What Kind of Material Should I Choose for My Teen’s Bed?

Most commonly known as MDF, medium density fiber board is made of recycled materials. It is more affordable than solid wood, but just as strong and durable. Engineered woods such as MDF and particle board are processed by using heat and pressure to glue wood fibers together. For bedroom furniture in a teen’s room that is easy to care for while having the look and feel of real wood, select a headboard made of MDF. Engineered woods are also referred to as recycled or reconstituted woods.

Wood veneers are created by gluing thin slices of real wood to the piece of furniture using heat and pressure. Since it can be applied to any smooth, flat surface, this is a popular material for bedroom furniture like a bunk bed or bookcase. When wood veneers are being used, the body of the furniture piece is often made of an engineered wood. Since it is not as expensive to manufacture, it also gives furniture the texture and appearance of genuine woods, while keeping costs down.

Laminates are produced by pressing layers of plastic, metal or wood together, then sealing them with a thermosetting resin. They are often used to make furniture since laminates don’t fade and have no grain; this will make it easier to match when adding additional pieces to your teen’s bedroom set. Furniture made from laminates is generally lighter than the solid wood versions and therefore more economical to transport. They are also durable and easy to care for.

Considered to be the most durable material for furniture, genuiene wood furnishings are constructed from wood cut from the trunks of trees like pine, mahogany or oak and are more expensive than engineered wood products. If your budget allows for a four poster made of real wood, it will be something that you and your teen will prize for years to come. Although, do keep in mind, that as a construction material for teen furniture, it will be the most labor intensive. Because is has a grained surface, depending on the type of finish, it can be scratched easily.

Metals are a popular material for youth beds because they are strong and easy to keep clean. Pure metals are too soft, too brittle or chemically reactive so alloys are used. Alloys are made by combining two or more metals together. Since all metals are subject to the effects of time and oxidization, you will want to choose a metal twin bed with a durable finish that is resistant to corrosion. Bed frames made from from heavy gauge tubing will retain strength and durability, while being lighter and less expensive.