MDF vs Plywood vs HDHMR vs WPC: Which Material Is Best for Home Interiors in Kerala
If you have ever spent time talking to a carpenter or an interior designer over your dream kitchen or wardrobe, you would have heard these three terms being thrown at you casually: MDF, Plywood and HDHMR. For people who do not understand much about the technicalities of building and designing, it might seem like a bit difficult. Brightech being one of the best interior design company in Kerala, we are responsible for making an awareness about the products to our clients, so they never get involved in any kind of issues in the future.
But, especially if you come from Kerala, a state that enjoys higher levels of humidity compared to most other states in India, using the wrong kind of wood could make your shutters swell and your panels bend in just one or two years. Let us discuss the differences between these kinds of materials.
Plywood – The Reliable
Plywood has been the mainstay of the carpentry scene in Kerala for years, and there are justifications. It is a product where thin veneers of wood are glued together with grains in different directions in each layer. The cross-lamination makes plywood strong, it holds screws well, retains its shape under load, and does not crack while drilling holes for hinges or handles.
It is important to remember that the climatic conditions of the state demand something moisture-resistant, which is why one of the best features of plywood is its resistance to humidity, particularly BWP (Boiling Waterproof) variety. That is why it is often used in kitchen cabinets and wardrobe carcasses as well as other pieces of furniture located near bathrooms and outdoor walls. There is one drawback though; plywood is relatively expensive material and its surface might be not as smooth as of MDF or HDHMR.
MDF – Smooth & Affordable – High Maintenance
MDF stands for Medium Density Fibreboard, and it is manufactured through the process of breaking wood into fine fibers and combining them with resin using heat and pressure. As a result, we have an extremely even surface board with no grain and no knots, which makes MDF ideal for laminates, painted shutters, and much more.
People like to use MDF for its elegant and modern appearance, especially for wardrobe shutters and false ceilings. MDF is also cheaper than plywood. The climate of Kerala becomes important once again. Ordinary MDF is not moisture-resistant by nature; once water penetrates into it, the fibers swell and can never go back to their original state. If you still decide to use MDF, make sure that it will be moisture-resistant (MR) grade and will not be used in areas with direct contact with water, like sink cabinets or utility rooms.
HDHMR – The Product of New Age
HDHMR is the abbreviated form of ‘High Density High Moisture Resistance board’. As evident from its name itself, it was designed keeping in view such states as Kerala. It undergoes almost the same process of manufacture as MDF boards except that it is made under very high pressure.
HDHMR performs far better in handling screws, hinges, and daily stresses as compared to ordinary MDF. It can be easily used in kitchen cabinets, bathroom units and outdoor furniture without having the fear of any kind of swelling caused by humidity. Interior designers are now suggesting it for use in frequently used furniture in Kerala households, particularly in coastal areas where air remains humid most of the time. The notable fact regarding HDHMR is its higher cost compared to both plywood and MDF. It usually costs somewhere in between plywood and MDF, sometimes even more depending upon the brand you opt for.
WPC – The Water Proof Specialist
Wood plastic composite (WPC), on the other hand, is an entirely new concept in itself. Rather than using wood fibers with resin, it uses wood flour with either PVC or any other form of polymer. The end product is a board that is actually waterproof and not moisture proof. This is not just a slight improvement over MDF and HDHMR boards but something completely different.
In a region like Kerala, where some areas in the house remain constantly wet, WPC is a solution to issues that HDHMR board can’t really solve. Take the example of the board under the wash basin that receives a lot of splashes everyday, or the cabinets in the utility zone that stand close to the outlet of a washing machine. Any board, regardless of the treatment, is going to show signs of wear in such areas. WPC doesn’t swell, it doesn’t delaminate, and it won’t have a spongy edge due to being soaked in water.
Which to choose among these?
Actually, neither can be called a winner in all situations. It all depends on the area of use, that is, where in the house the material will be used, and how the particular household functions in the available space.
In case of carcasses for kitchens, wardrobe bases, and wherever moisture is concerned, plywood or HDHMR would be preferable. But for wardrobe shutters, false ceilings, decorative boards where an impeccable finish is desired, MDF will not fall behind, provided it is the MR quality and used only in dry areas. But for bathroom vanities, cabinets and for making wash area facilities, being a water proof material WPC comes on the top. Being experienced and the best home interior designers in Kerala, the projects we have worked on in Kerala have been using a combination of all three materials. Using plywood where the sturdiness and resistance to moisture is critical, HDHMR for high traffic furniture, and MDF for decorative finishes.
Trust The Quality
Ultimately, you will be using that material as part of your home for the next decade or even more. It is not just important that the material should look attractive when you move in; but also that it should remain attractive during five consecutive monsoons and humid days for the coming years.
When you are designing the interior of your home, it often gets difficult for you to decide what material goes into what corner of the room. In that case, it would help a lot if you discuss these issues with the best interior design company in Kerala, like Brightech, for getting a clear insight about how this material performs in the houses of Kerala.
