MDF warps and swells worse than any other furniture material I've ever seen. If it's not well sealed against moisture (and laminate alone is not sufficient), it

MDF warps and swells worse than any other furniture material I've ever seen. If it's not well sealed against moisture (and laminate alone is not sufficient), it will eventually develop severe flaws if exposed to water or kept in a humid environment. Regular wood (and to a lesser extent plywood) will warp somewhat over time, though rarely enough to affect the function or appearance of the piece. It will swell with humidity, but it won't be permanently disfigured by it. Also, it won't become prone to catastrophic failure because people occasionally spill drinks on it. MDF doesn't have to have these issues; it can be used correctly. It's just very rare to see that in a lot of cheaper furniture.