is known for its remarkable strength and stability.
The manufacturing process of blockboard begins with selecting high-quality softwood strips.
These strips are carefully arranged side by side and bonded together using strong adhesive.
Once the core is formed, it is enveloped by thin layers of hardwood veneers.
These veneers are glued onto both sides of the core, creating a sandwich-like structure.
The entire assembly is subjected to high pressure and heat, ensuring a secure bond and structural integrity.
Blockboard finds widespread use in the construction industry, particularly in creating heavy-duty furniture, doors, and panels.
Its robust nature makes it ideal for applications where strength and stability are paramount.
Furniture crafted from blockboard includes cabinets, tables, wardrobes, and shelving units.
It is also frequently employed in interior and exterior doors due to its resistance to warping.
In addition, blockboard is used in wall panels and partitions, where durability and longevity are essential.
The core made of softwood strips and hardwood veneers gives blockboard exceptional strength, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Blockboard is highly stable and resistant to warping, ensuring that furniture and doors retain their shape and functionality over time.
Its versatile nature allows for various finishes, making it adaptable to different interior and exterior design styles.
Blockboard is relatively easy to cut, shape, and finish, making it convenient for carpenters and craftsmen to work with.
Due to its dense structure, blockboard can be heavy, which might pose challenges during installation, especially for larger furniture pieces.
While blockboard is more stable than solid wood, it can still be affected by moisture.
Prolonged exposure to damp conditions can lead to damage, making proper sealing and finishing crucial.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Chipboard, often referred to as particleboard, is engineered from a blend of wood chips, sawmill shavings, and resin binders.
These raw materials are mixed thoroughly and then compressed under high pressure and heat.
The heat activates the resin, creating a strong bond that holds the wood particles together.
This process results in a dense and robust sheet material, ready for various applications.
Particleboard is a versatile material extensively used in furniture manufacturing.
It serves as the core material for cabinets, shelves, tables, and various other pieces.
Its smooth surface and ability to hold finishes well make it suitable for laminating or veneering, enabling a wide range of decorative options.
Additionally, particleboard is employed in interior construction for applications such as wall panels and partitions.
Particleboard is considerably more budget-friendly than solid wood, making it an economical choice for furniture and interior construction.
Its smooth surface allows for easy finishing, enabling a variety of decorative treatments such as painting, veneering, or laminating.
Particleboard is often made from recycled wood materials, contributing to sustainable practices in the woodworking industry.
The manufacturing process ensures uniformity, providing consistent quality and thickness across sheets.
Particleboard is highly susceptible to moisture.
Prolonged exposure can cause swelling and warping, limiting its use in damp environments.
While sturdy, particleboard is not as strong as solid wood, making it less suitable for applications requiring significant weight-bearing capacities.
Over time, especially with heavy use, particleboard may chip or dent more easily than solid wood, impacting its long-term durability.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Fibreboard is crafted from wood fibres, usually sourced from recycled wood products or wood chips.
These fibres are mixed with heat and adhesive, then subjected to high pressure, forming a dense and uniform sheet material.
The heat activates the adhesive, bonding the fibres tightly together.
The density of the board can be varied based on the application requirements, resulting in different types such as high-density fibreboard (HDF) and low-density fibreboard (LDF).
Fibreboard finds extensive use in the furniture industry, where its malleability allows intricate designs for items like cabinets, tables, and chairs.
High-density fibreboard (HDF) acts as a sturdy foundation in laminate flooring, offering durability and a smooth surface.
Additionally, it serves as the core material for interior doors and decorative wall panels, effectively holding veneers and laminates.
In crafting and DIY projects, low-density fibreboard (LDF) is preferred due to its lightweight nature and ease of intricate shaping.
Fibreboard's ability to hold finishes well makes it a preferred choice for applications where a smooth, even surface is necessary.
Compared to solid wood, fibreboard is cost-effective, making it a budget-friendly option for furniture and interior elements.
Often made from recycled wood fibres, fibreboard promotes sustainable practices in woodworking.
Fibreboard can be easily cut, shaped, and moulded, allowing for intricate designs and creative detailing in furniture and decorative pieces.
Similar to other engineered wood products, fibreboard is sensitive to moisture. Prolonged exposure can cause swelling and damage the material.
While suitable for many applications, fibreboard is not as durable as solid wood, especially in high-stress areas.
Due to its composition, fibreboard is not ideal for applications that require substantial weight-bearing capabilities.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Hardboard, also known as Masonite, is a versatile engineered wood product created by refining wood fibres into a pulp.
This pulp is then combined with adhesives and compressed under high pressure.
Heat is applied during the pressing process, creating a solid, dense board.
This results in a dense and exceptionally smooth board.
Its robust nature makes it a popular choice in various applications.
Due to its smooth surface and high strength, hardboard is employed in a range of applications.
It is often used as backing material for cabinets, providing stability and support.
In the construction industry, hardboard finds use as door skins, where its resilience and ease of machining make it a preferred material.
Additionally, it is utilised in decorative wall panelling, adding a sleek finish to interior spaces.
One of hardboard's notable benefits lies in its smooth texture, providing an excellent canvas for painting or veneering applications.
Its dense composition imparts significant strength, making hardboard resistant to warping and damage, ensuring durability in various uses.
Despite its robustness, hardboard is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle and install, enhancing convenience in construction projects.
Craftsmen and builders favour hardboard due to its versatility in machining, allowing for intricate designs and precise shaping.
One of hardboard's limitations is its vulnerability to moisture.
Prolonged exposure to water can cause it to swell or deteriorate, limiting its application in damp environments.
Unlike solid wood, hardboard lacks the inherent grain patterns.
This absence might be a drawback in applications where the desire is for the natural aesthetic of wood, impacting its use in certain decorative contexts.
Image credit: Ebay
Insulation boards are crafted through compressing wood fibres, creating a dense structure optimised for thermal efficiency.
These fibres, often derived from recycled wood products, are bonded under pressure, forming sturdy panels.
Insulation boards are widely used in buildings to enhance energy efficiency.
They serve as a barrier against heat transfer, keeping spaces warm in winter and cool in summer.
Insulation boards excel in providing thermal insulation, regulating indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption by minimising heat loss or gain.
Their lightweight nature makes them convenient to handle and install, speeding up construction processes and lowering labour costs.
Many insulation boards are made from recycled wood fibres, making them environmentally friendly choices in construction, aligning with sustainable building practices.
Insulation boards can be sensitive to moisture.
Prolonged exposure to damp conditions might compromise their insulating properties and structural integrity.
While suitable for insulation and soundproofing, insulation boards typically have limited load-bearing capacity, restricting their use in certain structural applications.
Proper support and framing are crucial when incorporating them into construction projects.
Image credit: Amazon
MDF or Medium Density Fibreboard is a versatile manufactured wood product.
MDF is created by breaking down wood fibres into a pulp, which is then mixed with wax and resin adhesive.
This mixture is compressed and heated to form sturdy sheets of uniform density.
MDF's smooth and uniform surface makes it a preferred choice for crafting furniture pieces like tables, chairs, and cabinets.
Its consistent texture allows for intricate designs and detailed woodworking.
In addition, MDF is often used for decorative mouldings and trim work due to its ease of shaping and finishing.
It can mimic the look of solid wood at a fraction of the cost.
MDF also serves as a core material for doors, especially those with intricate designs.
It provides stability and durability, making it suitable for interior and decorative doors.
MDF has a consistent texture, ensuring smooth finishes on all sides.
MDF easily accepts many forms of primer for a smoother paint finish.
This uniformity is valuable in applications where a polished appearance is essential.
MDF readily absorbs paints, and adheres to veneers and laminates, allowing for a variety of finishes.
This adaptability makes it ideal for creating custom designs in furniture and decorative elements.
Compared to solid wood, MDF is a more affordable option for furniture and decorative applications, making it accessible for various budgets.
MDF is sensitive to moisture.
Prolonged exposure to damp conditions can cause it to swell or lose structural integrity.
Proper sealing and finishing are essential to protect it from moisture.
While MDF is excellent for decorative and lightweight applications, it lacks the structural strength of solid wood.
It may not be suitable for heavy-load-bearing furniture or structural components without proper reinforcement.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Plywood is perhaps one of the most well-known engineered woods.
Plywood is manufactured by bonding multiple layers of thin wood veneers, known as plies, together.
Each ply is positioned with its wood grain perpendicular to the adjacent layers.
This cross-graining technique enhances the structural integrity of the material.
The layers are bonded with adhesive under high pressure and heat, creating a robust and durable sheet.
Plywood is a staple in the construction industry.
It is widely used for sheathing, roofing, flooring, and formwork due to its strength and resistance to warping.
Plywood's stability makes it valuable in structural applications.
Plywood also serves as a foundational material for furniture, especially in modern and contemporary designs.
Its versatility allows for intricate cuts and designs, making it ideal for crafting chairs, tables, cabinets, and shelving units.
Plywood is also a popular choice for constructing cabinet boxes.
Its stability ensures that cabinets retain their shape over time, even under the weight of kitchen appliances and utensils.
Plywood's cross-grain construction gives it remarkable strength.
It can withstand heavy loads and resist bending and warping, making it a reliable choice for various applications.
Plywood comes in different grades and thicknesses, making it adaptable for diverse projects. It can be easily cut, shaped, and finished to suit specific requirements.
Plywood offers a balance between cost and performance. It provides significant strength without the high price tag associated with solid wood.
While exterior-grade plywood is designed to resist moisture, it is not entirely waterproof.
Prolonged exposure to water can lead to delamination and deterioration of the material.
The visible layered structure of plywood might not suit all aesthetic preferences.
In high-end furniture and architectural applications, solid wood veneers are often preferred for a seamless, natural appearance.
Image credit: Amazon
Veneer is not a wood type per se, but rather a thin layer of wood sliced or peeled from a log.
Veneer is created by slicing or peeling thin layers from logs or using advanced cutting techniques.
These layers, often just a few millimetres thick, showcase the wood's natural grain patterns and colours.
The veneers are then processed to enhance their durability, flexibility, and appearance.
They can be stained, dyed, or even engineered to achieve specific finishes and colours.
Veneer is widely used in furniture manufacturing.
It provides an opportunity to showcase expensive or exotic wood species without the high cost of solid wood.
Veneered furniture pieces often have a polished and refined appearance.
Many high-quality kitchen cabinet doors are crafted with veneered surfaces.
This application allows for uniformity in appearance and texture across multiple cabinet doors and panels.
Veneer is also often applied to decorative panels, enhancing their visual appeal.
These panels find use in interior decor, wall coverings, and even upscale flooring.
Veneer allows the use of premium wood species without the expense of solid wood.
This cost-effective alternative makes it possible to achieve an elegant look within budget constraints.
Veneers come in a wide array of wood species, allowing for diverse aesthetic choices.
From the warmth of cherry wood to the elegance of walnut, veneer provides options for various interior design styles.
Veneer can be applied to different surfaces, including curved ones, thanks to its flexibility.
This makes it versatile for a range of applications in furniture and interior design.
While veneer is durable, it is not as resilient as solid wood.
It can be susceptible to scratches and damage, although high-quality finishes mitigate these risks to a large extent.
Veneer, especially natural veneer, can be sensitive to changes in humidity.
Extreme fluctuations can lead to warping or delamination, making it important to maintain stable indoor conditions.
Repairing damaged veneer can be challenging.
Unlike solid wood, which can be sanded and refinished multiple times, veneer has limited depth, making it harder to repair deep scratches or dents without replacing the entire veneer sheet.
Manufactured wood opens doors to creativity and sustainability in the world of woodworking.
Each type, from the robust blockboard to the versatile plywood and the insulating wonders of insulation board, brings its unique set of qualities to the table.
Understanding these engineered wood varieties not only broadens our options but also fosters a more eco-friendly approach to woodworking, utilising resources efficiently and reducing waste.
As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative uses for manufactured wood, shaping a greener and more diverse future for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Author Chigwell Building & Joinery
Date 01/10/2023
MDF is a popular type of engineered wood used in various projects.
While it is often confused with plywood, it’s not the same as it’s denser and stronger.
MDF stands for medium density fibreboard.
This engineered wood product has gained a great deal of popularity over the years as it offers various advantages.
This includes affordability and the fact that it can be used for a myriad of purposes, ranging from home furniture to decorative products.
In fact, it’s often thought to be the same as plywood or fibreboard.
This is not the case however, as it’s considerably denser and a fabricated product using various elements.
MDF is composed of hardwood or softwood residuals which are broken down into wood fibres.
They then combined together with wax and resin binder by applying very high pressure and heat.
Image credit: Amazon
MDF is made up of 82% wood fibre and 9% resin.
Urea-formaldehyde resin glue is used.
There is 8% water and 1% paraffin wax added to this, to ultimately achieve the density desired from the boards.
In fact there are different densities and classifications of MDF, namely light, standard, flame retardant, high density and exterior MDF boards.
MDF is considerably uniform when compared to natural woods.
It does not contain any rings or knots on the surface area.
MDF has a flat and smooth surface which makes it ideal for veneering as there are no underlying grains or imperfections.
MDF is used for a wide variety of applications and projects nowadays.
MDF is best used for indoor applications as it’s widely known to have poor moisture resistance.
It’s commonly used to build home furniture, such as cabinets, drawer fronts and shelves.
It’s also a popular option for wall linings, partitions and school projects as it’s very flexible and versatile.
MDF is commonly used for flooring and wainscoting too.
The density of MDF boards make it an ideal choice for decorative overlays and to make the walls of pipe-organ chambers.
It is also used in speaker boxes and theatre set construction.
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The following processes need to be carried out to produce MDF:
Logs used are debarked since the bark is not ideal for use in wood-based panels.
The bark is thus removed from the logs by means of drum or rotor debarkers.
In the former, the logs will rub against the drum and one another, thereby removing the bark.
If a rotor debarker is used, each log rotates around its longitudinal axis, and through the rolling process the rotor will peel off the log’s bark.
The round wood is chipped into wood chips.
The size of these chips will determine the length of the flakes or fibres achieved later.
A drum chipper or disc chipper is used for this process.
The wood chip washing stage refers to when stones, sand, or any other fine non-metallic foreign objects are washed out of the wood chips.
The wood chips will subsequently undergo refining in a refiner in order to be ground into high quality fibres suitable for MDF sheet formation.
This is important to ensure a uniform quality in the fibres.
The wood chips will first be boiled and then taken to the refiner, where they get defibrated.
Generally single-disc refiners are used for this process.
Following the above stages, the MDF sheet formation can then take place.
This comprises various phases, namely:
When glueing, it’s critical to apply a precise dose of adhesive.
This is added to the fibres and is important that it gets evenly distributed.
In order to determine the specific amount of adhesive needed, the weight of the wood will be measured using a belt weigher.
Sometimes substances are added to the adhesive to improve its moisture resistance or for fire protection.
The glued fibres will then be spread out evenly onto a conveyor belt which is continuously running.
Next, release agents, water and any other additives will be sprayed onto it, prior to proceeding to the pressing stage.
During pressing, the glue will be cured as a result of the pressure and high temperature being applied.
The mat composed of fibres and flakes will be pre-pressed and then transferred to the press to be pressed to the required thickness.
The glue will harden, and as a result the wood particles will be plasticised.
Multi-opening presses and continuous presses can be used for this process, with the latter being the most popular as they offer a higher output.
Some of the advantages of MDF include:
The main disadvantages of MDF include:
As you will have discovered, the manufacturing process of how MDF is made contains a number of stages.
From sourcing, debarking and chipping the wood, to refining, glueing and pressing, MDF is a material that takes its form from a combination of intricate manufacturing techniques.
But the end product is a highly versatile and strong material that many trades use for a variety of applications.
The versatility and affordability of MDF makes it one of the most popular materials used in a myriad of projects nowadays.
MDF can be cut to size, laminated and edged to create a variety of stunning bespoke furniture pieces from cabinets, to kitchen units to custom wardrobes and more.
So it’s no wonder MDF is such a popular and commonly used building material.
