About this calculator
The MDF vs Plywood Calculator compares the two main carcass and shutter base materials for Indian modular furniture. The 2026 India range is ₹45–95 per sqft for MDF (HDHMR / standard) vs ₹85–220 per sqft for plywood (commercial to BWP / marine).
Carcass material is the most over-charged hidden upgrade in modular furniture. Vendors push "premium MDF" at plywood prices, or sell low-grade plywood as BWP. Knowing the real per-sqft rate for each grade lets you spec what you actually need — and pay only for it.
Why homeowners use this calculator
- All carcass grades compared on same sqft basis.
- Brand-aware pricing (Century, Greenply, Action TESA).
- Water-area vs dry-area recommendations.
- Carcass + sheet pricing separated from shutter cost.
- Free PDF for carpenter / vendor cross-check.
Features
- Surface area input.
- Carcass type picker (MDF / HDHMR / commercial / BWP / marine).
- Brand tier toggle.
- Application zone (wet / dry).
- Premium gated PDF.
How the calculation works
Cost = sqft × (sheet rate + labour ₹35–60/sqft cutting + 8% wastage). For 200 sqft 18 mm BWP plywood (Century, Sainik) at ₹165/sqft + ₹50 labour = ₹47k. Same 200 sqft 18 mm HDHMR MDF at ₹85/sqft + ₹40 labour = ₹27k.
Why this estimate is more accurate
The MDF-vs-plywood decision is where bad carpentry happens. MDF in wet zones (kitchen base, bathroom) fails in 3–5 years. Plywood in pure-dry zones (TV unit, wardrobe sides) is over-spec and over-priced. Knowing where each belongs saves ₹20–50k on a typical Indian home.
Material comparison
| Material | ₹ / sqft (18 mm) | Water resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF (standard) | ₹45–65 | Poor | Dry-zone shutters only |
| HDHMR MDF (Action TESA) | ₹75–95 | Moderate | Dry shutters, wardrobe sides |
| Particle board | ₹35–55 | Very poor | Disposable furniture only |
| Commercial plywood | ₹85–130 | Moderate | Dry carcass |
| MR plywood | ₹110–160 | Good | Wardrobe in dry climates |
| BWP plywood (Century) | ₹150–210 | Excellent | Kitchen base + carcass |
| Marine plywood | ₹190–280 | Outstanding | Direct water contact |
What affects the final cost
- Thickness — 6 / 9 / 12 / 16 / 18 / 19 mm each priced differently; 18 mm is structural standard for carcass.
- Brand premium — Century / Greenply / Sainik 25–40% over local mills; warranty backed.
- BWP vs BWR — BWP = Boiling Water Proof, BWR = Boiling Water Resistant; BWP is the better grade for kitchens.
- Borer / termite treated — adds ₹15–25/sqft, mandatory in coastal cities and ground-floor units.
- IS:710 certified — only IS:710-marked marine ply is genuinely water-immersible.
- Cutting labour — ₹35–60/sqft for carcass cutting; MDF cuts cleaner than plywood.
City-wise cost variations
200 sqft 18 mm carcass material delivered + cut, 2026:
- HDHMR MDF (Action TESA): ₹17–22k
- MR plywood: ₹26–34k
- BWP plywood (Century / Greenply): ₹35–46k
- Marine plywood (IS:710): ₹42–58k