I'm totally new to woodworking and as my first project I want to make a small table. I'm planning to paint it so the wood material will not be visible. And I want to bevel the edges using a router. I'm trying to keep it on a budget since it is just a practice. There are several board materials I can use with almost the same price. OSB, plywood, MDF, and hardboard. I read online that mdf is stronger than plywood and OSB. But I can't find any info on the strength of hardboard. So my question is, if I use two layers of 1/4 inch hardboard, would it make a stronger tabletop than 1/2 inch MDF? Thanks.
Wood – Is 1/2 inch hardboard more durable than mdf for a table top
mdfwoodworking
Related Topic
- Wood – Frugal thick table top ideas
- Wood – Is gluing table top planks better than using pocket hole screws
- Wood – How to plane a half inch off the rough surface of a wooden table top
- Wood – Gluing Table Aprons to Plywood Table Top
- Wood – What’s the best way to create a wood elbow
- Wood – Is MDF a reliable product for interior trimwork
- Wood – How to make a wall mirror out of mirror tiles
- Durable top coat for MDF worktop / workbench
Best Answer
ANYTHING is better than MDF for your project as it is a terrible material for furniture, especially custom made furniture. Also you can't use a router on MDF - well you can but it will not turn out well.
So you can probably find pine, oak and cedar at big box. All stronger than mdf, all suitable. If you are painting, pine is my go to as you can cover it without seeing the grains. (there are many many other choices of solid wood planks if you want to order or go to lumber yard. I just answered the question in a wood that is reasonably easy to find.)