🎁 Gift Vouchers available here!

Help & advice

What materials are best for custom made furniture

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Planning your bedroom renovation and thinking about storage? Solid wood, MFC, MDF, plywood, glass and mirrors are the most common materials used in the making of custom built furniture. Time to get planning!

Consider using recycled or reclaimed materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled glass, this reduces the environmental impact. Shop around for sustainable sourcing practices, finding FSC-certified wood (ensures that the materials used come from responsibly managed forests) is easier now than ever.

Solid wood

Hardwoods like Oak and Walnut are extremely durable and will stand the test of time. They have a quality finish, whilst softwoods like Pine and Cedar offer a more affordable option.

Planks of solid wood

MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)

This is an engineered wood product made from wood fibre, often a good choice for affordability while still offering strength and durability. It has a smooth flat surface great for painting.

Sheets of stacked MDF boards

MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboards)

Made from wood chips and bonded with a melamine resin surface. MFC comes in a variety of designs and colours and is affordable, lightweight and functional. It has a low resistance to water however, so although the surface is wipe-clean, it will have a shorter life-span if exposed to any significant amount of water or a damp/humid environment.

Sheets of stacked MFC boards

Plywood

Made from thin layers (plies) of wood veneers glued together with their grain rotated with each layer. This cross-graining enhances the strength and stability of the sheet. Plywood comes in various grades, thicknesses, and types and is commonly used for furniture due to its strength, durability, and resistance to warping.

Stack of plywood boards

Glass or mirror

Glass or mirror (on the doors of wardrobes or cabinets) can help a room look spacious and light.

Wardrobe in bedroom with mirror panel

It goes without saying that if you haven't already, you'll want to make sure there is enough space for your custom made furniture in the room. Planning a bedroom remodel? Read more on planning the best layout for your bedroom.

Free renovation tip index
Top bookmarked renovation tips, in one place
An index of the most saved advice from our community - the practical details that are easy to miss until it's too late. Sorted by room, updated weekly.
Free tip index

Frequently asked questions

1

What is the best material for custom made furniture?

The best material depends on where the furniture is going and how it will be used. Solid wood is durable and long lasting, MDF is good for painted finishes, plywood is strong and stable, and MFC is usually the most affordable option.

2

Is MDF good for built-in wardrobes?

Yes, MDF is commonly used for built-in wardrobes because it is strong, affordable and has a smooth surface for painting. It is a good choice if you want a clean, painted finish rather than a natural wood grain.

3

What is the difference between MDF and MFC?

MDF is made from compressed wood fibres and is usually painted or finished afterwards. MFC is chipboard with a melamine surface already applied, so it comes pre-finished in different colours and designs.

4

Is plywood better than MDF for furniture?

Plywood is generally stronger and more resistant to warping than MDF, which makes it useful for furniture that needs extra strength or stability. MDF is often better for smooth painted doors, panels and built-in cabinetry.

5

Is solid wood worth it for custom furniture?

Solid wood can be worth it if you want a long-lasting, natural material that can be repaired or refinished over time. It usually costs more than MDF, MFC or plywood, so it may not be necessary for every part of a built-in unit.

6

Can you use MFC in bedrooms?

Yes, MFC can work well for bedroom furniture and wardrobes. It is affordable, wipe-clean and available in lots of finishes. It is less suitable for damp or humid areas because water exposure can shorten its lifespan.

7

Are mirrored wardrobes a good idea?

Mirrored wardrobe doors can work well in bedrooms because they reflect light and make the room feel larger. They are especially useful in smaller rooms, but you still need to plan door swing, clearance and layout properly.

8

What should you check before ordering custom made furniture?

Before ordering custom furniture, check the room dimensions, ceiling height, wall type, floor levels and clearance around doors and drawers. Built-in furniture affects the layout, lighting and socket positions, so it needs to be planned early.

The web app for home renovations

Plan, Renovate. Simple.

Save thousands and finish faster with Reno, the renovation planning app.


Free template renovation planner
Template renovation plan for a new bathroom, kitchen, utility or bedroom
We've boiled down the 15 steps to follow to get you through a renovation like a pro.
Free to do list
Image showing the floor planner demo in use
Create a plan your builder gets first time
Have a play with Reno for free and see how much easier renovation planning feels.
Free renovation tip index
Top bookmarked renovation tips, in one place
An index of the most saved advice from our community - the practical details that are easy to miss until it's too late. Sorted by room, updated weekly.
Free tip index
Reno Floor Plan Gallery
Looking for layout inspiration?
Check out our floor plan gallery to explore more plans and get layout inspiration and ideas for your new bathroom, ensuite, lounge or kitchen renovation.
Access the gallery
Reno Bathroom Calculator
Worried about what your bathroom renovation will cost?
Get to a £ figure in seconds with our free bathroom calculator.
Free Calculator

Explore Reno...

bathroomkitchenutilitybedroomensuiteliving roomhome officedining roomhallwayhome cinemaloft coming soongarden coming soon

Join our mailing list and get 10% off

Who are you? *

By signing up, you are agreeing to our Terms and Privacy Policy including receiving emails from us at Reno (you can unsubscribe at any time). Opted out but want back in? Re-subscribe to the mailing list .


Start your renovation with Reno