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Useful Info

A. 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.

B. 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.

C. Is Particle Board Furniture Really Inferior to Solid Wood? Let’s Set the Record Straight:

There’s a common misconception that particle board furniture, even when made to E1 quality standards, is substandard or inferior to solid wood. Is particle board furniture inferior to solid wood? Absolutely not! At Nest Designs, we’re here to set the record straight and dispel that myth.

As the exclusive distributor in South Africa for leading European manufacturers such as Trasman, Parisot, and Diagone, we select and bring these high-quality ranges directly to the South African public. These manufacturers are renowned for their exceptional designs, innovative craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability, and we’re proud to retail their products.


Why Particle Board Outshines Solid Wood in Many Ways

The furniture ranges we distribute are crafted from particle board finished with either melamine resin or foil—a powerhouse of durability. This material is made from densely compacted wood particles, giving it a solid and sturdy feel. Unlike solid wood, which can be easily dented or scratched by everyday bumps and scrapes, particle board resists heat, moisture, and scratches—perfect for busy households. Is particle board furniture inferior to solid wood? Absolutely not! In many cases, particle board is the more practical and durable choice.


A Wide Range of Styles and Colours

Thanks to melamine resin and foil finishes, the ranges we offer include a variety of popular wood types, including Acacia, Oak, and Pine. Within the Oak range, you’ll find stunning effects and shades such as Japanese Oak, Artisan Oak, Jackson Oak, and Brooklyn Oak.

These finishes also enable a versatile colour palette, with options like white, black, pink, blue, sage, and grey. This flexibility allows for furniture that complements any room, style, or colour scheme.


Why Flat-Pack Furniture Makes Sense

Engineered materials like particle board allow the European manufacturers we work with to create intricate designs, such as bunk beds with integrated storage or loft beds with desks, that would be challenging and costly to produce with solid wood. Flat-pack construction offers additional advantages:

  • Large pieces fit through your front door and into any room with ease.
  • Shipping costs are significantly reduced—a saving we pass on to you!

A Sustainable Choice That Supports CSR

In today’s world, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. Particle board is a virtuous product that aligns perfectly with these values, as it allows for the creation of beautiful, high-quality furniture from recycled wood and wood by-products. These are materials that would otherwise be wasted or unsuitable for use in solid wood due to size or irregularities.

By repurposing wood chips, shavings, and sawdust, these European manufacturers help reduce waste while minimizing the need for virgin timber. This not only preserves forests but also contributes to a circular economy by giving discarded materials a second life. The particle board used in their furniture contains over 50% recycled material and is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Europe, ensuring that the products we bring to you are as eco-conscious as they are stylish.

Additionally, the combination of particle board with melamine resin or foil finishes allows for virtually unlimited creativity, offering consistent quality and a wide range of designs, textures, and colours. This innovative approach makes it possible to craft multifunctional furniture that’s both practical and visually stunning—perfect for modern living spaces.


A Material That Delivers It All

With its stylish finishes, affordability, resilience, and eco-friendly advantages, the furniture ranges we retail far exceed outdated perceptions of being ‘cheap’ or ‘inferior.’ Is particle board furniture inferior to solid wood? Absolutely not! Whether you’re choosing a bunk bed, loft bed, or desk, these high-quality products ensure beauty, durability, and sustainability.


Conclusion: Is Particle Board Furniture Inferior to Solid Wood?

Absolutely not! While solid wood has its place, particle board furniture, especially when made to the exacting standards of our European manufacturers, offers unparalleled durability, versatility, and value. From its scratch and moisture resistance to its eco-friendly production process, particle board proves itself as a high-quality material that can meet the demands of modern households. With stunning finishes, innovative designs, and an environmentally responsible edge, particle board furniture is a choice you can feel confident about.