What is better mdf or chipboard for the cabinet? MDF or chipboard: which is better - a comparison of the characteristics of materials. Furniture facades: video

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 are because of this.

Chipboard- laminated particle board. It is produced by gluing large chips, therefore it has a non-uniform structure. Known since Soviet times, when it was widely used for the in-line production of standard furniture, which was 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 at high temperatures. Consists of finer 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 unequivocal answer to this question, since materials differ in several main parameters. Let's take a look at some of them.

Price

Chipboard furniture is significantly cheaper than 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 costly, because does not require special training. The finely dispersed fraction of the tree requires a more careful approach. This is special equipment that dries fibers, and pressing machines, which require a large area of production facilities.

Nowadays, 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 a more elegant carving is needed. And the side walls are often made of chipboard, and the back ones are 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 have more resemblance to 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, laminated board furniture is more variable in terms of color, because the film covering it can have not only any color, but also imitate the color of natural wood. Of course, it is more difficult to give the texture to it, so the coating simply very accurately copies the shade.

Security

MDF is a more modern material, which means that the technology of its production is worked out to the smallest detail. Manufacturers, competing with each other, are trying to apply innovative technologies that every year make products safer for use in residential and children's premises.

However, manufacturers of laminated chipboard 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 E1 class 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 in the bathroom, any furniture can deform under the influence of moisture and temperature extremes. Also, the microclimate in the room affects the service life, which, in turn, can differ in winter and summer.

Processing technology and edge material are of no small importance. In modern factories, such types of processing as postforming and softforming are used. There are no fundamental differences between them, just the first is used for products of a simple shape. The laminating film is wrapped around the product and adhered to the edge perfectly tightly.

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 into the inside of the board, which means it will not swell or deform. Both of these methods are great for kitchens 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 rim

They are not very good at protecting against water ingress, but they do 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 metallic finish looks interesting and extraordinary.

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 wardrobe in the bedroom is unlikely to be exposed to frequent moisture ingress.

Summing up our article, we can say: before giving preference to this or that material, you need to decide in what conditions the furniture will be used. It is better to choose kitchen sets with MDF facades with edge processing using the softforming or postforming method. And for a simple chest of drawers or wardrobe, a more budgetary chipboard with an acrylic or aluminum edge is quite suitable.

The use of modern finishing and building materials greatly facilitates the repair problems. It also helps you choose the best option for creating durable and visually appealing furniture for a wide variety of purposes. Among good fibreboards, laminated chipboard and MDF deserve great popularity, which in some quality characteristics are closest to natural wood, and in some aspects even surpass it.

Differences in materials

Laminated chipboard

Every home craftsman is familiar with the concept of chipboard. The use of chipboard became widespread even during periods of severe shortages and a small selection of suitable building materials. Over time, it was thought up to cover a thin and unreliable plywood board with a special layer, so to speak, laminated.

This made it possible to increase the properties of the slab dozens of times and provided a second youth to similar wood substitutes. there is for every taste, which is a big plus.

Advantages of laminated chipboard

Lower cost in comparison with MDF.
Easy machining.
Large selection of colors.
A more durable surface, resistant to mechanical damage and moisture, for example, for floors.

Minuses

Among the shortcomings, it should be noted low moisture resistance, which automatically excludes chipboard from the list of possibilities for use in bathrooms, which does not apply to. Making curved contours can be very difficult solely because of the larger particles in the composition, which will not allow you to get an even and clean cut.

The video tells which is better: ldsp or mdf:

It should also be borne in mind that laminated chipboard is manufactured using two technologies, in which formaldehyde is used in different proportions. This volatile chemical compound is very dangerous to humans and can even lead to poisoning and death. Usually chipboard with a high formaldehyde content is not used in furniture production, but is used for purely technical needs. When buying furniture made of chipboard, it is better to familiarize yourself with the certificates and check the hygiene certificate, otherwise there is a high risk of becoming a victim of low-quality goods.

When choosing furniture for the kitchen, it is important to choose an apron and choose what material it will be from MDF or HDF, and how to do this can be read in

Bed material

First of all, such furniture should be safe, because we spend more time in a dream than in the kitchen. Therefore, it is better to prefer MDF furniture groups. as mentioned earlier, the cost of such purchases will be much higher than the average option from chipboard, so this will not seem acceptable to everyone. They are also often used for the bedroom. Thus, the solution will be a partial combination of materials and a strict rule of preliminary acquaintance with quality certificates before purchasing.

For children's furniture

The children's room is least of all suitable for experimenting with the quality and environmental friendliness of furniture, therefore, sympathy is entirely on the side of MDF. Despite this, there are also several pitfalls here.

You can buy children's furniture based on the following indicators:

Quality assurance of MDF boards. Some manufacturers are also trying to save money and replace the original and safe impregnation composition with their own recipes.
If the slices of laminated chipboard are reliably protected by a film, there are no low-quality joints and connections, it is quite possible to purchase furniture from laminated chipboard.
In any case, the low price and flimsy design should arouse suspicion and force you to abandon a dubious purchase.

On the video - which is better for the kitchen: mdf or ldsp:

Read about which one is suitable for the children's room.

The use of fibreboard provides ample opportunities to create beautiful and affordable furniture groups. If natural wood is an elite option that requires special care and respect. Another thing is furniture from available and widespread laminated chipboard and MDF, which differ for the better not only in an affordable price, but also in greater resistance to mechanical and thermal influences, and are also less susceptible to pests and fungi. By making a reasonable and informed choice in favor of this or that material, you will not only save yourself from unnecessary disappointments, but you will also not risk buying a low-quality or dangerous product.

Chipboard structure

It features a huge range of shades and patterns that imitate the texture of natural wood, stone, marble chips or abstract patterns. The result of the facing process is laminated chipboard.

The coating has the same properties as ordinary plastic: it withstands water, detergents, damage, temperature changes better. It is widely used in furniture production, both cases and facades.

Lamination- decorative coating made of paper impregnated with paraffin or resin compounds. Such a film is less resistant to moisture, elevated temperature, mechanical damage. It is used in the manufacture of inexpensive furniture, large wall panels.

Veneering- facing with a thin layer of veneer (a cut of valuable wood). Doors and components, furniture facades, sometimes even wall and ceiling panels are made of this material.

Painting with any kind of varnishes and paints. This means of ennobling the stove is considered the most economical and "home".

Advantages and disadvantages of chipboard

The main advantages include:

good resistance to mechanical stress;
strength, due to which the plate perfectly holds any types of fasteners;
ease of processing and assembly of finished parts into a single structure without the use of special tools;
ease of coating even at home (painting, varnishing, laminating, gluing);
a wide range of formats, which were originally developed as optimal for cutting various joinery parts;
low price.

The generally recognized shortcomings identified by the years of use of the material are:

impossibility of fine processing (milling, cutting out complex shapes and details);
sharp edges - chipboard furniture almost always has sharp, chopped shapes with 90 ° angles, which are easy to injure. You can, of course, veneer with a cut-in or overhead edge, but practice shows that economy-class manufacturers prefer not to do this;
re-installation of fasteners is practically impossible without the use of epoxy mixtures or glue, that is, once a screw has fallen out, it will not be firmly adhered again;
the release of formaldehyde can negatively affect people's well-being. This is especially true of cheap furniture, in the production of which the second grade was used.

What is MDF

MDF differs significantly from chipboard. From English, MDF is translated as medium density fiberboard. As a raw material for this type of material, sawdust, wood chips, shavings, pounded almost into dust, are used. Therefore, MDF stands for finely dispersed fraction . The binder is paraffin and polymer resins. Forming takes place in a dry way under the influence of high temperatures, followed by grinding. This produces slabs that are smooth on both sides.

Physicomechanical indicators are similar to those of chipboard, but there are some differences.

Density

Low: 100-400 kg / cubic meter m, mainly intended for the production of wall and ceiling thin panels, door cladding and other joinery;
Average: 600-800 kg / cubic meter m is a favorite material of manufacturers of furniture, doors, finishing materials. Due to the good structure and improved properties compared to particle board, it allows you to implement any designer's idea.
High: 800-1100 kg / cubic meter m. Otherwise called HDF, used as a base for laminate flooring.

The structure is homogeneous, which ensures an even distribution of the load, including the acoustic one. That is, MDF panels may well serve as good sound insulation. In general, it is this characteristic that is the strongest in this material, since thanks to it it is better amenable to fine processing (panels, bent parts, rounded corners) and giving a variety of shapes to products.

The size range, unlike chipboard and fiberboard, is not so wide:

Weight varies from 8 to 89 kg, depending on the linear dimensions of the sheet.

The grade corresponds to the indicators of the chipboard. For the first grade, irregularities and surface defects, different shades and stains, damage to the edges are unacceptable. Products that do not meet the parameters are classified in the second grade.

Grinding is included in the mandatory regulation of production processes. Due to its smooth surface, it is excellent for applying any type of coating: laminated film, paint, varnish, natural and synthetic veneer, thin plastic or enamel.

Emission of harmful substances

Contrary to the claims of manufacturers and marketers, formaldehyde, phenol, ammonia are released from MDF during operation, but mostly in small doses, within the permissible limits for residential premises. Therefore, such a statement as "exceptional environmental friendliness of the material" is not entirely true.

Pros and cons of MDF

The most important advantage of MDF boards is their technological feature, in particular:

So, the most important difference between chipboard and fiberboard from MDF is in raw materials and production technology, respectively, in physical and mechanical properties. Chipboard is more "coarse", practically does not lend itself to filigree processing, less resistant to moisture and mold.

The scope of application is limited to the economy segment: inexpensive furniture (mainly buildings), joinery, rough surface preparation (leveling, creating a noise and thermal barrier, formwork). Fiberboard is afraid of water, it is used in some elements (headboards, back walls of wardrobes, temporary lining of the room). MDF is even different in appearance: a homogeneous smooth surface, easy to process, is ideal for realizing even the most extravagant interior ideas.

Furniture items, floor and wall coverings, as well as many other finishing materials are 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 of wood fibers, the density of which corresponds to the average, by pressing them under conditions of increased pressure.

The fields 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;
manufacturing of furniture, the facades of which can have both a smooth surface and be decorated with carved elements;
due to its properties, MDF is widely used as a sound-insulating material, allowing to significantly reduce audibility between rooms;
a more unusual but very popular application of this material is the transformation of steel doors. MDF is used as a decorative overlay on an existing surface, thus improving its appearance. At the same time, you can buy MDF door linings in a variety of variations and colors.

Interesting to know! Another area of use of MDF is the manufacture of boxes intended both for packing gifts and simply for transporting various products.

In the decoration of the bedroom

This material has received such widespread use 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, such boards have excellent technical characteristics: heat and moisture resistance, and are also not susceptible to the formation of various kinds of fungi and mold on the surface and inside the shavings. All this makes MDF boards a worthy competitor to natural wood.

Particleboard or MDF: which is better to choose and why

Recently, MDF has strongly pressed on 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 of wood chips by pressing and adding a special binder. True, the second option has several significant differences and advantages, which became a decisive factor in the popularity of its use in some areas.

The ability to hold the parts screwed into it is much worse. If we talk about the manufacture of furniture, then this is fraught with the falling off of the attached parts. Kitchen cabinet doors, doorknobs and more can just fall off. Moreover, it is not possible to re-fix the missing part, since the holes are susceptible to rapid loosening. MDF furniture boards have a much higher density, which allows them to reliably hold the elements fixed in them.

Environmental friendliness is an essential factor when choosing a material. Asking 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 included in the list of carcinogenic substances that can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer. It is worth noting that, due to the high environmental friendliness, children's furniture from 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 favorably from chipboard, it may seem that this material is ideal. And this is practically the case, if we do not take into account its high cost, which often becomes the main obstacle on the way to its acquisition.

In most cases, panels are sold without final coverage, and this also requires additional costs. You can, of course, buy MDF sheets already coated, or you can do this on your own. In any case, for those who care about the health of their loved ones, this is not a high 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 acronym 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 characteristics of chipboard and expand the scope of this material.

So, it is much less susceptible to mechanical damage, thanks to the additional protective layer. In addition, it will be much cheaper to buy a ready-made slab of almost any color. 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, there is no question of what is best for the kitchen: MDF or chipboard.

The problem of the environmental friendliness of chipboard remains relevant. Despite all attempts to reduce the amount of formaldehyde contained, there is still some possibility of encountering a fake. That is why it is worth paying special attention to studying the certificates that are attached to each batch of the product. Thus, we again come to the conclusion that in the question of what is better (MDF or chipboard) for furniture and home decoration, the answer is unambiguous in favor of the first option, especially since you can always buy laminated MDF boards.

How to choose and buy MDF panels for walls, floor, ceiling 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 best suited for the manufacture of kitchen furniture. They are highly resistant to moisture and therefore do not deteriorate as a result of constant contact with water.

However, this will not be enough for finishing 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 the furniture, then veneer material is suitable for this purpose. But if we are talking about the need to finish a large area, then it is quite possible to use an ordinary tiled one.

As for manufacturers, you can get the desired quality if the European country of origin is listed on the packaging. 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.

Helpful advice! If you want to find one or another original product 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 conduct an external inspection of the product before purchasing it. The same rules will apply if you need to purchase an MDF frame 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 by touch: the surface must be smooth, indentations 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 that 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, please note that they can have different thicknesses. Thin ones greatly simplify 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 to decorate too small rooms, because they will take up 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, you need to prepare tools and materials. This list includes a simple pencil, a corner for marking a right angle, a building level, a hacksaw for metal, a hammer drill, a screwdriver or hammer, dowels and screws.

Work begins with cleaning the surface to be mounted on. It must be thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt. In addition, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination 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 bars that will act as the transverse parts of the frame. If we are talking about fixing MDF panels to the wall, then simple blocks of wood or special plastic lathing will be enough.

Helpful advice! To make the fastening process easier, it is recommended to use cleats. This will allow you to fix parts of the covering on the crate and, in general, will greatly facilitate the task.

The most important thing is to correctly make the markup for the crate, which in the future will allow you to accurately fix all the elements. How to do it correctly, you can see in the photo of ceilings made of MDF panels. At this stage, it is important to take into account that the distance between the fixed panels and the real ceiling must be sufficient to accommodate lamps, as well as other communications.

Installation of MDF wall panels also begins with marking the place where the first batten will be attached (it does not matter whether it is vertical or horizontal). Maintaining the required distance, all elements of the lathing are attached, and after that the installation of MDF wall panels begins. They are fixed quite simply with clamps or self-tapping screws.

Helpful advice! Quality and certified products can be found on the Soyuz official website. MDF wall panels of their manufacture are highly valued due to their compliance with all requirements and standards.

This is not to say that do-it-yourself installation of MDF panels on the wall is a complex process. Rather, it is monotonous and requires high accuracy of calculations and constant attention.

As a rule, the operating conditions of kitchen furniture are more rough than any other: high humidity, temperature drops, frequent opening and closing, shocks, exposure to active reagents (boiling water, oils, household chemicals).

Therefore, the materials from which the furniture is made must withstand all these influences and at the same time retain their original appearance for many years.

Naturally, before arranging a kitchen space, each owner thinks "which is better for a kitchen of chipboard or MDF?" To make a rational choice, you need to know how this or that material is made and what advantages and disadvantages it has. This is what we will talk about in our article.

Chipboard

Chipboard is made from sawdust and shavings impregnated with formaldehyde resins, which act as a binder. The use of chipboard is quite extensive: the construction of roofs and partitions, interior design, the creation of cabinet furniture.

MDF

Fiberboards (MDF or MDF) are made from fine wood chips. Chipboard and MDF chips can be compared to products: where the first are passed through a meat grinder, and the second are crushed with a mixer. The shavings are held together by paraffin and lignin.

Thus, the content of harmful formaldehyde resins in MDF boards is negligible and comparable to the release of the same resins by natural wood. So, answering the question "is the kitchen made of MDF or chipboard?", We can conclude that MDF boards are more environmentally friendly.

In addition, due to the small and homogeneous structure, MDF boards are twice as strong as chipboard boards, and are also more resistant to moisture and fire.

This material has found wide application both in construction (walls, ceilings, floors are made of it) and in furniture production.

Pros:

High environmental friendliness;
Excellent resistance to moisture, temperature changes, mechanical stress;
Long service life;
MDF boards lend themselves well to the finest processing, and therefore are the favorite material of modern designers. Carved kitchen facades, volumetric panels, pilasters, cornices - all this is MDF;
Favorable ratio between hardness and thickness (MDF boards can be from 4 to 22 mm);
The surface of this material is even, smooth, homogeneous and dense, which makes the subsequent external processing of the slabs very easy;
MDF, perhaps, has all the advantages of wood, but it costs less and lasts longer.

Minuses:

There is only one big drawback here - the unsettled production of the material in Russia. This means that the price for kitchen furniture made of MDF will be much higher.

Attention! Very soon there will be no such drawback: the United Panel Group company will open the production of MDF boards in our country in six months.