Finishing MDF is an easy way to transform a room at minimal cost. How to properly sheathe walls with mdf panels Walls in a mdf house

Wall or ceiling cladding different rooms, including loggias are often performed using MDF panels. This material does not require a large number components, the technology of its installation is quite simple. The range is represented by different types of panels, which differ in size, shade and texture.

Learn more about MDF material

In order to make the final decision for yourself which wall cladding is best for do-it-yourself installation under certain conditions, you need to study information about the material: structure, properties, scope.

Dimensions, characteristics

MDF is a material that is made from carefully chopped wood (sawdust, shavings and other woodworking waste). Wood dust is exposed to high temperatures and pressed. binder in this case paraffin and lignin appear.

Surface cladding is carried out with sheets and panels of different dimensions: the length varies from 900 to 3660 mm; width from 150 to 2070 mm; thickness from 1.8 to 60 mm. Most formats are non-standard, which allows you to choose the right option.

The standard dimensions in length are 2.6 m. Less common material is 2.4 m long, as well as 2.7 m. The value of the parameter in width varies greatly: from 0.15 to 2.07 m.

Main characteristics:

Environmental friendliness;
Excellent strength properties;
Long-term operation;
High-quality surface of the panels;
Soundproof properties.

Where is it applied?

MDF is used in construction (cladding walls, ceilings, doors), furniture production, automotive industry. For laying on the loggia, a material is required that is characterized by resistance to temperature extremes, moisture and ultraviolet radiation. These criteria are met by MDF, in particular, moisture-resistant sheet panels.

Preparation for work

Facing the surfaces of the walls and ceiling of the loggia is carried out in several stages, the first of which is the preparation of the material. Sheet panels are transferred to the balcony so that they acquire desired level humidity. This will avoid deformation of the MDF.

Tool

A hammer;
Screwdriver;
Roulette
Hacksaw for woodworking, scissors for metal;
Level.

Of the consumables, you will need wood screws, kleimers and galvanized corners. And also, polyurethane foam, sealant.

Auxiliary materials

Finishing the balcony with MDF panels is carried out using components and materials:

Any insulation from a number of existing ones (mineral wool, penofol, penoplex, etc.);
Fasteners (nails, self-tapping screws, kleimers);
Priming compositions for different materials(concrete, wood);
Accessories for MDF;
Wooden beam or special profiles for gypsum boards for lathing.

Room measurements and calculation of MDF

Do-it-yourself wall and flow decoration requires accurate measurements of the room. First of all, you need to determine the length and height of the walls. The number of panels can be determined by drawing up a diagram of their best location on the wall.

In this case, you need to form a pattern, and the seams should be as small as possible. The number of bars / profiles for the crate is determined based on the dimensions of the wall and the sketch, which takes into account the distance between the guides (50 cm). The dimensions of the bars are selected taking into account surface irregularities (25x40 mm, 40x40 mm, 30-50 mm).

Step-by-step panel mounting technology

The crate allows you to create more solid construction. The advantage of this solution is that it is not necessary to specially level the surface of the walls. But the crumbling base (concrete, plaster) must be treated with a special compound that will strengthen it. For a tree, other means are used - antiseptics.

Step 1: The choice of the type of frame and its installation

There are two types of crates: from wooden planks and metal profile for GKL. The first option is cheaper, but it is affected humid environment. For this reason, it is better to install such a frame on a loggia that is well insulated. The metal counterpart is stronger and can withstand any operating conditions.

The distance between the two rails should be 40-50 centimeters. The lower rail is fixed at a distance of about 3-5 cm from the floor.

The procedure for installing the crate:

Determined highest point irregularities, it is here that you need to fix the first bar;
Edged material will have to be laid on the rest of the wall surface;
If the wall is flat, the installation of horizontal guides is carried out from below, after which the top bar is installed, and then the crossbars;
The distance from the floor and ceiling is 3-5 cm.

The fastening of the wooden frame is carried out by means of dowel-nails, self-tapping screws. For metal, anchors, metal screws are used.

Step 2: Installation of thermal insulation

Insulation is placed between the laths of the crate. Its thickness must correspond to the height of the frame, otherwise the sheet panels will be deformed. For installation between the rails, the battens use almost any insulation: mineral wool, polystyrene, polystyrene.

The insulation should be located over the entire surface of the wall, including under the belts of the crate. Otherwise, heat loss on the balcony can be up to 40%.

The insulation is simply laid in the cells of the frame. If sheet panels are glued to the surface of the walls, thermal insulation with increased strength is used.

Step 3: Fixing the MDF

Finishing the balcony with MDF panels is carried out using fasteners of various types: self-tapping screws, kleimers, installation on glue. If an adhesive is used, it is recommended to use moisture-resistant materials that are versatile and suitable for attaching the material to different types surfaces (concrete, plaster).

Detailed step-by-step instruction

The sequence of actions in this case is as follows:

Alignment of the walls of the loggia;
Thorough cleaning and degreasing;
Primer;
Applying glue.

For MDF fasteners wood screws are used for the wooden frame. They are installed at a distance of 10-15 mm from the edge of the panel. This will hide the caps of the screws under the corners and baseboards.

Step 4: Connection and fastening on clamps

From the side of the spike, the MDF is fixed with self-tapping screws. If the panel rests against a corner of the wall, the connecting element must be cut off. The next panel is attached not only by snapping into the groove, but also using glue. The connecting element is glued. Kleimers also securely fix sheet panels.

On the other side of the MDF panel, where the groove is located, the clamp is fixed. Then it is fixed with screws on the rail.

When moving to another wall, the material is cut at 45 degrees (from the groove side), the next panel is cut at 45 degrees from the tenon side. The last panel is rounded at the end.

slope finishing

MDF is allowed to be installed along and across the slope. The preferred option is determined by its width. For a narrow slope, it is better to choose a transverse installation of the material. Special corners, profiles, plinths have been created for the purpose of finishing corner sections and crevices. With their help, you can hide any leaks. Components are cut and installed with adhesive.

Thus, finishing the MDF ceiling with panels or other surfaces (walls, slopes, parapets) is done in different ways: on glue, screws, nails and on the crate. The first option is the least reliable and requires maximum effort: leveling the walls of the loggia, cleaning, degreasing, priming

Choice facing materials for walls may cause headache due to the huge range that offers modern market. Consumers now prefer safe materials but not everyone can afford them. MDF panels are environmentally friendly pure material and at the same time relatively inexpensive, so they are chosen quite often. How the walls are finished with MDF panels and what are the features of the material, we will consider in the article.

Planks are suitable for facing any room: kitchen, bedroom, corridor, living room. The panels are used for cladding in the presence of curved walls, as the design hides flaws and does not require careful preparation, which saves on purchase additional materials.
Planks are made by pressing under the influence of high temperature. This is how small particles stick to each other. If you install the strips on the frame, you can lay an additional layer of thermal insulation of the room. This is especially true for apartments with poor heating and private houses.

Another point of savings is the ease of installation. For installation, it is not necessary to call specialists, the work can be done on your own. After installation, the panels do not need to be further processed - they are completely ready. Where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages. MDF panels are no exception. Their surface can be scratched if not handled carefully. They also can't take heavy hits.
In the event of a fire, the planks will support combustion. Therefore, the wiring must be insulated very well. In order to prevent them from burning, they are treated with special compounds, but these are additional costs and work.
But, despite this, the panels will last for many years.

Most importantly, do not use brushes or detergents with abrasive ingredients. Finishing the slats of the cooking area in the kitchen is also not allowed.

Panel types

Like any material, MDF panels are classified into groups according to certain criteria: texture, size, shape, manufacturing technology.

There are several ways to make planks:

Whole-faced;
Laminated;
Moisture resistant.

Whole-pressed, as the name implies, are made by pressing small particles of wood. Such planks will last a long time, they are durable and smooth. decorative properties such panels immediately catch the eye.
Laminated panels are also made by pressing, but after manufacturing, the bar is covered with a special film. That is why this type has a rich selection of colors. Only the finest wood fibers are used to make waterproof planks. You can install them in rooms with high humidity: kitchen or bathroom.

According to their form, they are distinguished into:

Rack;
Tiled;
Sheet.

Rack strips are very easy to install, so they are purchased most often. For installation, a frame is required, which is simply filled with panels. The length and width of the slats is different, you can choose required size for a room with any area.
Tiled strips are similar to ordinary tiles, only with a larger area. Tiles are installed in the same way as slats - on the frame. It's kind of cassette ceiling. Leaves can be large. More often they are decorated with drawings.

According to the texture, the strips are divided into:

Veneered;
glossy;
Painted;
3D panels.

Veneered planks imitate natural wooden surface. MDF sheet is covered with veneer, which is made from different varieties tree. This type has a high cost.

Glossy panels are covered with a film to achieve the desired effect. known to be glossy smooth surfaces much easier to clean up. However, any damage to such a surface will be visible to the naked eye.

Painted planks are not used as often for cladding, although paint adds variety, more often furniture is made from painted planks.

The surface of the slats can be glossy or matte. Drawings are applied on 3D panels that imitate various materials. They also apply volumetric drawings or photos. Such panels can be made to order, it all depends on your imagination.

How to choose panels

Before work, you need to calculate the amount of material. However, you should not buy the material back to back, buy a few panels in reserve in case they are damaged during operation or during transportation.

Calculating the amount of material is simple. Measure the total area of the walls and divide by the size of the panels. This is how you get the correct number. The cost of the slats depends on the pattern and characteristics. Waterproof glossy panels with a 3D pattern will cost the most. Do not buy thin panels, their thickness should be at least 1 cm.

Preparing walls for paneling

Careful preparation for frame structure not required. The main thing is to treat the wall with an antifungal compound. Everything else depends on your personal desire. But still, if you spend anyway repair work, then it is better to put the wall in order. Moreover, over time, it will be much more difficult to do this. This is especially true for stains, the longer they remain on the surface, the more difficult it is to remove them.

The preparation process consists of several stages:

Necessary tool for the job

During the installation process, you will need plumb lines, which can be made from a rope and a weight. For marking you need a level and a tape measure. Screwdriver and electric drill for installation. If you need to cut the panels, then use a jigsaw. It is also suitable for cutting metal parts.

Mounting methods

You can install the strips on metal or wooden frame as well as with glue. The choice of frame material depends on the room. So in a room with high humidity it is better to use metal, and in a private house wooden.

Glue installation means flat surface, so the preliminary work on the preparation of the wall must be carried out completely and with care.

Glue

Installation on glue does not take much time. But later, if a separate bar is damaged, you will not be able to get one panel without damaging the others.
The glue is applied to the panel in thin lines in three or four rows and glued to the wall. It is not necessary to press hard, a little pressure is enough. So the whole wall is filled. Excess glue must be removed immediately before it dries.

frame

First decide on the method of installing the panels: horizontal or vertical installation. The frame profile is set perpendicular to the direction of the panels.

For a horizontal arrangement of the frame, marking lines are drawn using a level, and vertically using plumb lines. The guide bars of the frame are installed at a distance of 50 cm.

wooden frame

The bars are installed on the wall with dowels. A hole is drilled in the plank, a dowel is inserted into it and a self-tapping screw is screwed. Fasteners are placed in increments of 40 cm.

Metal carcass

The metal profile is also attached to the screws. First, it is pressed against the wall and the location of the screws is marked, then holes are punched and then the profile is screwed. After its installation, suspensions are attached to it.

Fastening MDF panels to the wall. The evenness of the subsequent installation also depends on the location of the starting bar, so check it with a level. Fasten the panel in the corner to the guide profile using the spike. Additionally secure it with self-tapping screws. Next, the spike is installed in the groove of the previous panel. Thus, the wall is completely filled. The last bar usually has to be cut. It is fixed with self-tapping screws and subsequently closed with decorative corners.

Finishing mdf panels walls are rarely used. But this finish has its advantages, which are extremely difficult to dispute.
Therefore, this article will be about how to install mdf wall panels for interior decoration, you will learn all the subtleties of fastening this material. Get to know all the details.

Before buying, you should learn more about this type of finishing material. There are details that you may like, and there are things that will make you change your mind.
First of all, you should look at the photos and videos on this finishing material and imagine what exactly you want to see. After that, see what you will get in this design.
So:

The installation of this material is dry. That is, you do not need to do a long alignment of the walls and spend money on it.
Of course, this should be attributed to the merits;
You can do it right away additional insulation walls, it will be exactly as an addition, and not separate work and therefore the costs will be reduced.
Wall decoration with mdf plates is done entirely by one's own hands and without any outside help. This greatly reduces the cost of the entire structure;
Finishing with MDF panels, even without the use of additional materials, is an additional heat and sound insulation;
After installation, you do not need to do additional cladding of the plane. And this is a direct cost reduction.

And how to do without disadvantages, they must be considered:

Wall panels for MDF interior decoration are afraid of dampness, and this is quite important. They should no longer be used in rooms with high humidity;
Some have seen MDF paneling in the office, the bottom edge of the finish is not attractive. It cracks and swells.
Therefore, it should immediately be said that they should not be fixed in the veranda. Here, temperature drops and splashes from shoes can still fall on the coating;
This finish takes usable area, not attached to the frame. Moreover, it is possible to damage it mechanically and it will be impossible to make repairs unnoticed;
The low fire safety of the material can also repel the consumer;
Well, and most importantly, they will look extremely ridiculous and office-like in the hall. But if you use them when decorating an office or a hallway (see Decorating a hallway with MDF panels: types of panels and installation), then it will be just right.

We start finishing

If you decide to use this type of wall decoration and everything suits you, then for a start you should look at the interiors with MDF trim. There are several options here and it is necessary to decide on this at the initial stage.
All work will be done by hand and without outside help. Only in its implementation it is necessary to adhere to certain rules.

Surface preparation

This will be the first stage, which will largely determine the durability of the structure.

Attention: If your base plane is covered with a plaster layer of more than 10 cm and at the same time it was damp before. Then it will have to be completely removed.
Otherwise, MDF panels will absorb moisture and will peel and warp. Yes, and the mount will turn out then not too strong.
Need too long screws.

So:

We clean the plane from the previous coating and for this we use a metal brush. We remove everything from wallpaper to plaster.
We should have a completely clean base;

Now you should treat the surface with antiseptics, they are commercially available. Give preference to liquid deep penetration and run it a couple of times.
Make sure to do this, it will significantly extend the life of the entire structure;
After cleaning and processing, the surface should be coated with a primer layer. To do this, use a brush or spray gun.

Lathing installation

MDF sheet panels for interior decoration are mounted on a frame that can be made of metal corner or tree. The design is not light weight and therefore it is worth doing everything thoroughly.
The fastening must be rigid and reliable.

Attention: If you chose a tree for the frame, then it should be treated with antiseptics and done in advance.
This will significantly increase the life of the wood and protect against mold and rot. Allow the material to dry completely before installation.

So:

First you need to determine the correct mounting plane. After all, the panel is a rather rigid structure and you cannot fix it over bumps.
Yes, and the edges must completely match in height. To do this, we take a plumb line and attach it to the wall and determine the degree of its deviation.
You should immediately take into account the thickness of the insulation, if you install it. We put marks on the wall at the top and at the bottom.
After that, you need to connect these points and for this we use a nylon thread. We do this on all planes.
This will be the contour of the fastening of the panels;
Now we take the slats and cut them into right size. It should be noted that they should be made a little shorter, about one cm.
They should not be fixed end-to-end against the wall. This way you will avoid trouble with temperature changes;
We attach rails. If the wall is made of wood, then self-tapping screws are perfect.
If the plane is made of concrete or brick, then you should make holes with a puncher and then make a connection with dowels. We make the fastening step not less than 40 cm;

It is more common to hear about such material as MDF in the furniture industry. Now you can often find this material in construction, and as a decoration. If the issue of finishing remains unresolved, MDF wall panels should be taken into consideration.

Peculiarities

MDF (fine fraction) is made from the smallest wood particles, which are formed into a board by pressing. The strength of such a connection is provided by lignin, which is released from the wood fibers as a result of high-temperature heating.

These wall panels have valuable features that make them so popular.

Safety. Since the particles that make up the panel are derived from wood, and no toxic substances are used to bond them. chemical substances, such material does not pose a threat to human health.
Practicality. Subject to all operating rules, the panels serve very long time. They perform a protective function, and also improve sound insulation.
Aesthetics. Different variants decor can be chosen in accordance with the design of the room.
Ease of installation and maintenance. Installation does not require a radical change in the walls and is quite fast.
Environmental friendliness. Do not require special procedures for disposal, biodegradable.

Profitability. More affordable than solid wood products. Do not require costs throughout the entire service life.
Masking construction defects of walls, wires and pipes.
Variability. Wide the lineup will find suitable option depending on preferences, purpose and budget.

However, if a frame is used as a base, the area of \u200b\u200bthe room decreases. Water, and sometimes even high humidity, can delaminate the internal structure of the plate. A blow to such a surface can cause serious damage up to the appearance of a dent or destruction. Of course, similar mechanical impact on the walls is a rarity, but in order to hang a shelf or cabinet on it, you will need to purchase special fasteners.

Therefore, it is so important to weigh all the pros and cons well before choosing, to foresee the problem situations that you will have to face.

Panel types

The main difference between the panels can be the features of their manufacture. They can be divided into several types.

Ordinary (they are also called all-pressed) - are sheets of wood fiber made by dry hot pressing. The surface of the sheets is untreated, but very smooth due to the fact that the fibers are very small and tightly pressed against each other. But in color they are completely heterogeneous, inclusions of fibers are visible different colors, since all kinds of residues after processing the wood are used for their manufacture. Yes, and the shade of plates from different batches may vary slightly. This type of panels can be processed or used as is for finishing non-residential premises.

Special - differ from the usual ones in that a higher grade of wood is used for their production, and they are pressed longer and at a higher temperature.

These include several types of panels.

Moisture resistant - comparable in properties to plastic, since it is in no way affected by a humid environment.
Heat-resistant (that is, resistant to fire). Unlike other fire-resistant materials, instead of phenols and resins, they contain paraffin and lignin, which are not toxic. These include products marked KM1 and KM2.
Flexible - have more ductility to create bent and arched structures. They can be single layer or double layer.
Increased density (such as kronshpan) - withstand heavy loads.

Any MDF panel for wall cladding can have a coating that not only gives it a certain aesthetic appearance, but also serves as protection against environmental factors to varying degrees.

As decorative coating different materials can be used.

Film or plastic (melamine, PVC). In fact, plastic is a film of greater thickness. The material laminated in this way can look almost anything: imitate any natural material(stone, wood), be glossy or matte, smooth or textured, plain, colored or with a pattern (pattern). The laminated coating can have a holographic or 3D effect.
Veneer– a thin layer of wood, specially processed – a high-quality product made of veneer based on chipboard practically does not differ from a solid wood panel. However, it is this coating that provides the least protection against moisture or scratches. The veneer is painted in almost any wood shade and has the appropriate texture.
Enamel or any other suitable look paints- less durable than plastic, but in case of damage, it can be restored locally or the painted layer can be replaced with a new one completely. The coating is monophonic, but the choice of shades is huge.

Scope of application

From MDF boards make furniture, doors, interior partitions. Thanks to different mounting methods, they can be fixed to almost any base - that is, the wall can be concrete, brick, and the like. Panels of different properties can be sheathed on walls, floors and even ceilings.

Whole-pressed raw panels are used for wall decoration in non-residential, household and business premises. It is important that the room maintains a constant air temperature and is dry. In conditions high humidity need to apply special kind products. The bathroom or toilet can be finished in the same way, laminated sheets can be an alternative to them.

Of course, for the design of an apartment or house, it is important that the walls complement the decoration of the room. In the living room, you can show all the variety of decor of such panels. Veneer or film coating under the tree will perfectly complement classic interior. Matte neutral shades will come in handy here. For modern trends, you can choose more daring solutions. Bright painted surfaces or a glossy film with a pattern will allow you to put accents in the right places. Practical embossed colorful coatings are conveniently placed in the kitchen, in the corridor, hallway and other places. common use where most dust and dirt accumulates. They are very easy to clean, and small scratches will simply be invisible.

MDF panels can be safely mounted in a nursery or bedroom, since this material is fully compliant with sanitary and building codes. And with the help of well-chosen colors, you can calm the child or, conversely, create a mood for active educational games.

AT in public places: educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, theaters, as well as corridors for the evacuation of people, in addition to providing environmental safety and pleasant appearance, panels

MDF should have properties such as low flammability, flammability and flame propagation and low levels of smoke and toxic products.

Fire-resistant chipboard panels can be fixed directly next to stoves, fireplaces, heating boilers. However, from simple room heating elements (pipes or batteries), there will be no harm even from the usual variety.

How to cut?

During the installation process, there are situations when building materials need to be adjusted to the desired size. Yes, and to install the first panel, you need to cut off part of it (comb). According to experts, cutting MDF products is practically no different from cutting wood products.

Some difficulties may still arise during this process.

The edge along the cut line may crumble.
The film coating under the action of tools can peel off or wrinkle. Especially if the quality of adhesion to the panel itself leaves much to be desired.
The glossy surface scratches very easily, so special care is required.

If you are afraid of not coping and spoiling the products, you can purchase products desired format or contact a specialized organization (for example, a furniture workshop), where they can help you for a fee.

For cutting with my own hands markup needs to be done. For the calculation to be correct, you will need: a ruler, square, tape measure, level or laser level. We draw the cut line so that it can be easily erased. In this case, the decorated side should not be at the bottom so that there are no scratches on it. We lay it on the workbench, securely fix it and proceed to cutting. To make the cut more even, it can be glued with adhesive tape, or the tool can be led immediately along the pressed bar.

The main controversy concerns tools. You can use any tool used for this purpose in the woodworking industry.

Suitable for this:

hand saw (for both wood and metal);
jigsaw (regular or electric);
a circular saw;
milling cutter

A large constant amount of work in order to save time and effort is best done with power tools. One-time work can be done manually. The main thing is that the teeth of the nozzles are small. We start from any side, we saw smoothly, without jerks. Small chips and bumps on the film can be cleaned with sandpaper.

How to install?

There are two main ways to mount wall panels from MDF:

glue;
put on a metal or wooden frame.

In the first case, you need an adhesive suitable for working with wood products. They can not only glue, but also align the recesses in the places where self-tapping screws are screwed. Glue can be colored or transparent.

In the second case, the wall is applied wooden crate or metal structure. The advantage of wood is ease of installation, environmental friendliness and the use of fewer hardware and connecting parts. But wood will cost more than metal, so this method is less affordable. Installation metal frame has its own difficulties - it requires a certain skill and the acquisition of special tools.

Let's take a look at the pinning process wall panels from MDF to the frame base in more detail.

The work wall needs to be prepared. Remove baseboards and boxes of switches and sockets. Take care of the output of wires for sockets, which will be located on the panels. damaged wall decoration needs to be cleaned to the ground.
The wood slats or slats you will be using need to be pre-treated to make them resistant to fungus, mold, or pests.
Additionally, you need to take care of the fasteners of the slats to the wall. For wood, you can use self-tapping screws or dowel-nails.
We start with the corner vertical rails. They are placed in pairs to form an angle. Having made the markup, we drill holes in the wall for hardware (in increments of an average of about 7 cm) and lay plastic sockets from self-tapping screws in them.

We apply the rail to the wall, transfer the markings to it and drill, connect it to the wall.
Horizontal parts are attached in the same way.
Door and window openings deserve special attention. Reiki are fixed around their perimeter, regardless of whether they have a step mark or not.
The evenness of the arrangement of vertical rails and crossbars is checked using a level or plumb line. Irregularities at the joints of the rails must be ground with a planer.

The technology of mounting a metal frame has its own characteristics.

The process itself is similar to the installation of wood. However, for a metal structure, you will need CD profiles and UD guides.
CD profiles are inserted into the uprights (UD) and pushed to the desired location.
Then we drill holes in the wall by analogy with wooden lags. For fastening to the wall surface, long self-tapping screws are used. And between themselves, the profiles are connected short. For the CD profile, connectors are needed (they are also called ears).

After installing the frame, the laying of the panels begins.

You should start from the corner. A panel with a sawn off comb is placed first, and the next one is attached to it with the help of a lock in which the comb of one workpiece is combined with the groove of the other.
The panels are fixed with small nails (if the frame is wooden) or clamps (if the frame is metal).
To attach the last two panels correctly, the last one needs to make the comb less wide. Then connect both at an angle and press them, straightening the connection.
The last blanks should be tightly pushed to each other and fixed with self-tapping screws to the frame.
The gaps in the corner, as well as between the wall and the floor (ceiling) are closed with the help of corners and decorative skirting boards (they can be glued).

To install MDF panels correctly, use the advice of professionals.

For reliability, the panels along their length must be fixed along vertical rails or profiles.
Additionally, when installing panels on the frame, you can insulate the walls mounting foam or sheet foam, to increase the level of sound insulation. They can be fixed in the cells between the slats. Such sizing reduces heat exchange with external environment and reduces the cost of maintaining heat in the room and its air conditioning.
If pipes are hidden behind the panels. The height of the profile must be calculated based on the thickness plus the margin. It is better to place the wiring in special protective pipes, since ordinary MDF does not protect against water ingress.

Since laminated panels are vapor-tight, fungus or mold often develops behind them. The material of the walls also affects this. The brick passes moisture, so it is necessary to apply a primer on it. And the gaps between the wall and the panel in the bathroom or kitchen are best treated with a sealant.
With the adhesive installation method, the wall surface must be perfectly flat. If this is not the case, the wall panel will, of course, hide them, but there will be gaps between it and the wall.
When distributing panels, the pattern must be taken into account. For example, the direction of the wood fiber. Perhaps the alternation of vertical and horizontal pattern looks creative, but in most cases it is better to select the details more carefully.

With the development of technology, more and more building and finishing materials appear on the market. At the end of the last century, we got MDF. There are MDF boards that are used in construction work, there is finishing panels, which can be used to decorate walls / ceilings or make furniture.

What is MDF and how is it made?

MDF appeared on our market in last years of the last century, and it was invented in the USA in the late 60s of the 20th century. You can understand what MDF is if you translate its English name - MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard. It translates into Russian as " fibreboard medium density. That is, a Russian-language name was formed with the help of transliteration - instead of Latin letters, they put similar Russian ones. Common, for our language, phenomenon.

MDF - Medium Density Fibreboard

Manufacturing process

MDF is made from wood, ground to a state of very small chips, almost to the state of fibers. Mostly wood waste is used, so the release of this material does not harm forests.

The ground wood is cleaned of sand and other foreign inclusions, washed, dried. The prepared mass is heated, a tape of the required width is formed from it, and then pressed. Under pressure, a natural binder, lignin, is released from heated wood fibers. It is he who is the binder in this material. The final shape of the products is given in the finishing press, which squeezes out the remaining air from the mass, forming a homogeneous MDF structure.

After pressing, the cooled material is fed to grinding, where flaws on the surface are removed from the MDF, and the material is brought to the required thickness.

Not all types of wood provide a sufficient amount of binder. Then add a similar, previously isolated, lignin or other natural binder. Of all leafy wood materials MDF is considered the safest, since the binder is natural, and formaldehyde emission is comparable to wood (emission class F1, that is, it is allowed to use it for the manufacture of furniture for children's and medical institutions).

Fibreboards can be given special properties during production. Basically, moisture resistance additives increase moisture resistance and reduce flammability.

Appearance and release forms

In a "pure" form, the material has a grayish-brown color, a homogeneous dense mass on the saw cut. The exact shade depends on the type of ground wood and the amount of bark. In this form, the material is used as a building sheet - for the construction of light partitions, leveling walls.

The surface of MDF can be "ennobled". It can be painted, laminated with PVC film, pasted over with veneer or plastic. This gives a fairly large number of design options, which is used in furniture industry, in the production of finishing materials.

Production technology allows you to form products various shapes, thickness, size. During finishing pressing, it is possible to form a certain relief, which is used in the manufacture of furniture and doors. Also made from MDF Decoration Materials- plates, panels. They make skirting boards, platbands, and other moldings from it. All these materials can be used for interior decoration.

The structure of MDF is fine-fibered, dust is formed during milling, which makes it possible to produce carved products. It is used in the manufacture of carved decorative elements— panels, decorative lattices, figured furniture facades.

MDF or chipboard - which is better?

Having appeared on the market, MDF created competition. This was facilitated by its properties:

All this led to the growing popularity of the material. Even though MDF is more expensive Chipboard. To some extent, MDF even competed with wood. For example, skirting boards, MDF trims, and finishing panels are increasingly being used. This is due, firstly, to lower cost, and secondly, to greater practicality. For wood required regular care- painting, varnishing. MDF special care does not require. It is simply wiped with a damp cloth, if necessary using a liquid detergent.

MDF boards

The manufacturing technology of the MDF board allows you to vary the density over a wide range: the minimum indicator is 760-780 kg / m 3, the maximum is 1100 kg / m 3 and even higher. A material with a lower density is used where the abrasion load is low: in the furniture industry, for wall and ceiling decoration.

High-density MDF boards are used for flooring. The material of this category has a high resistance to abrasion: one and a half times higher than that of oak (oak - 6.9, MDF - 10-11). If we add that the coefficient of distortion along the diagonal is only 1.2 mm per meter of diagonal (for plywood 15 mm), the love of furniture makers and finishers for this material becomes clear.

Dimensions and tolerances

One of the most popular forms of release is slabs of different thicknesses and formats. They can be found with the following options:

It is convenient to work with MDF boards, since this material has very small tolerances for dimensional deviations:

the difference in thickness cannot exceed 0.2 mm (for plywood 0.5-2.5 mm);
length may differ by no more than 5 mm;
the run-up in width cannot be more than 2 mm.

When joining two sheets, the difference in thickness or size is very small or not at all. That's why MDF finish sheets or panels advance quickly.

Types of surface finishes for sheet material

MDF boards are produced with different types surface treatment:

If we talk about construction and repair, then they use polished MDF boards in them. When leveling walls or installing light partitions, when leveling floors and ceilings. Here is an example of their scope.

Frame mounting

If the surface of the walls or ceiling is uneven (deviations are more than 1 cm), the method of mounting sheet MDF is the same as that of drywall - on the frame. The frame is usually assembled from wooden bars, but no one forbids putting profiles under drywall. The cross section of the bars is selected based on the irregularities of the wall - they must compensate for all the difference in height. Most likely, you will need bars of 20 * 30 mm or something like that. They are stuffed horizontally in increments of 40 cm. With this step, the joints of the sheets (they exist if the ceiling height is higher than 280 cm) fall on the bar.

Under the installation of sheet panels from the same beam, vertical jumpers are installed. They are placed in increments:

54. 3 cm - for sheets 2170 mm wide;
42.3 cm or 63.5 cm for a width of 1270 mm.

The step of installing vertical jumpers depends on the thickness of the selected material. For thin sheets(3-4 mm) it should be smaller, for thick ones (5-6 mm) you can do more.

To assembled frame MDF sheets / plates are attached. The peculiarity (compared to drywall) is that for concealed fastening You need to drill holes for the fasteners. Otherwise, fasteners will not go into a dense plate. To prevent the caps from sticking out above the surface, the hole is expanded under them using a larger diameter drill.

After installing the screws, holes remain on the surface. They are sealed with putty. If further puttying of the walls is supposed, they act as with - first, the holes are sealed with putty, immediately removing the excess with a spatula. After drying, putty spots pass sandpaper with a fine grain - to finally get rid of possible irregularities. Then, after dusting the surface, they begin to putty the walls.

Glue installation

If the walls are even, you can mount MDF boards without a frame - on glue. You can use liquid nails or a composition like SM-11. The order of work is this:

So that during the installation process the sheet does not move anywhere, you can make holes in the corners and, after leveling, fix the sheet. Even if the self-tapping screw will only stick in the plaster, this will help, as it is only required at the initial stage - until the glue begins to harden.

This method seems simpler and less expensive (due to the lack of a frame), but leveling bulky MDF boards is not at all easy. Better try on small area walls. The point is that it is impossible to disassemble the installed. Only if the skin is completely destroyed. So it is worth considering which method is better.

Installation of sheet MDF on the floor

For laying on the floor, moisture-resistant MDF boards of high density are chosen (from 900 kg / m 3 and above). Sheet thickness - from 5 mm when laying on a subfloor and from 10 mm when mounted on logs. In this case, the installation method is similar to leveling the floor with plywood, only the gaps are smaller, as it changes its parameters wood board much less plywood. The rest of the rules are the same:

After sanding the putty, the MDF floor surface is ready for painting. If you do everything carefully, you get a perfectly flat floor. This base can also be used as a base for flexible finishing materials or under a laminate.

Finishing panels MDF

Finely dispersed pressed boards serve as the basis for the production of decorative finishing panels. The front surface is covered with paper. This is the most cheap option. Slightly more expensive ones are laminated with PVC film. There are also panels covered with veneer. This is a more expensive material. There are also options with plastic, but very rarely.

MDF panel with 3D image - 3D

decorative panels MDF more often walls are sheathed, sometimes the ceiling. This method of finishing saves time: the surface is both leveled and immediately takes on its final form, since additional finishing is not required.

Types of decorative MDF panels

It's not about colors and shades, but about the shape of the intake and type decorative surface. The shape of the finishing panels made of pressed wood fibers are:

When choosing MDF panels, pay attention to the type of finish. Most cheap material covered with paper, on top of which a thin layer is applied protective coating. It is clear that such a surface is quickly scratched, it can only be wiped with a soft, slightly damp cloth. You can not even use a rough sponge, otherwise light spots form. Such MDF panels are good for finishing the ceiling - there is no mechanical load at all. If you install them on the walls, it is better to immediately cover with two layers of varnish. You choose the type of surface yourself - gloss, semi-gloss, matte, semi-matte ... It is important that the film is durable.

More expensive ones - with PVC and veneer - do not require additional finishing, but at a price of 2-3 times more expensive. If the budget is limited, the option described above is not bad.

Mounting methods

MDF panels are mounted either on a frame or directly on a wall using glue. The technology is described in the previous paragraph and differs only in that clamps are used for installation - special mounting plates for flush mounting. The first panel on the wall is installed in the corner. Here it is fastened through with self-tapping screws. All the rest are fixed with clasps. After the installation is completed, the corners are closed with a special corner profile. It is mounted on glue - applied in a thin layer and pressed at the installation site.

There is also a system of profiles - starting, finishing, connecting and corner (external and inner corner). But this fastening system is more expensive, it is used with MDF panels finished with veneer, square or rectangular format.

There is another subtlety of installation decorative MDF ceiling panels. If you use thin sheets / strips - 3-4 mm thick - you need to install suspensions often, otherwise the material will bend under its own weight. When using plates 6-8 mm thick, suspensions can be installed less frequently. They are more rigid and do not bend. But the weight of the finish will be greater, so you will have to use more powerful guides and suspensions themselves.