Before proceeding to custom furniture manufacturing, it is necessary to understand their characteristics. The key parameter that affects the wear resistance, functionality, and attractiveness of products is the material. Modern technologies allow the use of various resources, so it is worth understanding the main types, their advantages, and disadvantages.
The following types of furniture materials are most commonly used: particleboard (chipboard), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), natural wood, and metal (stainless steel). The first two options are considered optimal in furniture production because they demonstrate a balance between durability, affordability, and style.
Particleboard is a sheet material obtained by hot pressing wood shavings. Special, environmentally safe additives are used to bond the wood layers (in modern products, the use of harmful phenolic resins is minimized).
Chipboard belongs to the category of budget-friendly furniture materials, so it is affordable for a wide range of people. At the same time, the following advantages are provided:
The versatility of chipboard allows it to be used for creating desks and dining tables, sofas, beds, shelves, and other products. However, the material does not withstand contact with moisture well and may swell. Therefore, ordering chipboard furniture for the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, or other rooms where it will frequently interact with liquids is a bad option.
The edges of chipboard furniture are sensitive to damage and chipping. To avoid this, they are treated with polyvinyl chloride. Additional lamination of particleboard is also used, which improves its properties.
MDF is fine wood dust from which medium-density boards are formed. In terms of water resistance and strength, this material for custom-made furniture surpasses chipboard. However, it is worth considering that it will cost more, so MDF furniture is not entirely suitable for budget-friendly space arrangement.
MDF boards have the following advantages:
MDF belongs to the category of materials for apartment furnishing with a high cost. Medium-density boards weigh more than chipboard, so furniture made from them is more difficult to transport. This should be considered if you plan to move frequently or move items between rooms (it will be difficult to do). Furniture elements made of MDF are available in fewer finishes than chipboard solutions.
Natural wood is used less frequently in furniture creation. Firstly, it belongs to expensive furniture materials. Secondly, it requires specific care, the use of special protective agents, varnishing, etc. Due to its impracticality, solid wood is abandoned in favor of MDF and chipboard. Of course, natural material allows for the creation of exquisite products, but in terms of wear resistance, wooden boards are in no way inferior.
Metal, thanks to its resistance to corrosion and moisture ingress, is an excellent option for kitchen or bathroom furniture. However, it significantly increases the weight of products and practically makes their transportation impossible. Therefore, metal structures in modern furniture are used sparingly, usually complementing the wooden frame in areas subject to increased load (racks, fasteners, etc.).
Sometimes, alternative furniture materials such as tempered glass can be used. A transparent frame looks elegant, but it gets dirty easily and requires regular maintenance, so the practicality of such solutions is low. The use of plastic furniture is gradually being abandoned because it has a short lifespan and harms the environment – after disposal, plastic can decompose for decades and pollute the soil.
It is impossible to single out an obviously better material for furniture manufacturing that is suitable for creating any product. When choosing options, you should consider the interior style, the room where the furniture element will be installed, the required level of resistance to wear, moisture ingress, high temperatures, etc.
The conducted comparison of furniture materials allows us to establish differences in functionality, wear resistance, and style. Therefore, before ordering furniture, it is necessary to enlist the support of a qualified designer. Furnishing should be given great attention, as the comfort of life will depend on it.
In our company, you can order a comprehensive range of services that includes the development of a design project, renovation, and turnkey furnishing. Creating a model of optimal furniture at the interior design stage allows you to perfectly integrate solutions into the style and harmoniously divide the space into functional zones.
