Useful Info

Product Assembly

Our furniture usually comes flat packed with simple assembly instructions, so that customers are not charged for things they could easily do themselves. Before assembling, study the instructions carefully! Check all parts and hardware against the inventory first, before you begin assembly. If any parts or hardware are missing then please contact us immediately. Do not begin assembly!
IMPORTANT:Damage caused by incorrect use or through mistreatment is not covered by our guarantee. This is especially the case if the assembly instructions are not followed.

What is MDF?

Medium density fibreboard, or MDF, is a composite wood product similar to particleboard. It’s made out of wood waste fibres glued together with resin, heat, and pressure. MDF is appropriate for many applications, from cabinetry to moulding, because it is smooth, uniform, and won’t warp.

MDF has many advantages over plank wood, particleboard, or high density fibreboard. It’s very smooth because the wood fibres used in its manufacture are uniform and fine. This makes it have low “tear out,” which means that when sawed, the end has a smooth cut instead of a jagged edge. This also means that a coat of primer and a couple of coats of paint take well, leaving an attractive, finished surface unlike other composite wood products. MDF also has a mild reaction to moisture, meaning it won’t warp or swell in high-humidity applications like a bathroom cabinet.

Builders use MDF in many capacities, such as in furniture, shelving, laminate flooring, decorative moulding, and doors. They value MDF for its insular qualities in sound and heat. Also, it can be nailed, glued, screwed, stapled, or attached with dowels, making it as versatile as plank wood. Usually, people working with MDF use a carbide saw fitted with a vacuum to reduce the amount of airborne dust.

Since MDF is strengthened with resin containing formaldehyde, those at exposure try to reduce their risk of inhalation, or use special MDF with lower formaldehyde levels. This is called E1 quality. This is the ONLY quality that we use in the production of all MDF products for Nest.

Reconstituted, engineered wood products like MDF are often covered in a veneer or laminate. These thin layers of vinyl or real wood disguise the MDF, especially along visible edges. Some people prefer using MDF over regular lumber because it has a lower impact on the environment. MDF is solely made from waste products, the leftover scraps that would otherwise be dumped in a landfill. This attraction has helped it gain popularity among homeowners. It’s now available not just to contractors. Many home improvement centres and lumberyards stock it in sheets for the general public.

Facts about our Sanding and Painting Process

All manufacturers have their own preferences when it comes to sanding before the application of a finish. By working closely with our European manufacturer to ensure a quality finish, all Nest MDF European production follows the following process:

Items are cut in a CNC machine. Advanced, modern computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools available today, have revolutionized the design process for manufacturers, enabling them to produce parts that closely match original computer-aided design (CAD) designs.

All rounded and flat parts of the item are machine sanded. It is often said that the start makes the finish! Professional painters often state that the sanding process is far more important than the actual painting process. Sanding too much or too little can cause imperfections on the surface of the item. These imperfections are almost always seen after the paint has been sprayed and dried. When it comes to NEST production, we endeavour to get our finish just right!

All edges of the item are then sanded by hand. At all stages in the sanding process, once sanding is complete, a high velocity air jet is used to remove accumulated dust and contaminants.

The first coat of paint is then sprayed, first sideways and then up and down in the shape of a cross, to ensure complete, even coverage.

The round parts and flat parts of the item are then sanded by machine again. After sanding has been completed, a high velocity air jet is used again to remove all traces of dust and contaminants.

Finally, the final coat of paint is sprayed, first sideways and then up and down in the shape of a cross.

Once dry the panel is wiped lightly with a clean, dry cloth. After a final QC inspection the goods are packed.

Facts about our Brushed Pine Wood Finish

Following the trend for more texture and contrast in the surface of wood, certain items of furniture in our range have been manufactured using brushed pine wood. This technique creates a textured, more tactile surface by highlighting the wood veins and knots thereby accenting the woods natural grain. Small bumps and fine cracks may be visible in some cases. It is important to note that these are characteristics of mature wood – each piece is unique.

Facts about our Untreated Solid Oak Products

Our untreated solid oak furniture should be treated and assembled as soon as it is removed from the packaging. Wood is a natural product which will warp if it is not treated.

All wooden boards should be treated on both sides with a layer of stain or a lacquer or wax to achieve a natural effect. Oil can also be used. Oil is available to purchase from NEST directly. Please ask us for details. Our oil is specially developed for solid oak furniture and flooring and is resistant to dirt and stains. One 400ml tin will treat approximately 10m2. We have two oils available – Natural and Translucent. The Natural oil will give the wood a warm colour whilst the Translucent oil will hardly alter the look of the untreated finish. Be advised that as wood is a natural product, there will always be a slight variation to the finish when treated – this is due to absorption.

Please note that we also work with a local paint manufacturer www.harlequin.co.za who offers a much wider range of acrylic, water-based based varnishes which are suitable for use on our untreated furniture. We recommend Harlequin’s Suede Varnish which will achieve a similar finish to our Translucent oil. This varnish can be purchased directly from the supplier. Please ask us for further details.

IMPORTANT: Always follow directions on the packaging and TEST OUT THE COLOUR FIRST on the underside of the board.