Baltic Birch versus MDF Plywood

Comparision between Baltic Birch and MDF Plywood

Birch plywood is much harder and denser than MDF. That usually means slower cutting. It also means screws do NOT strip as easily. Birch plywood is of course made of layers. The outer layers are quite thin and it is possible to sand right through it before realizing it. If you intend to paint it or veneer it that might not be too much of a problem but if you want to finish the birch be very careful. Baltic Birch dust also does't not seem to have the same order as MDF which can be quite strong at times.

If you have a variable speed router you will probably find that slowing it down a bit and cutting more slowly causes fewer burn marks. If you can use a fine toothed blade in your table saw. Also tearout isn't a huge problem with birch ply but if you can put a piece of scrap under it while cutting on the table saw. If finishing the birch itself you may find you like the look of having the edges rounded over.

What is MDF Plywood ?

Well I'll give you a some background of it's background here. MDF Plywood Veneer is actually an acronym for Medium Density Fibreboard. It is a specially engineered product which is created when hardwood or softwood is broken down into fibers and then combined with wax in a resin. This then forms panels (plywood) by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF Plywood is actually denser than regular plywood, but can be used in the same applications or those that might call for greater strenght than run of the mill plywood.


What are some of the advantages of MDF Veneer Plywood?

MDF Vaneer plywood is that is dense, flat, and usually has no knots, and can be easily worked into your do it at home projects. This is the reason why, because it is made up of fine particles it does not have the same surface type as a grain based plywood board. MDF can also be painted with regular finishes to give it a more realistic wood like look, as well as making it smoother for other hardwood applications. MDF has no grain, which means it can be worked harder than average type plywood, in situations such as cutting, drilling, maching, and filing all without damaging the surface. MDF Plywood Veneer can also be dowelled together and using traditional woodwork joints can even be cut. MDF is also glueable, and can be glued with PVA type wood glue. If you wish to paint MDF plywood veneer, you can use oil or water based paints, varnishes to improve the look, in addition to using veneers and laminates.

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