If you're sourcing furniture panels for wholesale, one of the most important questions is:
Should I choose plywood or MDF? Both materials are widely used in the furniture and interior design industries,
but they serve different purposes and have different performance profiles.
As a manufacturer and exporter of melamine-faced panel boards in China, ACEALL has helped hundreds of buyers—from importers
to brand owners—make the right choice based on price, quality, and usage.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between plywood and MDF, share real tips from an exporter’s perspective,
and help you decide which material fits your business needs best.
1.What is Plywood?
Plywood is a type of engineered wood made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together. Each layer is placed at a 90-degree
angle to the previous one, giving the board strength and stability.
At ACEALL, we produce high-quality melamine-faced plywood panels ideal for furniture, interior decoration,
and cabinetry. Our decorative surface patterns can be fully customized.
2.What is MDF?
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) is made from wood fibers bonded with resin under high temperature and pressure. It has a
smooth surface and consistent density, which makes it easy to cut and paint.
ACEALL’s MDF panels also come with decorative melamine lamination, offering both affordability and a clean finish for modern
furniture projects.
3.Plywood vs MDF: Comparison Table
| Feature | Plywood | MDF |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Wood veneers | Wood fibers + resin |
| Strength | Stronger, more durable | Weaker, prone to sagging |
| Moisture Resistance | Better resistance | Absorbs moisture quickly |
| Surface Smoothness | Slightly textured | Very smooth |
| Workability | Holds screws well, harder to cut | Easier to cut, may not hold screws well |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Common Uses | Cabinets, flooring, structural parts | Shelving, doors, decorative furniture |
4.Which One Should You Choose for Furniture Projects?
If you’re importing furniture panels for resale or processing, the choice depends on your customers’ needs and price points.
- Choose Plywood if: You need stronger, long-lasting panels for structural parts, kitchen cabinets, or moisture-prone environments.
- Choose MDF if: You want an affordable, smooth surface panel for interior furniture like wardrobes, shelves, or painted finishes.
Our client Cathy from Canada, for example, prefers MDF for decorative furniture projects, but switches to plywood for kitchen cabinetry due to its water resistance.
5.Tips from a Chinese Exporter: How to Choose the Right Panel
- End-use: Plywood suits humid environments; MDF works well for dry interiors.
- Transportation: Plywood is lighter and may reduce shipping costs.
- Customization: Both options can be laminated with melamine in custom colors/patterns.
- Budget: If your market is price-sensitive, MDF may offer a better margin.
6.Why Import Furniture Panels from ACEALL China?
- ✅ Top Quality: Strict QC at every stage – from base panel to surface lamination
- ✅ Customization: 300+ decorative patterns, plus size/thickness options
- ✅ Timely Delivery: On-time shipping so you never miss the sales season
- ✅ Efficient Communication: English-speaking sales team with fast response times
- ✅ Global Supply Experience: Exporting to over 20 countries across 5 continents
