Request a call back. Which board is more resistant to moisture: chipboard or MDF?

Today, the market for repair and construction materials does not experience a shortage. Moreover, sometimes products with similar characteristics are offered, in consumer properties which is quite difficult to understand. For example, both laminated particle board ("LDSP") and "Medium Density Fiberboard" ("MDF") - panels are excellent for wall cladding and are the main materials in the manufacture of furniture.

Moreover last years both of these products are used not only in the production of economy-class furniture products, but have also carved out their niche in the “premium” segment. Despite the similarity in appearance of both types of construction and finishing products, there are significant differences between them that allow them to be used in some industries, while in others their use is undesirable.

However, before answering which of these two materials is better, in the production of which products it is better to use “chipboard”, and where “MDF” panels are more suitable, it is necessary to understand the raw materials that are used in manufacturing and the production technology.

What is "MDF"

The Russian abbreviation "MDF" is a transliteration of the English abbreviation "MDF" - "Medium Density Fiberboard". According to the manufacturing technology, it is a medium-density wood fiber board produced by dry pressing. The starting component is fine wood shavings, which are pressed under high pressure And elevated temperature. Used as a binder various types urea or lignin (non-phenolic) resins modified with melamine.

A patent for the production of this building and finishing material was received in the United States in the 60s of the last century, and production on an industrial scale began at the same time. In Russia, the industrial production of MDF panels was mastered in 1997.

What is "chipboard"

The manufacturing technology of chipboard - “chipboard” (“DSP”) involves hot pressing of wood particles (mainly medium-disperse chips) based on mineral binders. Today, the production of single-layer and multi-layer materials has been mastered. The abbreviation “LDSP” means laminated particle board, for decorative covering which uses melamine film. The manufacturing technology involves laminating the surface simultaneously with pressing the base material (plate). Modern products can have a smooth surface, or they can be embossed, quite accurately imitating the texture of natural wood.

Safety and environmental friendliness

If you carefully consider the manufacturing technology of these two products, then theoretically, “MDF” panels should contain fewer environmentally hazardous and harmful substances, which are resin vapors used as binders. In some types of particle board, formaldehyde-containing resins, which are inherently harmful to health, are used as a binder, while in the manufacture of “MDF” panels, a more environmentally friendly and health-safe urea-melamine resin is used.

Attention!

At long-term operation and with temperature changes environment, from resins, volatile substances are released into the atmosphere. Of course, they do not lead to immediate poisoning of a person, but with a long stay in a closed room lined with chipboards, in the absence of ventilation, a deterioration in well-being is noted.

Today, manufacturers apply the following gradation of safety for each of these products, which is widely used in their advertising and description:

• “MDF” panel is the most environmentally friendly and safe for health, both in terms of the volatile harmful substances released and because of the binders used - lignin, which is used in the production process, when heating and pressing chips, is absolutely environmentally safe.
• chipboard "E1" - class for health safety and environmental friendliness is in second place, and the amount of volatile substances released depends on the type of lamination.
• “Chipboard” of class E2 is initially harmful to health and poses a certain environmental hazard - its production has been discontinued in the West, and in Russia it is used only for construction and finishing work non-residential premises, and the production of furniture products from it is prohibited.

Cost indicators

Considering that in the production of both types of these construction finishing materials wood processing waste is used, then their final cost will be influenced by:

• manufacturing technology, which for MDF panels is more complex and labor-intensive, and, therefore, more expensive;
• brand (country of origin) - foreign analogues of the Russian “Medium Density Fiberboard” boards are more expensive;
• additional properties- fire resistance, moisture resistance, resistance to biological effects, which are determined by the specific brand and production technology;
• type, kind and quality decorative cladding(lamination).

Due to a large number Finishing options for products have a greater price range, which is determined by the type of decorative cladding. However, overall the cost square meter products are higher than the price of laminated particle board.

Comparative assessment and application

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question “which is better than MDF or laminated chipboard.” Each of these plates has its own purpose and, accordingly, scope of use. Panels made from laminated chipboard of class E1 and MDF boards are now widely used in the production of furniture. However, each of these construction and finishing products has its own advantages and disadvantages, which to a certain extent limits and narrows the scope of their application.

Today, in the production of furniture for the mass user, the following practice is widespread:

• facades are made of “Medium Density Fiberboard” panels;
• body elements – walls, bottom, top panel and shelves are made from laminated or multi-layer-painted particle board.

The advantages of “MDF” panels in comparison with other types of material include:

• greater moisture resistance, which makes it possible to use it in the manufacture of bathroom furniture;
• higher strength characteristics, which guarantees a more secure hold furniture fittings;
• the ability to process (sawing, grinding, milling) edges and surfaces without chipping or delamination;
• possibility of use as a basis for the production of curved products;
• large quantity species decorative finishing and higher lamination quality.

The disadvantage of this product compared to laminated chipboard is that it is less resistant to temperature changes and exposure to high temperatures.

Various types of laminated particle board, due to their lower unit cost, are more widely used for decorative cladding of interior surfaces of residential premises.

When choosing sheet products for interior decoration, you should carefully consider its physical and mechanical characteristics.

“LDSP” is divided into:

• moisture-resistant, having a special paraffin impregnation, which complements the increased resistance to moisture guaranteed by the manufacturing technology;
• fire-resistant, impregnated with fire retardant additives to prevent fire.

Video

The video compares two materials: MDF and chipboard. Watch and find out which is better.

Kitchen furniture should be not only functional, but also beautiful. MDF and laminated chipboard are used in the manufacture of facades; let’s look at the difference between these materials and what is better to choose.

What are MDF and chipboard?

Materials such as MDF and laminated chipboard are actively used in the production of furniture elements for residential premises. What is better to choose MDF or laminated chipboard? When choosing, you must take into account that the doors kitchen furniture there is a mechanical impact, as well as moisture that comes from wet hands. It is better to choose cabinet fronts from MDF, and shelves can be made from laminated chipboard.

Let's look at what these materials are. Chipboard is laminated chipboard, made by pressing sawdust, which is treated with formaldehyde resin. After this, the compressed material is laminated, that is, covered with a special film impregnated with melamine resin. Thanks to paraffin, as well as its emulsion, the material becomes resistant to moisture.

MDF board is made from wood fibers by pressing dry chips. During manufacturing, paraffin is added to the material, which gives it strength and good resistance to moisture. Chips for MDF manufacturing fine fraction is used, so MDF facades are many times stronger compared to laminated chipboard.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminated chipboard

The main advantage of laminated chipboard is its low price, it can vary depending on the thickness of the material. The cost may also vary depending on the surface structure. This type of material has low resistance to humidity and high temperature regime, and these are the main factors encountered in the kitchen. You can choose a variety of colors for laminated chipboard, and the structure imitates wood.
The material has its drawbacks; it cannot be milled due to its rigidity. The stove also releases toxic substances, since it contains many different resins. When using, you need to pay attention to the seams; if moisture gets there, the board will swell and finally deteriorate. Therefore, all connections must be closed.

Main characteristics of MDF

MDF boards lend themselves well to milling, their rigidity allows such procedures to be carried out, and as a result, you can create a beautiful relief surface. By covering the slab with PVC film, you can make the surface more original. The surface of this material is resistant to moisture, and household products, and the products are considered fire resistant. MDF does not swell, which leads to destruction as a result of moisture. Furniture items made from this material are distinguished by their originality and beauty.
You can choose different color scheme, and a structure that matches the interior of the room.

What is a frame facade?

Very often the frame front side is used, that is, the frame is made of MDF profiles, and the inserts are made of laminated chipboard, glass or metal elements. MDF is treated with veneer or PVC film. In this case, you can create original interior, and save on materials. The disadvantages are the fragility of use and difficult care. In some cases, the frames do not connect well and the product begins to loosen.

MDF coated with enamel

The product will have original look if you decorate it different colors using enamel. To do this, you need to prime the slab, paint, dry, sand, and then apply the remaining layers.
When the last layer has dried, it is varnished and then polished again. The main advantage is the originality of the facade of the furniture product. Compared to plastic, this material is highly expensive. Another disadvantage is that mechanical shocks cause chips that cannot be repaired.

How to properly process the ends?

It is necessary to perform additional finishing of the ends to protect the product from moisture, and this also simplifies the cleaning process. If plastic is used, it can be bent on both sides initially. If the product needs to be trimmed, then you need to glue a decorative PVC edge to the cut or treat it with acrylic. The edge should match the color of the furniture. You can also process the cuts with cutters and then glue the decorative film.

Which is better to choose?

When all the disadvantages and advantages of materials are known, it is easy to independently determine what is best to choose for the kitchen. Great option MDF is used for the manufacture of kitchen furniture; when choosing such a material, not only the facades, but also the shelves will be durable. Since the product is resistant to humidity and temperature changes. But the cost of the items will be much more expensive, so the items are combined.
First of all, you need to evaluate all the pros and cons of the material:

• environmental friendliness;
• moisture resistance;
• appearance;
• strength;
• ease of care;
• affordable price;
• durability.

MDF has a high density, which gives the product strength and does not allow elements to become loose. The surface can also be decorated with various patterns by carving. This material is very close to wood; it contains practically no toxic elements. Thus, using this material, the furniture is durable and does not collapse when exposed to moisture. The service life of such products is twenty years.

Types of finishing of MDF objects

The front side of the slab can have different finishes, which affects the strength and appearance of the product.

1. Lamination with PVC film reliably protects the slab from moisture. This method is great for furniture in the kitchen, where items are often washed or opened with wet hands, or they may simply get water from dishes or other utensils.
2. You can stick a thin layer on the surface wood covering, this is called veneer finishing. Items have a natural beautiful view, but the material will be too brittle, so mechanical damage should be avoided.
3. Also, high resistance to humidity is formed by a layer of varnish that is applied to the surface. Therefore, objects with such a coating are resistant to high temperatures, which is typical for kitchens. The disadvantage is that touches may be imprinted on the surface or stains from the products may appear.

The main advantages of MDF for the kitchen

MDF is actively used in the furniture industry, as it has many advantages.

1. The product is easy to process; complex and original patterns can be cut from the material.
2. The plates are made of environmentally friendly material and do not cause harm to health; there is no release of toxic substances.
3. Ease of care plays an important role; the furniture is easy to clean, since the surface has a smooth structure. Dirt is not absorbed due to the absence of pores and crevices; the slabs are resistant to grease contamination. Also, no traces of household products remain on the surface. detergents which are used in the kitchen.
4. The surface can be matte or glossy, depending on preferences and interior. The material can suit any chosen room style.
5. When compared with natural wood, the cost of such materials is much lower, and the strength is high. Items last about twenty years if used correctly.
6. Such products are distinguished by their originality; their appearance indicates the high cost of the items.

All the advantages and disadvantages allow you to determine which material is best to use for kitchen furniture; you should also rely on the cost of the items so that the price is affordable.

On modern market furniture made from MDF is considered the best and of high quality, but it is also quite expensive. The cheapest material is chipboard, so that the cost is affordable, materials can be combined.
First of all, it is necessary to consider the environmental friendliness of the material so that the furniture does not cause harm to health, and then the quality and appearance. To save on material and choose a durable frame, you can combine materials, take the base from MDF, and the shelves from laminated chipboard. Although ideal option It will be the first material, it will last a long time, does not become loose, does not collapse when exposed to moisture, or when exposed to high temperatures.

The modern market for construction and finishing materials offers a wide range of products for interior work. The most popular panels are made of PVC and MDF. Each option has features that must be taken into account to obtain best result. Correct assessment properties will allow you to accurately determine the scope of use.

When deciding which is better: MDF or PVC, you need to evaluate the parameters of each material.

PVC

Products made from polyvinyl chloride are made by extrusion: the mass is melted to a certain degree of plasticity, after which the raw material is squeezed out through special holes, acquiring the desired shape.

The final characteristics of the product are influenced by the composition. In addition to PVC, modifiers and stabilizers are added to the mixture, which give the product the required durability. Low-quality plastic elements are obtained from recycled materials. Their peculiarity is fragility and rapid loss of visual appeal.

High-quality polyvinyl chloride panels have the following advantages:

Plastic panels have internal stiffeners and air cavities, which increases sound insulation characteristics

Plastic panels do not require special installation skills. Many manufacturers produce special fastening systems that reduce work time.

On a note! Plastic products that imitate the surface of brick or tile are in great demand. The cladding turns out to be very realistic.

MDF

Fiberboards medium-density logs are made from raw materials that are formed by grinding rejected logs of various tree species or by processing residues from the production of more expensive lumber.

The technological cycle is based on “dry” pressing, accompanied by high temperatures. Urea resins are used as a binding element, but this does not affect environmental friendliness, so the product meets all standards.

In the production of classic MDF boards, no harmful components are used; the adhesive composition is natural glue lignin, which is released from wood dust at high temperatures

MDF panels have the following advantages:

MDF elements can withstand exposure to water, but for rooms with constant high humidity it is necessary to use a special type with additional impregnation.

On a note! Excellent decorative effect have painted wood fiber panels.

Which material to choose?

To correctly determine which type is best suited for use in specific situation, you need to compare several factors.

Properties

High-quality products do not have a significant difference in the main parameters, but in some others there are significant differences:

1. Fire safety. Both options refer to flammable materials that can support a fire. But PVC, when exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees, becomes deformed and begins to release harmful substances, so it should not be placed near heating elements.
2. Frost resistance. At subzero temperatures, polyvinyl chloride becomes brittle. Parts made from recycled materials will be particularly unstable.
3. Availability. The cost of plastic products is somewhat lower, and they also have a larger decorative range.

Scope of use

When decorating the interior of a house or cottage, you should follow some recommendations:

• For showers and toilets, wall panels made of polyvinyl chloride would be an excellent solution.
• When finishing the bedroom they give preference MDF, this coating looks more noble.
• For a loggia or attic (if heated) good option are also plastic products. They are combined with MDF parts, which are ideal for unheated balconies. The ceiling can be made of PVC.
• It is recommended to cover the corridor and hallway with fiberboards, as they are more durable.
• It is better to divide the kitchen into zones and use a combination of products.
• MDF coated with PVC film can be used for the manufacture of bathroom furniture and facades of interior items.

Thus, the choice of material should be based on the area of ​​use and financial capabilities.

You can make repairs in any room using special coatings yourself. The choice of covering depends on design solution, features of the room. The easiest to install and at the same time aesthetic material Today, MDF panels are considered for wall cladding, which compare favorably with PVC and chipboard products.

What are MDF panels

Very common wood material which is used for cladding - MDF panels for walls. It is made from natural, steam-treated fibers. Its usual name is fiberboard, but Medium Density Fiberboard is an improved version of it. New technologies are used in production, so the output is more modern product with new properties. Its advantages include:

• environmental friendliness;
• aesthetics;
• strength;
• durability.

The new fibrous material is used for the production of furniture, flooring, and ceilings. The environmental friendliness of medium-density wood fiber products is due to the fact that during production, safe resins and plant lignin are used to bind fibers during dry pressing of wood fibers instead of toxic formaldehyde. Finished products can be additionally coated with varnishes, waterproof and fire-resistant mixtures.

What types of MDF wall panels are there?

Depending on the MDF applications wall panels have different thicknesses, designs and protective coatings. More often, such products are used for interior work and cladding of door structures. For different rooms with different humidity and temperature, sheathing with special protective coatings and filling is used. To choose the right cladding, you need to know about the features of production and use of each type of fibrous material.

Solid pressed sheet

Solid pressed products - sheets with medium density, which are often used in cladding work office premises. Whole-pressed sheets are strips of fibrous material, smooth on both sides, that are attached to the frame using special clips (the main method). Sometimes glue is used for installation, but only in cases where the wall in the room is smooth and has no defects.

Laminated

The material differs from solid pressed material by being treated with a special decorative varnish without color, which provides greater moisture resistance, durability and better aesthetic properties. However, even laminated cladding is not intended for use in damp areas or with prolonged contact with moisture. Laminated MDF is used both for cladding and doorways.

Moisture resistant

The resistance to the non-standard environment of the bathroom, shower, and kitchen of this type of product is due to its increased strength. Moisture-resistant cladding is the most durable. In addition to moisture-proof properties, the sheets are soundproof and heat-retaining. The coating, often acrylic, is not destroyed by water, so moisture-resistant products can be used when decorating kitchens and bathrooms.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of MDF wall panels?

Medium-density fiberboards are chosen because this material is easy to install even with your own hands (without a specialist), and does not require pre-treatment surfaces. All that is needed is a fastening in the form of a frame on which the sheets are placed. Installation is simple and you can do it yourself. Correct calculation of the size and number of stripes is half the success. The main advantages of the material also include durability and cost-effectiveness. MDF panels for wall decoration have a number of disadvantages:

1. Main disadvantage fiber boards- fear of moisture. The presence of a water-repellent coating does not mean that they are intended to come into contact with water.
2. The thickness of MDF is less than a centimeter, and its strength is less than that of drywall.
3. Appearance– this type of cladding is intended mainly for work areas, it is rarely used at home, more often for offices, and special water-repellent fiber-based sheets are used for kitchens and baths.
4. Minimum Fire safety– fiber boards are highly flammable.

How to choose MDF panels for the kitchen and other rooms

Manufacturers of wall cladding, for example, such as Kronostar, Omis, Rico, have a wide range of products with different designs. Release material under white brick, ash, wenge, wood chips and other designs. For example, Kronostar produces fiber sheets different coatings, wood or tile surface, for covering ceilings and walls different rooms.

Before making a choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the range of medium-density fiberboards. They are produced with the following types of coatings:

• paper;
• lamination;
• veneered;
• special water-repellent.

Depending on the type and interior of the room, its humidity and lighting, the type of finishing is chosen. For example, for bathrooms rooms will do sheathing with a special water-repellent coating; the same sheets can be installed in the kitchen. Glossy lining is more often used for office spaces, corridors and living rooms, as it has greater density and better aesthetic properties.

Where to buy and how much do wall panels cost?

You can buy slabs at any hardware store or order by studying catalogs on specialized websites on the Internet. Often, when selling, they provide related services: they measure and cut the material to suit your order. The price of fiber boards is not the highest, ranging from 120 rubles. for 4 m2 up to 1000 rubles and more for the same area. The cost depends on the manufacturer of the material, special coating and decor.

Installation of wall panels

How to attach MDF panels to the wall? Fiberboards are mounted on a frame, usually wooden. The beams of the structure are located at a distance of 40-50 cm. It is important that the sheathing is attached evenly, otherwise the cladding may become wavy. To install the frame correctly, you need to periodically check the structure with a level. Installation of MDF panels is carried out in the following sequence:

1. After processing the walls, the frame or sheathing is installed.
2. The plates themselves are attached, starting from the corner of the room, using self-tapping screws.
3. The first sheet is mounted from the corner, the rest are attached using special staples, which fasten the material together.
4. Each subsequent strip is placed on a bracket and attached to the previous one. It is important to connect them tightly at the joints so that the facing of the room has an even appearance. If necessary, the sheets are cut to required sizes.
5. Installation is carried out at a certain distance from the floor. Leave space for the baseboard. Corners are processed using a flexible corner. All components for installation can be purchased from the same manufacturer.

Video: Wall decoration with MDF panels