i'm wondering what type of wood is the best to use for making:
a) an entertainment unit (a low one with tv sitting on top)..more like a console
b) a coffee table
I ask because normally I see instructions using MDF...but is MDF strong enough to hold a 32" TV...?
Also what type of wood takes stain best..or does it not matter...I'm looking to eventually stain the pieces either onyx or dark walnut...both of which are very dark browns...should i be looking a specific type of wood?
thanks.
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as usual you are full of great knowledgeable info!
is often used for wall units for budget reasons - edges get covered with matching veneer tape (iron-on or better to use contact cement), then trim with razor blade and sand the edge - the whole thing can take a stain and various veneers are available - can also do the same thing with veneered plywood (i.e. regular core plywood with fancy veneer on the outer surfaces) - clean up any glue before staining as the stain won't go through it and leave pale spots
plywood has more resistance to bending (i.e. a long shelf) than particle board or MDF, also more strength to retain screws
MDF is really not great at holding screws in, since there are no long fibers to grab on to the threads - hence the specialized hardware often used in IKEA stuff (hardware is available in the long wall of small bins at most big box reno stores, or mail order from places like Lee Valley).
Basically the strength of MDF is more in "compression" applications (vertical gables of a cabinet with the top piece sitting on top of it) than in "tension" applications (i.e. a screw trying to pull away)
So these qualities need to be factored in when designing the wall unit/tv stand.
For something that will take more abuse over time (such as the coffee table), you could laminate 2-3" boards side by side to make up a wider top piece - can also sometimes "cheat" by laminating cheaper species in the middle and using yoru fancy walnut etc on the edges, then you laminate a veneer to the faces and hide everything - this way the edges are tougher than tape and still take the stain the same way as the top, you can also use a router to profile the edges, which can't be done with tape - needs a bit of a workshop setup to do this satisfactorily, while the tape application can be done with minimal tools (you can get the store to cut all your pieces for a minimal fee if you don't have a table saw)
TV show that are great for explaining all those techniques are In The Workshop and The New Yankee Workshop (both air on HGTV Canada)
MDF is incredibly strong, just try to screw something into it with out a pilot hole and you'll find out! Not good for anything that you want to seem like wood. Pine needs a wood conditioner to help it absorb stain evenly, and because it is a soft wood it is not ideal for something like a coffee table that takes a lot of abuse. Walnut would make a nice coffee table.
Good luck,
mo
The softer the wood, the better it will absorb the stain. Pine is a great one, but start out light and build up the colour.
our TV on Ikea Ivar shelving (solid pine) for almost 20 years -- never a problem with the weight?? But I'm no expert, I was just thinking that MDF was no good for staining.... the veneer sounds like a good solution if that's the look you are going for.
ply/fibre board are the strongest. Don't buy solid wood for the parts that are supporting the weight.
The composite woods are also less prone to warp.
You can get a nice veneer on a composite. Sometimes, it is the nicest way to get a truly exotic wood. Cityline did a thing on veneers lately - talking about how wonderful they are for furniture.
Lore
pine might be best. You will get the grain showing through if you use a transparent or semi-transparent stain instead of opaque. I think maple doesn't take a stain as well.
Try various stains on sample boards before you start on your piece.
you need some kind of ply - unless you get a detailed answer here, I would trot off to the local lumber yard with pencil drawing in hand, and ask - they really don't mind !
the look i'm hoping to achieve is the dark wood look with the grain still showing through (even a little of the grain)
thanks!