desks and racks - MDF

[aramism]

I plan on building a desk and the racks to sort of make a frankenstein console with my gear and avid artist. I have a friend who is good with carpentry but I have to basically plan everything out for him. I've already planned out the sizes and dimensions and the design I want but I was just going to build them with solid wood until the other day reading that MDF is superior acoustically especially since it's a tight space and I have the speakers right there and a sub right there.

After doing some more investigating I saw that indeed all the bigger companies like argosy and sterling use MDF for their products and I read a few threads about it here and other places and that seems to be the common solution however my issue here is that everyone "if build properly" it is just as durable.

What does that mean? To make racks for instance you're just gluing and screwing wood together, how would it differ for MDF? In other words, is there anything else I would need to do for MDF? Steel reinforcement or something?

[Soundman2020]

I've already planned out the sizes and dimensions and the design I want but I was just going to build them with solid wood until the other day reading that MDF is superior acoustically especially since it's a tight space and I have the speakers right there and a sub right there.

MDF is not necessarily better acoustically: that depends on the specific application. It is better in some applications, but not all. For example, adding mass to walls at relatively low cost, or for use as the front baffle of a speaker soffit mount system, etc.

What does that mean? To make racks for instance you're just gluing and screwing wood together, how would it differ for MDF? In other words, is there anything else I would need to do for MDF? Steel reinforcement or something?

Comparing MDF vs. plywood:

MDF is not as stiff as plywood (so it can sag over long distances, such as a desktop, unless additional support structure is added), it does not hold screws as well as plywood, it cannot be stained like plywood can, it is more easily damaged or marred, and it does not hold up as well to water and damp.

The only real advantages to MDF are that it is cheaper, and is easier to work with (it does not splinter and crack like plywood can).

So if you want to use MDF you would need to design in better support to prevent sagging, use metal brackets in high stress areas (in addition to gluing and screwing), and not plain on varnishing or staining it: just paint it.

I guess it comes down to aesthetics vs. budget. A desk done in cabinet-grade plywood, built by a master carpenter, and stained nicely, can look spectacular. But if you want to save money, and you are not worried about aesthetics, then MDF is a good alternative. provided that you take the necessary precautions.

- Stuart -