90% of the jewelry boxes on the market today are made from MDF. We would like to share with you the pros and cons of this material. MDF is an abbreviation for Medium-density fiberboard. It is an engineered wood formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fiber, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying heat and pressure. It creates a panel that is denser than plywood and is stronger and much more durable than normal particle board. The benefit to this is that it is extremely durable, even more so than some hardwoods. Like natural wood, MDF may split when woodscrews are installed without pilot holes, and MDF may be glued, doweled or laminated. Because of additional materials added to the composite (wax and resin) MDF is usually much heavier than natural wood. It also requires a paper laminate or wood veneer as a cover, for MDF naturally cannot be finished or stained. Paper laminates over MDF are inexpensive but also, very vulnerable to wear and damage. A paper laminate can be easily scratched or torn, revealing the MDF beneath. An MDF constructed box with a wood veneer over the top is actually a very practical solution. The construction is sturdy, the wood veneers beautiful and durable, and the price is much less than a solid wood jewelry box. For example, a solid mahogany jewelry box would range between $300 and $1200 depending on the size. An MDF jewelry box with a mahogany wood veneer would be between $50 and $400 depending on size. MDF boxes with veneers also present the look of a perfect wood cut.

However, the natural beauty of solid wood lies within its imperfection. Knots, wood grain and careful cuts are what make a solid wood jewelry box unique and like no other. Solid wood jewelry boxes may be constructed of an inexpensive hardwood (such as poplar) and then finished in a wood veneer (such as mahogany). This option is wonderful because the entire box is constructed of real, solid wood, but the cost is reduced because of the wood used for the base construction. A solid wood jewelry box will outlast an MDF or veneer box based on the longevity real wood provides and the seals that are used to preserve it during manufacturing that MDF simply cannot be treated with.