Gate and fence 

The difference between mdf and chipboard. What is chipboard in furniture? Which material is more moisture resistant mdf or chipboard

Determining criteria for selection kitchen furniture are strength and durability. But no one has canceled the aesthetic factor - therefore, you should pay attention to such practical materials for finishing the kitchen as MDF and chipboard. How they differ and which type is better - we tell in the article.

Comparison of two materials: MDF or chipboard

To give preference to one of these materials, you should understand what characteristics are inherent in each of them, since the external differences between facades and countertops made of MDF and laminated chipboard are minimal.

The abbreviation MDF stands for "fine fraction" and means a board made of wood fibers. medium density.

There are several varieties of this material, in addition to the base. For example, you can find fibreboard with PVC film and framed MDF. All of them have their own characteristics that should be considered during operation.

Small budget kitchen 6 sq. meters from MDF

Advantages of pressed wood chip coating (MDF):

  1. Simplicity in work. The material is malleable and plastic, which allows you to create almost any shape.
  2. Such a coating is considered environmentally friendly.
  3. Simplicity and ease in daily care, as the material is easily washed from grease stains and other stubborn dirt.
  4. A wide variety of design options.
  5. Affordable price.

Given the advantages of wood fiber coating, it can be said that this best option if there is a choice between natural wood and artificial materials.

MDF is cheaper than wood, but more expensive than chipboard varieties. But it is worth considering the disadvantages of such a finish:

  1. Insufficient water and moisture resistance.
  2. Lacquered varieties may have scratches from knives and other kitchen utensils.
  3. Low resistance to constant exposure to steam.
  4. When a scratch appears, you need to paint the entire surface, local exposure will not bring results.
  5. Tendency to dry out.

Despite the disadvantages, wood dust coating is quite popular, and there are reasons for this: countertops cannot be deformed by hot objects, you can safely put hot kettles and pans on them, and kitchen facades will not deteriorate from direct sunlight.

Corner kitchen from MDF frame

In addition, among the variety of types of wood shavings, you can find a truly durable and super-strong material.

1. Painted MDF (enamel)

Such a coating will cost more, but it has its own advantages - for example, aesthetic appearance.

Enameled facades look stylish and expensive, they are quite easy to maintain - just wipe with any gel detergent.

In addition, enameled facades and countertops are environmentally friendly.

The choice of furniture with facades made of enameled MDF is simply huge - you can order kitchens with drawings, gradients, glossy sheen, all colors of the rainbow. Which color is better is up to you.

The disadvantage of the coating is that it can not tolerate exposure to the sun and light. Enamel is also susceptible to mechanical damage. And if chips appear on the surfaces, then they cannot be eliminated.

2. MDF covered with PVC film

On forums on the Internet, you can find a lot of reviews about kitchens made of film-coated fibreboard. There is a wide variety of facades made of this material: one of the most popular and stylish colors is “under the tree”.

The main advantage of this coating is huge selection options, as well as ease and ease of use. The price factor also plays an important role: kitchens made of MDF with film are classified as budget ones.

It is easy to take care of such furniture with the help of the simplest non-concentrated detergent. The downside is that you need to protect the surface from excessive exposure to high temperatures, but the facades easily withstand the usual daily household load.

3. Frame MDF

Framed MDF surfaces differ from other varieties in that they have frames that are easily recognizable by their characteristic appearance.

Such material is more expensive, but it looks an order of magnitude better than other types of wood chip coating.

Framed kitchens are mainly made in classical style, but you can find more modern options.

4. Laminated chipboard

The abundance of photos of kitchens with laminated chipboard facades on the Internet surprises with its beauty and sophistication. Chipboard kitchens seem great option and for budget finishing, and more expensive for interiors.

The abbreviation of the name stands for "laminated chipboard". Products made from this material can be the most different colors and shades, so you can choose options for various natural materials.

The main disadvantage of such a coating is its non-environmental friendliness, since formaldehyde is used in the production. To buy the safest material, pay attention to the labeling. The lower the figure for the use of this substance, the more environmentally friendly the coating.

Advantages of laminated chipboard:

  1. Strength, wear resistance and durability.
  2. It does not scratch, it is cleaned from dirt with any detergent.
  3. Plasticity, a wide variety of designs.

In addition, kitchens made of MDF and chipboard can be assembled by hand. To do this, you will have to calculate the dimensions, footage and determine the type of furniture arrangement.

If you are thinking about what is best for the kitchen - MDF or chipboard, then consider all the pros and cons of both types of coatings and choose the best option for you.

Caring for furniture made of MDF and laminated chipboard

Given the pros and cons of both coatings, we can say that both materials are easy to care for.

Therefore, if you cannot decide which material to choose for the kitchen, then preference should be given to the type that suits you in all respects - price, appearance, practicality.

Caring for MDF furniture depends on the type of coating. For example, natural MDF is easy to clean with an ordinary washcloth with any product, and it is not recommended to clean enameled and film surfaces with abrasives so as not to scratch the enamel and the top layer of the PVC film.

Caring for laminated chipboard furniture consists in regularly removing stains from surfaces with a soft sponge and any non-concentrated chemical agent.

It is also important to maintain an acceptable temperature in the kitchen, remove access to direct sunlight (for example, hang blinds on windows), avoid excessive humidity and not cause mechanical damage to surfaces. Due to the resistance of materials to various kinds of pollution, they do not require special care.

Modern kitchen sets are made from a variety of materials. They are presented general requirement: environmentally friendly, resistant to moisture and heat and, of course, beautiful.

MDF kitchens are very diverse.

To the fullest extent these parameters correspond to kitchens made of MDF - medium-viscosity fibreboard. durable and available material- one of the most popular in the manufacture of kitchen sets.

Advantages and disadvantages

We offer you a table that examines in detail various properties MDF kitchens - both positive and negative. With its help, you will better understand the features of the material and be able to make an informed decision about whether to buy such a kitchen.


 A variety of MDF kitchens have a lot of advantages.

The advantages of kitchens with MDF are quite extensive.:

  • The main advantage of MDF kitchen sets is, undoubtedly, the cost. The price for them is much lower than for solid wood kitchens.
  • Wide design possibilities. Most often, MDF is used as a base, finishing with plastic, acrylic, various types films. This allows you to create bright unique designs. Often MDF headsets imitate natural wood, stone, metal and other materials.
  • Excellent operational properties. High-quality MDF furniture can serve up to 20 years without loss of properties.
  • Ease of maintenance: MFD is not capricious and does not require special detergents. True, it must be taken into account that the coverage may be more demanding.
  • Flexibility. With the help of MDF panels, you can create headsets of a wide variety of shapes.

 It is important to carefully choose the kitchen, so as not to be disappointed in the purchase.

However, get ready for the fact that you will have to face a number of disadvantages.:

  • Unscrupulous manufacturers under the guise of MDF can sell headsets made of chipboard- looser and cheaper material.
  • If the manufacturer has saved on the quality and quantity of glue, the headset may crack and dry out.
  • Headsets pasted over with a film quickly fade in direct sunlight.
  • If the ends of the headset are not finished with plastic or aluminum, they can swell in a year due to excessive humidity in the kitchen.
  • Quality headsets exterior trim, for example, with acrylic panels, can cost you a considerable amount.

Thus, it is obvious that MDF kitchens are highly reliable only if they are made by a conscientious manufacturer and meet quality standards.


 High-quality MDF is one of the most reliable materials.

Often the question comes up: which is better for the kitchen - MDF or chipboard? It can be answered unambiguously.

MDF kitchens are environmentally friendly and durable, while laminated chipboard is not very suitable for use near stoves and other household appliances. The material is too loose, so it quickly deforms. In addition, it swells when exposed to moisture, and when heated, it can release formaldehyde into the air, toxic substances that are harmful to human health.


 We recommend not to save: chipboard is not only worse than MDF, but also more dangerous to health.

Types of MDF kitchens: facade finishing methods

As we already wrote, MDF kitchens are often finished additional materials. It can be veneer, laminate, plastic, film ... In addition, there are various ways decorative processing that can give the kitchen a radically the new kind.


 There are many options for MDF kitchens.

There are a huge number of options. We propose to consider each of them in more detail.

The most inexpensive version of the MDF kitchen set - with PVC film facades. Affordable and pretty kitchens look attractive and are very popular. The film can be painted in any color, drawings are applied to it, giving it the appearance various materials- stone, wood


 High-quality PVC film can reliably imitate wood.

However, it should be noted that such a headset must be carefully trimmed around the edges - install a plastic or aluminum edge. Otherwise, the film will begin to flake off, go bubbles. In addition, it should not be placed in direct sunlight - the coating fades quickly under the influence of bright light.

Wash the film with a soft sponge and non-abrasive detergent to avoid scratches. Also, make sure that the product does not contain chlorine or alcohol - they will Negative influence for color fastness.

The most expensive option for MDF headsets - enameled. A special enamel paint is applied to the facades in several thin layers. This coating is highly resistant to moisture, dirt and even mechanical damage. True, there is one caveat - in no case do not wipe the enameled surfaces with hard sponges - they will leave ugly scratches.


 Enameled kitchens - stylish and modern solution.

Most often, such kitchens are glossy. The matte version will cost you more, because it requires special processing with a special compound. However, it is easier to care for: on a matte finish, dirt is not as noticeable as on a glossy one.

A more affordable replacement for enamelled MDF kitchen facades - installation of acrylic or plastic panels. In this case, you also need to make sure that the edges are covered with aluminum or plastic frames. Otherwise, the panels begin to move away, moisture and dirt accumulate under them. This causes the headset to deform and it quickly goes out of service.


 Acrylic panels can look very diverse.

Acrylic and plastic panels in MFD kitchens is very simple: just wipe them regularly with a soft cloth. Hard brushes often scratch the finish, but scratches are not difficult to remove with polish.

If you prefer classic or eco-style kitchens, consider veneered MDF kitchens. Modern veneer reliably imitates natural wood, has high aesthetic and operational characteristics. The material is non-toxic when heated and does not emit harmful substances. In addition, it tolerates operation well at temperature extremes and high humidity.


 The veneered set looks like a solid kitchen.

Caring for a veneered MDF kitchen is not particularly difficult - just wipe it regularly from dirt. Sometimes there are recommendations to use a polish. However, we do not recommend doing this: polish attracts dust and debris, so cleaning a kitchen treated in this way will be much more difficult.

Sometimes MDF kitchen sets are trimmed laminate. Durable and lightweight, it is well suited for use in the kitchen. You need to take care of it in the same way as for veneer. However, keep in mind that this option is not suitable for radius kitchens. Laminate is not very flexible, so it is used only for straight, L- or U-shaped kitchens.


 Laminate is another popular MDF kitchen cladding.

Finishing option is gradually leaving the market MDF facades with paper-resin film. Such facades look very beautiful… Approximately the first six months. Then the coating begins to peel off even with the most gentle care. Their only advantage is affordable price. Therefore, we do not recommend such headsets for purchase.


 Ditch the film in favor of modern materials.

Regardless of which type of finish you choose, contact trusted furniture companies. Unscrupulous manufacturers, trying to save money, often use low-quality materials and consumables. This causes the MDF kitchen to break in the first months of use.

Using non-certified materials can be downright dangerous - they often release toxic substances into the air. Therefore, we recommend that you ask for certificates for each component of your kitchen - this will protect your family and be able to guarantee the high quality of the purchased kitchen.

Decorative finishing of facades

Diverse decorative ways finishes make the design range of MDF kitchens even wider. We propose to study the techniques that are used to design headsets in the following photo selection.


 A wide choice of decor is one of the advantages of MDF kitchens.
Printed MDF set for modern kitchen.

Pay attention to the little things: beautiful handles can make an MDF set really luxurious, but be uncomfortable to use. In addition, too heavy elements often put too much stress on the MDF. Because of this, the base of the headset cracks and deforms.


 Pay attention to details.

As for the shape of the headset, it can be any - straight, radius, g- or p-shaped. MDF takes any form, so be guided by your preference here. However, keep in mind that a straight headset is the most affordable option, while the cost of a radius MDF headset can reach one hundred thousand rubles.


 The unusual shape of the headset looks impressive, but it will be quite expensive.

Whichever option you decide on, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of our recommendations. They will help you purchase high-quality and durable MDF kitchen:

  • The weak point of any MDF headset is the edges of the facades. Therefore, no matter how much you want to save money, choose kitchens whose edges are finished with aluminum, in extreme cases - with melamine plastic. Otherwise, your headset may quickly deform under the influence of moisture and temperature changes.
  • Since resins are used in the production of MDF kitchens, pay attention to the material safety class.
  • Headsets marked E1 are considered optimal for use in the kitchen. They do not release toxic substances into the air when heated. But furniture marked E2 cannot be placed near the stove - they will evaporate formaldehyde.
  • Pay attention to models with adjustable legs. They will allow you to install the kitchen exactly horizontally, which will prevent kitchen utensils from sliding on the countertop. This is especially true for MDF kitchens with film facades - moisture can accumulate under the film, due to which sooner or later the set will begin to deform.
  • Even if the facades are not treated with the most durable material, make sure that the countertop coating is resistant to mechanical damage.
  • Take the time to take care of your headset. Even the simplest materials, if used improperly, quickly fail.

 A high-quality MDF kitchen will serve you for many years.

And, of course, do not forget about the main rule - never buy suspiciously cheap MDF headsets and do not order them from unverified companies. When choosing an MDF kitchen, carefully read the reviews - they will tell you where you can buy a reliable and durable kitchen.

How to care

A kitchen made of MDF will serve you for many years only if you take proper care of it. Depending on the type of facade covering and countertop, recommendations may vary slightly. You can read more about each type of finish in the corresponding section of our website.


 Proper care- a guarantee of the durability of the MDF kitchen.
  • Use soft, lint-free fabrics. They will not leave streaks on a glossy surface and will not scratch any type of coating.
  • Refuse aggressive detergents: they can change the shade of the facade or countertop. It is best to use dishwashing detergent or plain liquid soap.
  • Try not to use polishes. They attract dust and grease, and it is much more difficult to wash the treated surface than a clean one. The exception is plastic facades, which can be treated with a special polish to hide scratches.
  • Dry the surface immediately after cleaning. If the coating is not airtight, then moisture penetrates under it, and the MDF sheet can swell and the entire kitchen is deformed.

By following these rules, you will ensure the durability of your MDF kitchen, regardless of the type of coating. We hope our tips will help you choose the perfect headset, comfortable and beautiful!

Kitchens from MDF: photo in the interior

We bring to your attention a selection of various kitchens from MDF.



































































In the 21st century, big consumer demand uses chipboard furniture. Chipboard is a unique invention of the German entrepreneur Max Himmelheber., which made the life of ordinary people comfortable and made it possible to save up to 60% of the wood that was recycled. It's not only caring for people with average incomes, but also an exemplary example careful attitude to natural resources.

Furniture factories have been producing cabinet, upholstered and kitchen furniture for a long time. furniture made of laminated chipboard, CDSP and MDF. These materials in some characteristics have properties similar to natural wood, and in some parameters even surpass it.

Furniture from laminated chipboard

Chipboard is laminated chipboard. With the help of lamination, chipboard improves its properties: it becomes more durable and water resistant, which cannot be said about ordinary chipboard.


Furniture from KDSP

KDSP is laminated chipboard. The difference between laminated chipboard and CDSP is only in the technology of applying a decorative coating: when laminating, it is glued to chipboard, and when laminating, it is created during pressing due to chemical processes and is inseparable from the base plate. Operational properties and characteristics are the same, but Chipboard is the most moisture resistant. Therefore, KDSP is much cheaper than both chipboard and MDF.

MDF furniture

MDF is finely dispersed fraction of a tree. The structure of MDF is more homogeneous, andTwice as strong as chipboard . And it behaves better in a humid environment, more resistant to fire. But the cost is more expensive than chipboard.


Pros and cons of furniture made of chipboard and furniture made of MDF

Chipboard and MDF - modern materials which have both their pros and cons. Consider the operational properties of the main parameters - moisture resistance, safety, strength, aesthetics, cost.

moisture resistance

The structure of laminated chipboard is more susceptible to moisture penetration than MDF. Why is this happening? Due to the density of the plates, but this does not mean at all that MDF is not at all afraid of moisture.

Security

Chipboard is more toxic than MDF. The concentration of formaldehydes (E 240) in chipboard is higher, but formaldehydes are also present in MDF. Acceptable and safe material for the manufacture of furniture are plates that comply with GOST 10632-2014. When choosing furniture for your home, keep in mind that the Russian GOST has much higher requirements than the European one. So it is better to give preference to Russian-made furniture. Furniture factories with which our online store cooperates have ALL certificates of quality and safety. Certificates can be found on official websites, for example Stolline, or by contacting us, we will send or provide them upon request.

Strength

MDF has a density 2 times higher than that of chipboard. MDF can be milled, make inclined holes. The material "holds" fasteners better.

Aesthetics

Color solutions for both MDF and chipboard are on the same niche - any color is possible, at the request of the client. As for curves and shapes, it is only from MDF that curved facades can be made.

Price

MDF is noticeably more expensive, due to the quality parameters of the material. However, judging by the service life, MDF lasts longer than laminated chipboard.

When buying furniture for the home, often a difficult task arises: what is better to choose - chipboard or MDF. The plates are outwardly very similar, products made from them look approximately the same and at first glance there is no obvious difference. Meanwhile, there are very differences: in terms of placement, durability and safety. And without having an idea about the features of each material, it will not be possible to make the best choice.

But everything is not as difficult as it seems. In this article, we will tell you how chipboard differs from MDF, about the advantages and disadvantages of finished products. And also, you will learn what should be taken into account without fail.

And for those who have no time to understand all the intricacies of furniture production, at the bottom of the page there is a hint picture "LDSP or MDF: which is better?". It indicates the main differences between furniture made from these materials and a suitable area of ​​​​the apartment for placement.

So:

Chipboard and MDF - what's the difference?

chipboard

Laminated chipboard, more correctly, of course, it would be chipboard, as industrialists call it, but the name without the letter "t" has taken root among the people. It is produced from woodworking industry waste - sawdust, by hot pressing with the use of formaldehyde-based adhesive resin.

Chipboard board is laminated with melamine film and cut into pieces. Since the material absorbs moisture well and swells, the ends of the facades are sealed with an edge. This technology allows not only to prevent water from getting inside, but also to reduce the release of formaldehyde vapors to a safe minimum.

Russian GOST, adopted in 2010, obliges to comply with safety standards and allows the use in the furniture industry only of laminated chipboard of emission class E1 and E0.5. Moreover, this standard allows the production of chemically safe children's furniture. You can learn more about the current regulation.

Pros and cons of furniture made of chipboard:

  • Obvious Advantage is the price of the final product. Even with a modest budget, you can quite decently furnish an apartment.
  • Flaw- the possibility of moisture ingress between the joints of the coating. It is necessary to remove water from problem areas in time.
  • And one more- the material is most vulnerable in the places where the fittings are attached. Furniture made of laminated chipboard is undesirable to often disassemble and assemble. With constant screwing and unscrewing of the screws, the plate crumbles and the holes increase in diameter.

No matter how beautiful the kitchen furniture is, it does not hurt to ask what it is made of. It is from the source material that the service life, environmental friendliness, and operational properties depend. It happens that the names do not say anything to a curious buyer, which is quite normal: a person wants to buy good furniture, but he himself does not understand it, just as a furniture maker does not understand aircraft engines, Lobachevsky's geometry, prêt-à-porter and shrimp. We bring clarity to the questions of what it is - MDF, chipboard, chipboard, and how the materials differ from each other.

Let's start with the fact that the abbreviation DSP is unofficial and incorrect. Chipboard is understood as wood-laminated plastic (similar to plywood in structure, made from veneer). In our case, we are talking about chipboard - a chipboard made from small waste (chips, sawdust) of woodworking production. We use the usual definition of chipboard (chipboard), but in order not to mislead anyone, we gave this certificate.

When German inventor Max Himmelheber developed new material, production waste of the furniture industry reached 60%, and with the introduction of the invention, their number was sharply reduced to 10%. Caring for the consumer was not the goal of innovation - production and ecology required savings (60% of wood for waste is an unacceptable waste that is not characteristic of the Germans). Furniture that is affordable to everyone is a secondary advantage.

Chipboard is a composite material made from a mixture of fine wood particles and binding resins (containing formaldehyde) by hot pressing or extrusion. The percentage of wood and resins leaves much to be desired (6–18%).

In water, the plate swells, gaining about 30% of its original volume. In addition to rabies, there is another significant drawback - you can screw a self-tapping screw into the plate only once (the first). It is advisable to do this with jeweler's precision, since there will be no chance to correct the error - the material crumbles, in principle it does not hold fasteners well. Craftsmen “plant” the nails on the glue, but then these nails “come out” of the plate along with the glue and the sawdust (crumb) surrounding it. However, these are all flowers: chipboard is environmentally unsafe because it emits formaldehyde.

The child hung on the door ... the screws can no longer be screwed into these holes, you will have to expand the holes for the fittings and use M5 screws

According to the maximum allowable emission standards for harmful substances, chipboard is divided into two classes - E1 and E2 (Europe). In Russia, this parameter is regulated by GOST. It is extremely difficult to compare standards, because in different countries different methods measurements. One thing is for sure - E2 is forbidden for use in children's furniture. Some countries have long removed it from production, which we would like from Russia: formaldehyde is released with human joy if the chipboard is slightly warmed up, which happens all the time in the kitchen. By the way, GOST is stricter than European ones, but who would comply with it.

Chipboard is used in construction and furniture production. If, thanks to GKL, GVL and OSB, the use of chipboard as a structural material is actively decreasing, then furniture makers are in no hurry to part with a cheap plate, although there is an alternative (though more expensive). The reason, obviously, is demand. People want to buy as cheaply as possible, manufacturers meet them halfway. If people refuse furniture from chipboard (they refuse completely - from chipboard too), they will not make it.

Chipboard classification

Chipboard is classified according to a number of parameters:

  • the number of layers;
  • brand: subdivided into P1, P2 according to bending and deformation strength, water resistance, warpage;
  • grade: 1st and 2nd grade or without it, depending on the presence of defects - chips, cracks, spots, depressions and protrusions;
  • the outer layer (finely structured, ordinary, coarse-grained plate);
  • surface treatment (polished, not polished);
  • formaldehyde emission class (E1 -< 10 мг, Е2 - 10–30 мг; в последнее время выпускают плиты класса E0.5, эмиссия в них снижена вдвое относительно E1);
  • water resistance (they produce a special waterproof chipboard, in addition to P1 with 33% and P2 with 22% swelling of the original volume);
  • fire resistance (treatment with flame retardants);
  • density:< 550 кг/м 3 , 550–750 кг/м 3 , >750 kg/m3;
  • pressing method (flat, extrusion).

Waterproof chipboard (varies in color)

What is LDSP

The surface of chipboard is treated to give the material strength, water resistance and other properties provided by the coating. The cheapest, but flimsy option is impregnated paper. The strongest, but expensive option is veneer. Between the two extremes are polymers, films, plastics. The most demanded laminated chipboard - as the most balanced in terms of quality, price, aesthetic properties.

In conditions high pressure and temperatures, a resistant melamine film is applied to the plate - the process resembles the lamination familiar to everyone (the only difference is in the materials). The slab processed in this way acquires high aesthetic and operational properties. Further processing is not required - the finished product is obtained by lamination, but sometimes the surface is additionally varnished ( expensive varieties).

The problem of formaldehyde emission remains in place (the material is made from chipboard with all its characteristics), despite the lamination, but the outer surface of the laminated chipboard is more aesthetic, waterproof and durable, especially if varnished.

What is MDF

MDF, MDF - MediumDensityFibreboard (medium density fibreboard 600–800 kg/m3). The same board made of wood particles, produced by dry pressing under high pressure and temperature. As a binder, carbamide resins containing formaldehyde are used, but the emission of harmful substances is much lower than that of chipboard, and is comparable to that of natural wood. A significant reduction in emissions is achieved by modifying resins with melamine.

Production of urea resins for MDF

Resin is made in several stages:

  • polycondensation in an alkaline medium;
  • acid polycondensation;
  • additional input of urea and drying to achieve the required viscosity;
  • cooling;
  • modification.

Synthesis requires compliance temperature regime- 88–94°. The resin is modified at a temperature of 40–50°.

Despite the same raw material, MDF is very different from chipboard (without taking into account the difference in emission values): the material can be milled and deformed, which opens up the possibility of manufacturing carved furniture facades, furniture and other radial-shaped structures.

Varieties of MDF

MDF is divided into four types according to operating conditions (humidity, temperature). The first type is used for the manufacture of office, home cabinet furniture and commercial equipment(normal conditions), the second - kitchen furniture (humidity, steam), the third - structural elements (normal conditions, high load), the fourth - structural elements ( high humidity, high loads).

In the process of production of plates, they are given fire resistance, water resistance, biostability (protection from fungi, bacteria). MDF needs additional processing of the front surface. According to the type of this processing, the material is divided into:

  1. Veneered: a thin natural veneer is glued to the front (sometimes internal) surface; this is an expensive type, and the price varies depending on the value of the wood species used to make the veneer.
  2. Painted: surfaces (one and both) are covered with paint or enamel
  3. Laminated: front side covered with PVC film - matte or glossy, imitating various surfaces (wood, natural stone, marble, etc.); The film is applied under pressure at high temperature.

Surface treatment improves the physical and mechanical characteristics of the material, its operational and aesthetic properties.

Painted glossy slab - samples of some shades and curves

All types of MDF equally in demand - each has its own niche. Material with a natural veneer front surface is used to make a good office furniture and commercial equipment, furniture for kitchens, living rooms, hallways. A cheaper one, laminated with a film that imitates wood, is used in the production of the already listed, but relatively inexpensive mass-market furniture.

Flexible MDF

The material was developed specifically to create curved surfaces, actively used in modern design. MDF can be milled - it is this quality that is used in the manufacture of flexible boards: on the one hand, parallel cuts are made, due to which the panel can be bent to a certain radius (depending on thickness); the other side remains flat. Thus, surfaces of varying complexity are obtained - from a banal circle to a wave-like one with different radii of each wave. Such MDF is called perforated (not to be confused with perforated HDF). The material opens almost endless possibilities in furniture design.

Not a single even facade - everything with one or another radius

Differences between chipboard, chipboard and MDF

In the same IKEA, we see furniture made of laminated chipboard and MDF, visually perceiving only the difference in price (with the exception of especially glossy ones - there the differences are obvious to the eye). MDF furniture is much more expensive. Why? What is the difference between chipboard, chipboard and MDF - one particle board from another?

Let's start with the fact that the difference between chipboard and chipboard is lamination. Natural veneer is no worse than a laminating film, but it is impractical to process chipboard with it, so further we will talk about the difference between chipboard and MDF.

List of differences:

  1. Chipboard is much less resistant to moisture. It would seem that the water has nowhere to go, but between the edge and the laminating film, the liquid finds (as the proverb says) a microscopic gap and penetrates inside. Inside, it remains (for rapid evaporation, an area is needed, but it is not), bursting chipboard to unimaginable sizes. However, long before a set of extra 20–30% in volume, the sheet will warp, the film or veneer (whatever it is) will crack. A few drops of water that fall into the wrong place can permanently disfigure the countertop. Even the so-called waterproof material still absorbs moisture - such is its structure.
  2. LDPE is more toxic. It is more toxic, because the information about the complete non-toxicity of a fibreboard is incorrect: even if the material emits the same amount of formaldehyde as natural wood, this does not mean at all that there is no emission at all. It is, but much lower. It happens that they write that there is no formaldehyde in MDF - this is not true (moreover, formaldehyde is everywhere: it is used in medicine, the food industry as E240, used for fumigation of grain, the substance is part of cosmetics, found in the human body - a matter of concentration). Wood fibers are impregnated with carbamide resins containing formaldehyde. Modification helps to reduce emissions.
  3. MDF is suitable for the manufacture of complex-shaped furniture, which is impossible from chipboard.
  4. MDF has a higher density - you can mill it, make inclined holes. The material, unlike the example, “holds” the fasteners better.
  5. AT color solutions there are practically no differences, with the exception of glossy MDF (but this is no longer a color) and custom-made - enamel can be tinted in any shade that comes to mind, so MDF also wins here.
  6. MDF is noticeably more expensive, due to the quality parameters of the material. However, this high cost is apparent, which is understandable to any person who knows how to count: even according to rough estimates, MDF furniture will turn out to be cheaper in the end, because it will last much longer.

No edge - the entire plate is covered with a single layer, which eliminates the gaps between the film and the edge

Chipboard or MDF? MDF loses chipboard only in price, but this cannot be significant, given all the advantages. When purchasing furniture, the decision is made by the buyer, we can only advise you to make an informed choice.

No matter how much you want to save money, it is better to give preference quality material- environmentally friendly, which is really important, because the temperature in the kitchen is often elevated, and the formaldehyde emission increases with heat (we do not understand why E2 is prohibited only in the production of children's furniture - in the kitchen this type of product is even more harmful). We repeat, the savings in the case of choosing furniture from laminated chipboard is illusory. Again, aesthetic properties matter.

MDF kitchens

The ability to bend the panel transforms utilitarian standard kitchens into spaces that are not without personality and more in keeping with their owners. This is especially important when the kitchen is small: there is no way to play on the arrangement of furniture, the introduction of original details - only the form remains, and MDF provides its variability.

These curved facades are not the work of software at all. The doors are made of perforated MDF - a kitchen that is ordinary in all respects with a standard arrangement of furniture looks extraordinary thanks to rounded cabinets. And this is the easiest option of all possible.

What in this kitchen in the photo is made of wood? It's likely nothing. Even a log can turn out to be plastic (or made of polyresin, which perfectly imitates any natural materials). The floor, ceiling and furniture fronts (we remind you: the material can be milled) are made of MDF.

And here is the magnificent country music. Either natural wood or MDF can hold glass (especially stained glass) - chipboard will crumble a little faster than instantly. Working with MDF, the master is spared endless trials in search of the only desired shade (LMB, lying on natural wood, changes color in accordance with the tone and texture of the base), and the customer is spared exorbitant expenses.

You can make almost any kitchen out of MDF (almost - because there is also stainless steel) - realize a bold idea, create something truly original and enjoy the result every day. Only an array can be better (and even then not always). In our opinion, only an acute shortage of funds and an equally urgent need for furniture can drive it into the framework of chipboard. But this solution will be temporary (furniture will quickly peel off). Make the right choice.