If you don’t need to see the wood grains on your dining table, or don’t have an issue with unnatural wood, medium density fibreboard (MDF) might be for you.

Hard lumber furniture can be three times as expensive as MDF ones, according to Radcliffe Shurland, managing director of Island Dreams Bedding and Furniture.

The more affluent homemaker may opt for mahogany or cedar-natural woods, which are far more superior and durable, compared to MDF.

But a five-piece dining set made of a combination of MDF and natural wood could cost between $26,000 and $30,000, while the same set, made entirely of pure wood, would run you from $38,000 to $100,000, depending on the type of wood used.

Using another example, an MDF chest of drawers with five drawers should cost $19,500, compared to $28,000 for one made of solid lumber. Still a combination of both is cheaper at $24,000.

And while some of the traits of the lightweight fibreboard, which make it easier to work with than natural wood, also makes it less durable, there are ways to strengthen your MDF furniture.

“The MDF can be used on the surface, while wood is applied to areas such as the edges — areas more prone to wear and tear,” said Shurland. Protective layers can also be applied to the fibreboard to make it more resistant to water.

Among the features that make woods like yellow pine and cedar more expensive, is the time it takes to join the pieces together.

There’s a lot of cutting and drying in the process.

But without solid lumber, you run the risk of your furniture breaking.

“So while you may primarily use the fibreboard, you should case it with solid lumber for durability,” Shurland said

According to the manufacturer, who supplies local furniture stores, there are some consumers who look beyond the face value of the item.

That’s not to say that there aren’t attractive types of MDF around.

However, if you are not sold on MDF, there are small-scale manufacturers who can also provide you with savings on your furniture.

According to one maker, who asked to be unnamed, a five-drawer chest of drawers with local hardwood, such as oak, can be made for $17,000. And if you fancy mahogany, he could make one for $25,000.

But, Shurland suggested that if you really want to cut cost in your bedroom furniture expenses, buying a dresser wouldn’t be the best option.

“There are some who work with the chest of drawers, and add a mirror on the wall,” he said. “That’s a more contemporary look.”

Sofas are also natural additions to your home.

In recent times, people have moved away from furniture that is primarily made of wood.

Limiting the amount of wood you use on a three-seat sofa, and opting to use more upholstery, could result in a finished living room piece that cost you $28,000.

“If it wasn’t fully upholstered, the cost would be about 35 per cent more,” according to Shurland.

Mind you, the price of upholstery widely varies.

The recommended retail price for a couch made of micro fibre is $41,000, according to Shurland. The same sofa, using chenille and tapestry materials could cost $22,000.