I've got a project coming up and I'm trying to figure out which is better to use. My project will be a desk (for indoor use of course). I don't have a lot of expensive tools so I need a material that will already be a smooth surface (free of spliters) okay for writing. The material doesn't have to be wooden (I thought of plywood and then someone suggested OSB) but I hear alot of MDF being used on HGTV. Please help with anything you can .. thanks
2007-10-22 09:13:15 · 8 answers · asked by La Flaca 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I use MDF all the time. Just finished a desk for my kids. It cuts and sands easily and you don't have to worry about how to finish the edges since you just sand it smooth. It is also cheap. It is very dusty and heavy though and has to be painted (can not be stained...duh).
My recommendations are:
-make sure it has good support or it will sag.
-if you wan't it smooth make sure you spray the primer and paint. Mine came out silky.
2007-10-22 16:34:33 · answer #1 · answered by r g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a professional woodworker I have never used OSB on any interior project. MDF is often used for raised panels , desk tops etc. Glue up is easy because of the density that MDF has. You will need sharp tools and a dust mask whatever product you use. MDF also paints up very nicely . Hope your project turns out well.
2007-10-22 10:04:18 · answer #2 · answered by Homepro2007 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you would be better off with a piece of plastic laminate (Formica) covered counter top. You can purchase pieces at most home centers (Lowes, Home Depot, etc). This will have a nice smooth surface. They also sell end pieces that just glue on, no tools required.
OSB is construction material used under siding, not for finished surfaces, it doesn't have a smooth surface. MDF is smooth but not very strong.
2007-10-22 10:15:01 · answer #3 · answered by R P A 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OSB is not a very structurally sound product and not really meant for flooring, unless it is fairly thick. You can purchase underlay in 4x8 sheets that is aprox 1/8 thick that is basically mahogany plywood - easy to cut easy to work with and will make for great underlay to laminate flooring. Question is why put an under lay - if your installing onto an existing floor - all you should need (besides making sure there are no nails or bumps) is the underlay foam padding between the laminate and the subfloor
2016-05-24 19:05:48 · answer #4 · answered by lorretta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With no offense meant to you at all; I detest both. In your case; and if your resigned to either; why not just purchase something? Certainly the difference in money and labor will be negligible.
I'm admittedly OLD school; but I find it a sin to see so much on the market now basically made from floor scrapings and blended with GLUE. I call it "GLIT" though I won 't elaborate here. no matter which of those you use; in order to WRITE on it; you'll have to seal it; or laminate over it; or find a clear vinyl desk sheet for it.
I wish you success of course but hope you re-think the issue.
Steven Wolf
2007-10-22 12:06:54 · answer #5 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I vote for MDF. If the surface isn't smooth enough for writing you can always glue a smooth piece of whatever on top.
2007-10-22 10:34:04 · answer #6 · answered by Brian A 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
O.S.B Oriented strand board, or chip board, will give you a smoother surface, and is easier to work with than MDF
2007-10-22 09:22:33 · answer #7 · answered by William B 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
http://woodworking.about.com/od/plywood/p/PlywoodGrades.htm
This might help
2007-10-22 09:48:59 · answer #8 · answered by tronary 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋