Non-MDF furniture

[kathirynne]

I am looking for a small table, to hold my computer monitor and keyboard. I have been ALL over the internet, and have found several with the right dimensions, but all of them are made with MDF (which, in my experience, means particle board). I really would rather not pay good money for sawdust and glue (even if the money comes from Uncle Sam, and not as part of my regular pay packet! )

Anyone know where to find a small, solid wood table?

TIA

[possum]

Have you looked at Ikea's stuff? Some of their things are solid. Also, Lowe's used to have some put-it-together pine furniture including a small desk.
Melinda

[SusannahM]

It's not too hard to build your own and Lowe's carries pretty stain grade wood. We made our dining room table and we get compliments all the time:

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...t=IMG_3168.jpg
http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...t=IMG_3167.jpg

[jillian+1]

Technically MDF is "medium density fiberboard". It is related to particle board but much stronger. It is made from smaller wood particles and binders bonded under high pressure. It holds a screw better than particle board and resists moisture much better. It's heavier than particle board or solid wood.

Of course it does not hold a screw as well as solid wood, and it may not be as strong in some ways. However, it is more stable than solid wood, meaning it will not crack or warp like solid wood can. It also paints much nicer since there is no grain to raise. In fact, it is a very smooth finish, requiring little sanding.

Some people prefer engineered wood since it is essentially made from waste products rather than planks of wood, so it may be more "green". But then again, it is made with chemical glues and some people worry about that. All I'm saying is don't make a snap judgement against engineered wood.

ETA: have you thought about metal?

[anthasam]

Do you have a local unfinished furniture store? We have several around here (NJ) and most (if not all) of their furniture is solid wood. We've made several purchases there over the years and have been very pleased! (Of course, if you would like to finish the piece, you'll have to do it yourself )

[counterGOPI]

Originally Posted by jillian+1

Technically MDF is "medium density fiberboard". It is related to particle board but much stronger. It is made from smaller wood particles and binders bonded under high pressure. It holds a screw better than particle board and resists moisture much better. It's heavier than particle board or solid wood.

Of course it does not hold a screw as well as solid wood, and it may not be as strong in some ways. However, it is more stable than solid wood, meaning it will not crack or warp like solid wood can. It also paints much nicer since there is no grain to raise. In fact, it is a very smooth finish, requiring little sanding.

Some people prefer engineered wood since it is essentially made from waste products rather than planks of wood, so it may be more "green". But then again, it is made with chemical glues and some people worry about that. All I'm saying is don't make a snap judgement against engineered wood.

ETA: have you thought about metal?

don't forget that particle board contains formeldahyde that leaks out indefinetely poisoning the air in homes

i too vote for an unfinished furniture store, thats where we get ous from