LCD TV Stand Materials
One thing which really sets one LCD TV stand apart from another is the material it’s constructed with. The material of the stand has two distinct purposes - it sets the tone or feel of the piece, and it provides the mechanical support for the television and any other accessories you may have around. Both are important, and both should definitely be thought of before you make a final decision as to what you want to purchase. By learning more about each type of material, you’ll be better informed as to what fits your needs and your desires.
Engineered Wood
There are many different types of artificially made wood out there used for LCD TV stands, of which a few are suitable for holding up the hefty weight of a television set. One of these is medium density fiberboard (MDF). This material is constructed by mixing various wooden fibers with special adhesives and applying heat and pressure until its compacted as a sturdy solid piece. This is great for the environment since it’s typically made using recycled bits of previously used wood. This is also a boon for your bottom line, since it usually costs less than other materials. With a good look and a small environmental impact, MDF TV stands are a good choice for those with a tight budget who still want something of high quality.
Wood Veneer
The idea behind a wood veneer TV stand is that it looks like wood, and feels like wood, but in essence is anything but wood. This material is made by taking especially thin slices of wood and adhering them to other materials. The other materials chosen are typically lightweight and strong ones like aluminum. This saves on shipping, which will reduce the cost of the piece. It also means that less material is needed to provide all the support that the LCD TV stand requires. Manufacturers usually save the best looking part of the tree to make the veneer, so the end piece looks nice without the cost of being entirely wood.
Hardwood
The all around best material for LCD TV stands is hardwood. This doesn’t just go for television stands; hardwood is considered the best for pretty much any furniture piece. It has great lasting longevity, making it a real solid investment. Hardwood is wooden pieces cut from the trunks of hearty deciduous hardwood trees. Because it’s an organic material as opposed to a man-made one, your stand will always be unique. This makes it a great heirloom and something which you can pass down for generations.
Other Materials
Metals and glass are often used for LCD TV stands, but generally not as the only material. They are typically used to provide an aesthetic accent to an already functional piece. To provide even further customization options, the metal can be stained with a variety of finishes. In addition, the glass could be anything from opaque to completely transparent.