Furniture, floor and wall coverings, and many others finishing materials made from MDF boards. However, not everyone understands what this abbreviation means. In the article, we will consider all the available information about MDF panels: what it is, what it is used for, what advantages this material has, thanks to which it is so actively used today.
The abbreviation MDF stands for finely dispersed fraction. Such boards are made from wood fibers, the density of which corresponds to average values, by pressing them under conditions of high pressure.
The areas of application of the obtained plates are diverse. For many manufactured factory products, MDF acts as the basis. Consider several main areas of use of this material in everyday life:
- MDF sheet panels are used for finishing floors and ceilings;
- wall cladding with MDF panels is also quite common;
- production of furniture, the facades of which can have both smooth surface and be decorated with carved elements;
- due to its properties, MDF is widely used as soundproofing material, allowing you to significantly reduce the audibility between rooms;
- a more unusual, but very popular application of this material is the transformation steel doors. MDF is used as a decorative overlay on an existing surface, thus improving it appearance. At the same time, buy MDF lining for entrance doors possible in the most various variations and flowers.
Interesting to know! Another area of use of MDF is the manufacture of boxes designed both for gift wrapping and simply for transporting various products.
In the decoration of the bedroom
Such wide application this material was obtained due to the fact that in the process of its production only materials that are completely safe for human health are used, in particular carbide resins. In addition, these plates have excellent technical specifications: thermal and moisture resistance, and are not subject to the formation of various kinds of fungi and mold on the surface and inside the chips. All this makes MDF boards a worthy competitor to natural wood.
Chipboard or MDF: which is better to choose and why
Per recent times MDF has strongly pressed the market. Why did this happen and is there a difference between these, so similar, materials? We will try to figure out whether such an arrangement of positions is justified, and what caused it.
First of all, it is worth remembering that this is a chipboard, which, like MDF, is made from wood chips by pressing and adding a special binder. True, the second option has several significant differences and advantages, which became the decisive factor in the popularity of using it in some areas.
The ability to hold parts screwed into it is much worse. If we talk about the manufacture of furniture, then this is fraught with falling off of attached parts. kitchen cabinet doors, doorknobs and many other things may simply fall away. Moreover, it is not possible to re-fix the fallen part, since the holes are subject to rapid loosening. Furniture MDF boards have a much greater density, which allows them to securely hold the elements fixed in them.
Environmental friendliness is an essential factor when choosing a material. When wondering which is better - chipboard or MDF for the kitchen, you need to consider that the first option is absolutely not environmentally friendly. Moreover, it is unsafe for health, since the resins used in the manufacturing process are capable of releasing formaldehyde, a specific substance that has a negative effect, primarily on the respiratory tract, as well as on the mucous membranes and human skin. At one time, formaldehyde was listed as a carcinogen that can contribute to the development of a disease such as cancer. It is worth noting that due to the high rate of environmental friendliness, children's furniture made of MDF is highly valued.
Having dealt with the decoding of what MDF is in furniture and other products, as well as the advantages that distinguish it from chipboard, it may seem that this material is ideal. And this is practically true, if you do not take into account its high cost, which often becomes the main obstacle to its acquisition.
In most cases, the panels are sold without a final coating, which also incurs additional costs. Of course you can buy MDF sheets already covered, but you can independently deal with this issue. In any case, for those who care about the health of their loved ones, this is a low price.
Which is better: chipboard or MDF, and what is the difference between these materials
Speaking of chipboard, one way or another it is implied that everyone has heard of such material at least once. However, the abbreviation often confuses ordinary users. In fact, this is the same particle board, only with an additional laminated coating. At one time, this technology made it possible to improve the initial chipboard characteristics and expand the scope of this material.
Thus, much less affected mechanical damage thanks to an additional protective layer. In addition, buying a ready-made slab of almost any color will be much cheaper. However, with regard to moisture resistance, in this matter, chipboard is inferior to MDF and makes it impossible to use it in bathrooms. For the same reason, the question of which is better for the kitchen does not arise: MDF or chipboard.
The problem of environmental friendliness of chipboard remains relevant. Despite all attempts to reduce the amount of formaldehyde contained, there is still some likelihood of encountering a fake. That is why it is worth giving Special attention studying the certificates that are attached to each batch of the product. Thus, we again come to the conclusion that on the question of what is better (MDF or chipboard) for furniture and home decoration, the answer is clearly in favor of the first option, especially since you can always buy laminated MDF boards.
How to choose and buy MDF panels for walls, floors, ceilings or furniture
Depending on how you plan to use the purchased MDF panel, it is necessary to take into account its various characteristics and, in specific cases, focus on the most important indicators.
So, painted MDF panels are better than others for the manufacture of kitchen furniture. They have increased resistance to moisture and therefore do not deteriorate as a result of constant contact with water.
However, this will not be enough to finish the bathroom. In this case, it is better to give preference to a material with increased moisture resistance, to achieve which double-sided lamination is used. This will protect the panel not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
If you are planning any Finishing work on the facade of furniture, then veneered material is suitable for this purpose. But if we are talking about the need for finishing large area, then it is quite possible to use a regular tiled one.
As for manufacturers, you can get the desired quality if the European country of origin is listed on the package. Sweden, Germany, Poland - all these countries have their offices in many cities of Russia. But Chinese products, although they will cost less, are unlikely to please with due strength and moisture resistance.
Useful advice! Wanting to find one or the other original products on the Internet, try to avoid intermediaries who resell products purchased directly from the manufacturer. To do this, it is enough to correctly formulate an Internet request, for example, as “the official website of MDF furniture Kaliningrad”.
But whichever manufacturer you prefer, be sure to spend visual inspection product before purchasing it. The same rules will apply if you need to purchase a framework MDF profile. The inspection procedure is carried out according to the following points:
- make sure the surface is smooth and free of chips;
- check the panel to the touch: the surface must be smooth, recesses or bumps are unacceptable, as they can cause a decrease in the strength of the panel;
- MDF board should not have any smell;
- all panels must have the same color;
- also pay attention to the indicator, which characterizes the degree of swelling of the material as a result of contact with moisture. The normal value is considered to be an indicator of 17%.
Also, before you buy MDF wall panels, pay attention to what they may have different thickness. Thin ones greatly simplify the work, as they are lighter and do not take up much space during storage. However, they are quite fragile, so that they can break from careless handling during operation. Thick ones are much stronger and more reliable, but it is not recommended to use them for finishing too small rooms, because they will occupy an already valuable space.
How to fix MDF panels to the wall and ceiling with your own hands
Even if you have not worked with such material before, it is quite possible to figure out how to fix MDF panels to a wall or ceiling on your own. And first of all, it is necessary to prepare tools and materials. This listing includes a simple pencil, marking corner right angle, building level, hacksaw, puncher, screwdriver or hammer, dowels and screws.
Work begins with cleaning the surface on which the mount will be made. It must be thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt. In addition, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection for the presence of fungi and mold.
If you need to make a ceiling from MDF panels with your own hands, then you will need both guide profiles and suspensions, plus wooden blocks, which will play the role of transverse frame parts. If it's about fastening MDF panels to the wall, then simple wooden bars or a special plastic crate will suffice.
Useful advice! In order to make the fastening process easier, it is recommended to use clamps. This will allow you to fix parts of the coating on the crate and, in general, will greatly facilitate the task.
The most important thing is to correctly mark up the crate, which in the future will allow you to accurately fix all the elements. How to do this correctly can be seen in the photo of ceilings made of MDF panels. At this stage, it is important to consider that the distance between the fixed panels and the real ceiling should be sufficient to accommodate the lamps, as well as other communications.
The installation of MDF wall panels also begins with marking the place where the first lath of the crate will be attached (it does not matter vertical or horizontal). Maintaining the required distance, all the elements of the crate are attached, and after that the installation begins wall MDF panels. They are fixed quite simply with the help of clamps or self-tapping screws.
Useful advice! High-quality and certified products can be found on the Soyuz official website. Wall panels MDF of their manufacture is highly valued because of its compliance with all requirements and standards.
It cannot be said that mounting MDF panels on a wall with your own hands is a complex process. Rather, it is monotonous and demanding high precision calculations and constant attention.
5116 09/18/2019 6 min.Among the finishing decorative materials a special place is occupied by chipboard and MDF. These abbreviations are quite common when it comes to choosing furniture or doors. And a common person, cannot immediately understand which one is better, there are no clear characteristics of these different materials in front of him. Many are repelled only by pricing policy, but this is the wrong decision. To facilitate the choice, it is necessary to understand the differences between these materials.
What are the differences
For comparative characteristics it is better to start by defining their abbreviations.
Chipboard is a wood chipboard, which is formed as a result of hot pressing. For its production, shavings and sawdust from coniferous and hardwood low value trees. Their binders are formaldehyde resins. Due to their presence in the material, I do not recommend using it for the production of children's furniture. This material has high noise and heat insulation, water resistance and strength. you can find out by reading the article.
The photo shows how MDF differs from chipboard:
MDF is a fibreboard. It has an average density and consists of small sawdust. For the production of such boards, waste from the woodworking industry or wood residues after deforestation are used. MDF panels are obtained as a result of dry pressing, which takes place under high pressure and temperature. Paraffin or lingin acts as a binder, so this material is considered environmentally friendly. The surface of such plates is easy to process and has smooth sides. They are used for the manufacture of furniture of any configuration and complexity, as well as for the production of doors, floors and numerous moldings.
On the video comparison: which furniture is better from chipboard or MDF:
What is best for the kitchen
Having considered all the pros and cons of each material above, as well as their application, we can conclude that both of them can decorate kitchen spaces. When choosing one of them, you need to consider your financial opportunities, and which properties are top priority for you. Here are a few characteristics that will help you make a choice and pay attention to important points use of the kitchen set:
Definitely say what chipboard material or MDF cannot be better, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, and only the buyer needs to find for himself convenient solution by their choice. At the same time, he is based on his desires and preferences, which the kitchen set or bed should fulfill. Before the final choice, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the material and be prepared for possible nuances during its operation.
The general appearance of the kitchen depends not only on the cladding of walls and floors, the facades of the furniture installed in it play an important role. They must answer special requirements. Choosing the best material is no easy task. Perfect option- solid wood products, but not everyone can afford it. It remains to choose from more available materials. The most popular lately are MDF and chipboard. They are almost in the same price category. The choice of one of them will depend on their characteristics.
What material for furniture in the kitchen is better to choose
Each of these materials can be objectively evaluated only by considering their properties and resistance to an aggressive kitchen environment. And first, figure it out so as not to confuse the characteristics of the materials anymore. To avoid any confusion, it is better to separately also find out.
You should pay attention to the following points:
- Appearance. The aesthetic perception of the facade plays an important role. Indeed, a lot of time is spent in the kitchen, and if the color is not “to your liking” or the texture does not suit you, then everyday contemplation will only upset you.
- Environmental friendliness. In the area of the stove, high temperature almost constantly prevails, and if the selected material of the furniture facade, when heated, releases harmful substances, this can adversely affect the health of the whole family.
- Fortitude. Unforeseen circumstances regularly arise in the kitchen: oil splashes from a hot frying pan, the constant opening of drawers several times in a short period of time, accidentally falling cutting objects that, flying by, can scratch the surface of the furniture. Given this, the material for the kitchen set must be resistant to chemical, mechanical and thermal influences from the outside.
- Ease of maintenance. Nobody wants to spend their all free time washing kitchen surfaces, therefore, those that are able to withstand pollution are selected. And in case of scratches or chips, they could be easily restored.
- Price. It is the main argument when choosing any product. But do not chase cheap materials, if you compare the duration of operation, it turns out that it is more profitable to buy facades more expensive. They will be able to stay in the kitchen for a long time, and cheap ones, due to their exposure to various influences, will soon have to be changed.
But this view also has its drawbacks:
- constant moisture can lead to delamination of the material;
- fears high temperatures;
- care requires some effort.
All types of MDF are used for the facades of kitchen sets, from some you can even order doors to this room or even floors.
About how to install kitchen apron from mdf can be read
Laminated body (LDSP)
For the manufacture of cabinet furniture, laminated material is often used. it kind of chipboard- chipboard, which has undergone lamination. With good operational characteristics Chipboard can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Thanks to the lamination process, conventional chipboard acquires a number of improvements:
- beautiful view of the body;
- reliability;
- moisture resistance, it is achieved using a special melamine resin, which is pressed directly into the structure;
- resistance to high temperatures;
- limited outflow harmful substances from the material.
How to install film facades for the kitchen can be found in this
In the photo - kitchens from chipboard:
In the process of chipboard production, formaldehyde resins are used to bond the chips together, which makes it possible to make a suitable one. They are highly toxic and release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.
Chipboard is often used for the manufacture of kitchen furniture frames, its facades and countertops. A reliable option is to use aluminum frames in which this option is placed. This provides him with protection from delamination and swelling. Two material thicknesses are available - 16 and 18 mm. The latter option is preferable, but it is also more expensive. Read more about in the article.
Which difference mdf from hdf can be found in this
The abundance of colors and ease of care, as well as the resistance of the surface of the material to various external influences - these are the main advantages of chipboard. But at the same time: its edges can swell from moisture, fasteners can loosen over time, they have a rustic appearance compared to MDF and after a certain period their surfaces begin to be difficult to clean from greasy spots and food splashes.
Right choice
Both materials described above are widely used for the manufacture kitchen facades. Which of them is better to choose to determine for everyone on their own, in order to help a little in this, we will summarize their differences in a table, and then when comparing their properties, you can make the right choice.
| Criteria | MDF | chipboard |
| Structure | soft | hard |
| Environmental friendliness | absolutely harmless, as it is natural | can not be used in children's rooms, medical institutions, is contraindicated for allergy sufferers |
| Color spectrum | only certain colors | a wide range of colors |
| Price | the price is more expensive, as there are few domestic producers | more affordable |
| The weight | heavy compared to similar | low mass |
| moisture resistance | does not react | its edges absorb water, then swell |
| fire resistance | difficult to be affected by fire, but when ignited, it releases harmful substances | ignites quickly but burns slowly |
| The presence of microorganisms and mold | sometimes a fungus may appear on its surface | resistant to both pests |
| Density | has a high rate of this property, is reliable and resistant to any impact | density value below |
After comparing all the characteristics of MDF and laminated chipboard, we can conclude that each of them has found its niche in the kitchen. The first has an attractive appearance, high operational properties, but different high price and weak choice color versions. Chipboard, on the contrary, is presented in a wide color scheme, and also has good properties, but is used more as a budget counterpart.
What material for mdf furniture used can be found in this
It means drawing up a project for the specific wishes of the client, for a specific interior (or housing in general) and the size of the room. In addition to design, the client also chooses the materials from which the kitchen will be made. The case and internal parts of the kitchen are usually made of chipboard. The front part (doors) can also be made of chipboard, but more suitable material for this is MDF. Let's take a look at why.
chipboard– laminated chipboard (i.e. made from sawdust, and covered on both sides with plastic with a decorative layer). The advantages are low cost and good physical characteristics.
MDF- is an abbreviation for foreign language, which stands for " fibreboard medium density. MDF is even more wear-resistant compared to chipboard, and has a number of significant advantages in terms of design.
A kitchen with laminated chipboard facades, as a rule, is cheaper (sometimes at times) than a kitchen with MDF facades. In kitchens with fronts made of chipboard, showcases with glass are very rarely made, since many manufacturers do not cut showcases in chipboard. This is due to the lack of equipment for this. And if you make a drink with an ordinary electric jigsaw, then chips will inevitably form, which is unacceptable. Facades are made from slabs by sawing. At the ends of the sawn parts, you can see the same laminated chipboard - chips. To decorate this end, an edge is glued to it: paper or plastic. Naturally, a kitchen with laminated chipboard facades is an “economy” option and will not serve you for many years, but if the budget does not allow you to buy an MDF kitchen, then pay attention to one very important thing. The edge covering the end face of the laminated chipboard facade must be plastic. Also regarding the facades, it should be noted that they need to glue the edge with a thickness of 1 or 2 millimeters. 2 mm is preferable, because the edge is thicker, and for its gluing it is applied more glue- which means it will hold up better. Subject to these rules, a kitchen with laminated chipboard facades will last you a year or two longer. Also to increase the service life facades laminated chipboard they can be rolled into an aluminum U-shaped profile. It will come out a little more expensive, but it's worth it - the metal is much more durable and stable.
MDF material is environmentally friendly, has a uniform structure and is easy to process. Thanks to these properties, it has firmly gained popularity as a front part of cabinet furniture and, in particular, in the front part of the kitchen. Among advantages of MDF- this material is cheaper natural wood, although it has almost the same characteristics. Milled, processed MDF can be faced with decorative PVC film, hard plastic, veneer or enamel paint.
- PVC films can imitate wood structure, leather, stone, may have plain decor etc. Films can be glossy, matte or with special effects (for example, metallic or chameleon). Samples of film decors (originals) must be with the designer. Wood-like decors PVC films allow you to create a kitchen in classical style on reasonable price. Monochromatic films fill modern and high-tech styles.
- Hard plastic has an enviable wear resistance, heat resistance and unpretentiousness. Ideal for families with small children, or for those who don't want to spend precious time caring for kitchen furniture. In addition, plastic facades look quite beautiful, and are veneered aluminum profile standard, gold and wenge colors.
- MDF can also be coated with enamel paint on professional equipment. Painted MDF is devoid of such shortcomings as film lagging, but is afraid of aggressive detergents. Painted MDF can only be washed with a soapy raster. You can make a matte (also called semi-matte) color of the facades, you can make it glossy (shiny), or with special effects. Painted MDF is usually more expensive than film or plastic MDF, but it is also more durable.
- A veneer is a thin cut of natural wood. Veneered MDF looks very respectable, and due to the fact that it is not an array, it allows the use of rare elite wood species at an affordable price. Veneered MDF fronts are also available in matte or glossy finish.
Summing up, let's remember that a kitchen with laminated chipboard facades is an option for a austerity regime (maybe if you need a kitchen not for a long time). - this is quality option, and the choice of material for MDF facings depends on your needs. In any case, understanding the basics will allow you to choose the most best option materials, as well as the price / quality ratio.
In this article we will answer the most frequently asked questions when choosing cabinet furniture. And the most basic of them is what to choose, chipboard or MDF. To begin with, let's deal with the production technology, because. the key differences come precisely because of this.
chipboard- laminated chipboard. It is produced by gluing large chips, therefore it has a heterogeneous structure. Known since Soviet times, when it was widely used for mass production standard furniture, which stood in every second apartment. Now it can be of two classes - E1 and E2. The first is considered safer, because. in its composition, the amount of formaldehyde is minimized.
MDF/MDF- Medium Density Fibreboard or Medium Density Fiberboard. It is made by pressing under the influence of high temperatures. Consists of smaller wood fibers than laminated chipboard. Paraffin and lignin are used to bind the composition, which makes the plates absolutely safe for health.
Which is better: chipboard or MDF
There is no single answer to this question, because materials differ in several basic parameters. Let's consider some of them.
Price
Furniture made from chipboard is much cheaper than from competitive raw materials. This is due to several factors. Firstly, chipboard is a more common option, which means that its production has long been put on stream in many factories. Secondly, the processing of raw materials is less expensive, because. does not require special preparation. The finely dispersed fraction of the tree requires a more careful approach. This includes special equipment that dries fibers, and pressing machines that require a large area of production facilities.
Currently, cabinet furniture is rarely made only from MDF, because the final product will cost a fabulous amount. Most often it is used for facades where more elegant carving is needed. BUT side walls, often made from chipboard, and the back ones are completely made of plywood.
Appearance
The structure of MDF is more pliable in terms of finishing, which means that it can be given any shape. That is, carved headboards or cabinet fronts will look more like natural wood. Moreover, there are products that at first glance cannot be distinguished from wood. Of course, it will cost more (see point 1), but it looks more respectable than chipboard furniture.
However, furniture made of laminated board is more variable in terms of colors, because the film covering it can have not only any color, but also imitate the color natural wood. Of course, it is more difficult to give it a texture, so the coating simply copies the shade very accurately.
Safety
MDF is a more modern material, which means that the technology for its production has been worked out to the smallest detail. Manufacturers, competing with each other, try to apply innovative technologies, which every year make products safer for use in residential and children's premises.
However chipboard manufacturers do not lag behind, and also use new developments that make it possible to make products quite competitive. Every year the amount of resins and formaldehydes in the composition decreases, which means that the safety of such plates also increases. At a higher cost, it is still worth giving preference to class E1 chipboard, especially if you plan to install this furniture at home, and not in a public place.
wear resistance
The durability of the material depends not only on its composition, but also on the operating conditions. For example, in the kitchen and bathroom, any furniture can be deformed under the influence of moisture and temperature changes. The microclimate in the room also affects the service life, which, in turn, can differ in winter and summer.
Equally important is the processing technology and edge material. Modern factories use such types of processing as postforming and softforming. Fundamental differences there is no between them, just the first one is used for products of a simple shape. The laminating film wraps around the product and glues absolutely hermetically to the edge.
The softforming method also involves a special processing of the edge, its cut is rounded to the front side, which makes the corners of the furniture safer for small children. Both of these methods prevent moisture from entering the edges and inside the slab, which means it will not swell or deform. Both of these methods are great for kitchen cabinets and bathroom furniture.
Materials that can be used to process the edge of products that are not intended for wet rooms can be:
- Acrylic
- Aluminum bezel
They do not protect very well from water ingress, but they affect the final cost of the product. Unlike the first two methods, these options are less expensive, but they can add zest to the appearance of furniture. Contrasting or metal finish looks interesting and unusual.
As for the wear resistance of MDF and chipboard, the first option is considered more durable. But due to the high cost, it makes sense to use it only on furniture facades, and make the rest of the array from chipboard. Moreover, the closet in the bedroom is unlikely to be subject to frequent moisture ingress. 
Summing up our article, we can say: before giving preference to one or another material, you need to decide in what conditions the furniture will be used. Kitchen sets it is better to choose with MDF facades with softforming or postforming edge processing. And for a simple dresser or cabinet, a more budgetary chipboard with an acrylic or aluminum edge is quite suitable.
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