MDF is widely used in commercial interiors because it is consistent, smooth and easy to machine. It delivers predictable outcomes for joinery and provides an excellent base for laminates and timber veneers.

This makes MDF highly effective for controlled internal environments and repeatable joinery systems.

Plywood generally carries a higher upfront cost, but it offers greater structural strength and impact resistance. In high-use environments, this difference often pays off over the life of the project.

In retail, hospitality and education settings, panels are pushed hard. MDF performs well where conditions are stable, but it is more vulnerable to moisture ingress and impact damage.

Plywood offers:

• Stronger fixing performance
• Better resistance to knocks and wear
• Greater tolerance to fluctuating conditions

This is why plywood is frequently specified in areas that align with guidance from Structural vs. Decorative Plywood: Choosing the Right Type for Your Australian Project.

Fire resistance, moisture performance and acoustic behaviour often determine substrate selection. Standard MDF suits many interiors, but fire-rated or moisture-resistant grades are regularly required to meet NCC requirements.

This relationship between substrate and performance is explored in The Role of Substrates: How MDF, Plywood and HMR Particleboard Impact Timber Veneer Performance.

Both MDF and plywood work well with laminates and timber veneers, but the visual outcome differs. MDF provides a flat, uniform surface for refined finishes. Plywood introduces depth and character when edges are exposed.

At Bord, we often see the best results when substrates are selected based on performance first, then paired with the appropriate finish.

The strongest commercial interiors rarely rely on one substrate alone. MDF and plywood perform best when used strategically, each where its strengths are most relevant.