Material Comparison
NuBam vs Plywood vs MDF vs Solid Wood
A practical side-by-side comparison to help buyers, specifiers, and project teams evaluate engineered bamboo against traditional panel materials.
Strength
★ NuBam
Engineered Bamboo
Plywood
Hardwood / Softwood
MDF
Medium Density Fibre
Solid Wood
Hardwood Species
22–69 MPa
20–50 MPa
20–38 MPa
40–80 MPa
3918–7377 N
2000–5000 N
1000–2500 N
2000–8000 N
25–30 MPa
20–35 MPa
15–25 MPa
25–50 MPa
Sustainability
★ NuBam
Engineered Bamboo
Plywood
Hardwood / Softwood
MDF
Medium Density Fibre
Solid Wood
Hardwood Species
Carbon negative
Carbon positive
Carbon positive
Neutral to positive
3–5 years
25–80 years
25–80 years
25–100 years
Sustainably Harvested
Varies by supplier
Varies by supplier
Varies by supplier
Workability
★ NuBam
Engineered Bamboo
Plywood
Hardwood / Softwood
MDF
Medium Density Fibre
Solid Wood
Hardwood Species
Good with carbide
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Requires sealing
Requires banding
Paintable, smooth
Excellent
Natural bamboo grain
Veneer dependent
Smooth, paintable
Natural wood grain
Moisture
★ NuBam
Engineered Bamboo
Plywood
Hardwood / Softwood
MDF
Medium Density Fibre
Solid Wood
Hardwood Species
Moderate (interior)
Good (marine grade)
Poor
Species dependent
Commercial
★ NuBam
Engineered Bamboo
Plywood
Hardwood / Softwood
MDF
Medium Density Fibre
Solid Wood
Hardwood Species
From 10 boards
Varies
Varies
Varies
Mid-premium
Low to mid
Low
Mid to high
Full support
Standard
Standard
Varies
DOST / ASTM D1037
Standard grades only
Standard grades only
Species specific
All data based on published literature, DOST / ASTM D1037 testing (NuBam), and industry references. Values are indicative ranges. Actual performance may vary by grade, species, and configuration. Contact NUMAT for product-specific technical data.
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