In the field of interior design, material refers to the core substance used to construct the structure or carcass of furniture. Modular furniture in particular is constructed with the use of highly engineered materials that allows interior designers to build innovative and sturdy pieces.
Materials such as Commercial Plywood, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), High Density Fiberboard (HDF), Boiling Water Proof Plywood (BWP), High-Density High Moisture Resistant (HDHMR) made of wood composites engineered to achieve specific structural and durable properties otherwise not found in natural wood. The choice of material plays an important role in deciding the overall look of your home and is also dependent on your budget.
HDF (HIGH-DENSITY FIBERBOARD)
High-Density Fiberboard is used in bedrooms in place of MDF in an area where increased strength and rigidity is required. Used often in multi-functional furniture that has moving mechanisms, HDF offers durability for Murphy beds, mirror pull-outs and in wardrobes with in-built TV units. This material is more water resistant than MDF.
MDF (MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD)
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is often used in bedrooms as this material isn’t water-resistant and therefore only used in dry spaces. MDF is strong and is ideal to make wardrobes, cots, TV units, study units and decorative pieces of furniture.
PARTICLE BOARDS
This material is made by binding together wooden panels made of wood chips using a resin. They are lightweight and are used in place of plywood as they are relatively cheaper. They can be used to build wall partitions, false ceilings, shelves, study desks and cabinets.
HDHMR (HIGH-DENSITY HIGH MOISTURE RESISTANT)
High-Density High Moisture Resistant is used in bedrooms in place of MDF in an area where increased strength and rigidity is required. Used often in multi-functional furniture that has moving mechanisms, HDHMR offers durability for Murphy beds, mirror pull-outs and in wardrobes with in-built TV units. This material is more water resistant than MDF.
FINISHES
In layman terms, finishes are those elements that are fixed to the final structure of furniture. They are the final surface of the material and are used to protect it from impact, water, frost, corrosion, abrasion, stains et al. Finishes are also used to offer style, texture, colour and uniqueness to modular furniture design keeping with the overall interior design theme of the room. Laminates, acrylic, veneer, lacquered glass are some examples of finishes that are used on shutters, wardrobes, cabinets, entertainment units and other surfaces.
ACRYLIC PAINT
Boiling Water Proof or BWP is a specially treated plywood. It is made using a special glue that can withstand high humidity and boiling water for extended periods. It is chemically sealed to resist water, pests and works well in both dry and wet environments. It’s an ideal choice for base modules, wet areas, balconies, utility areas and terraces. Acrylics are thin sheets made of an acrylic polymer. It is a synthetic material available in a variety of designs, colours and patterns. They are pasted on shutters of modular furniture like kitchen cabinets. They are stain-resistant, water-resistant and highly durable.
ACRYLIC LAMINATE
It is a synthetic material available in a variety of designs, colours and patterns which are pasted on shutters of modular furniture. They are stain and water resistant and highly durable and are imported from Germany
VENEER
Medium Density Fiberboard or MDF is made of the same wood pulp and waste product as HDF. The difference lies in the manufacturing process that results in a less dense product. It doesn’t warp or swell and is commonly used to build the structure of modular furniture. Veneers are a finish. They are thinly sliced sheets of real wood (usually as thin as 3 mm)coated with varnish to bring out the natural grain of wood. Unlike laminates, every sheet of veneer has a unique grain pattern as they are not printed in a factory. Veneers can be buffed and polished periodically to look like new if they wear out over time. This property makes veneers cost-effective in the long run though they are more expensive in comparison to other options. They are the closest you can get to solid natural wood in modular furniture design.
HDF WITH LACQUERED GLASS
High-Density Fiberboard or HDF is a type of engineered wood made from wood pulp, wood waste and chips mashed together. As the name suggests, it is much harder than MDF. This material is not moisture resistant and can absorb water. Since it is very strong material, it is used in those pieces of furniture that need a firm structure. Lacquered glass or ceramic glass is a popular finish that goes well with HDF. It is used on shutters and lends a classy glossy look. It is highly durable, scratch and water-resistant and does not fade or lose lustre with time. Most of the lacquered glass used in modular furniture is from Saint Gobain, a large player in the market. Lacquered glass is available in a wide assortment of colours.
HDHMR WITH FROSTED GLASS
HDHMR stands for High-Density High Moisture Resistance. It is an improved version of plywood and one that is excellent to create sturdy and robust pieces of wooden furniture, especially those used in extreme moisture such as the kitchen or outdoors. As the name suggests it is moisture resistant. HDHMR board is made by blending fibre chips, forest wood scrap through a construction process. Frosted glass is a type of glass with a translucent look. It is made by etching acid on clear glass. They are ideal for units that don’t require high visibility to what is inside or on the other side such as cabinets, partitions or wardrobe shutter.
DUCO
Duco is a versatile paint finish that is applied on modular furniture. Duco can achieve matte or glossy finish but is less than that of acrylic or high gloss laminate. It isn’t very durable as it’s prone to chipping on impact. It may also show crack lines at joints after many years and if you do opt for this finish make sure you hire a professional for it.