Plywood
Plywood is made from bonded veneer layers and is often considered for furniture, cabinets, partitions and applications where layered construction and screw holding are important.
MDF
MDF has a smooth, uniform surface that can suit painted furniture, routed details and precise interior components. It should be specified with the moisture and installation conditions in mind.
Blockboard
Blockboard uses a core of wood strips with face layers and can be considered for shutters, doors, partitions and longer stable panels where the construction suits the design.
| Board | Useful starting point | Check before selection |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Furniture, cabinets and partitions | Grade, thickness, veneers and moisture exposure |
| MDF | Painted and routed interior components | Edge treatment, humidity and fixing method |
| Blockboard | Shutters, doors and stable panels | Span, core construction and hardware |
The right answer may combine materials in one project. A designer can use plywood for a structural body, MDF for a painted detail and blockboard for a shutter when each choice fits the application.