MDF: what is it? Features and scope of application of the material

Pieces of furniture, floor and wall coverings, as well as many other finishing materials are made of MDF. However, not everyone understood the meaning of this acronym. This article will consider all available information on MDF panels: what it is, for what is used, what are the advantages of this material, thanks to which it is so widely used today.

MDF: what it is, where and how they can be used

MDF abbreviation of very fine fraction. Such plates are made from wood fibers, the density of which corresponds to average values, their pressed together under high pressure.

Areas of applications of the manifold plates. For many products manufactured MDF factory serves as a basis. Consider a few basic directions of use of this material in everyday life:

• sheet of MDF panels are used for the finishing of floors and ceilings;
• paneling MDF panels are also quite common;
• making furniture, facades which which can have both a smooth surface and be decorated carved elements;
• due to its properties, MDF is widely used as soundproof material, allowing to significantly reduce the audibility between rooms;
• more unusual, but very popular use of this material - transformation of steel doors. MDF is used as a decorative lining on an existing surface, thereby improving its appearance. At the same time buy MDF moldings on the doors can be in many different variations and colors.

Interesting to know! Another area of ​​use of MDF - a manufacturer of cartons intended for packing gifts or just for the transportation of various products.

Such widespread use of this material was due to the fact that in the course of its production uses only completely safe for human health materials such as carbide resin. Further these boards have superior characteristics: thermal and moisture resistance, and are not subject to the formation on the surface and inside the chips of various kinds fungi and mold. All this makes the MDF board worthy competitor to natural wood.

Chipboard or MDF: it is better to choose and why

In recent years much has pressed MDF Particleboard On the market. Why did this happen and is there a difference between these so similar, the materials? We will try to find out whether such a placement position is justified, and what caused it.

First and foremost it is worth remembering that Particleboard - a chipboard, which as well as the MDF is made of wood chips by pressing and adding a special binder. However, the second option has several significant differences and advantages, and that was the deciding factor in the issue of the popularity of its use in some areas.

capacity Particleboard hold the screw-in part it is much worse. If we talk about the production of furniture, it is fraught with the falling away of attached parts. The doors of kitchen cabinets, door handles and many other things may simply fall away. Moreover, re-fix the item has disappeared is not possible, since the holes are subject to rapid loosening. Furniture MDF boards have a far greater density, allowing them to securely hold the elements contained therein.

Environmentally friendly - a significant factor in the choice of material. Wondering what is better - chipboard or MDF for the kitchen, you need to consider, the first option is absolutely harmless. Moreover, it is not safe to the health, since the resin used in the manufacturing process, capable of releasing formaldehyde - specific substance which has a negative influence primarily on the respiratory tract, as well as on mucous membranes and skin person. At the time, formaldehyde has been listed as a carcinogenic substance that can promote the development of such diseases as cancer. It is worth noting that due to the high rate of environmental fairly highly regarded children's furniture made of MDF.

Having dealt with a breakdown of what the MDF for furniture and other products, as well as the advantages that distinguish it from the DSP, it may seem that this material is ideal. And it's almost as if you do not take into account its high cost, which often becomes a major obstacle to its acquisition.

In most cases, panels are sold without finishing coat, which also requires additional costs. You can certainly buy MDF sheets already coated and can be alone and to address this issue. In any case, for those who care about the health of their loved ones, it is low cost.

Which is better: chipboard or MDF, and what is the difference between these materials

Speaking of chipboard, anyway meant that everyone at least once heard about this material. However, the abbreviation chipboard often confusing ordinary users. In fact, it is the same particle board, laminated with an additional coating only. At the time this technology has improved the original characteristics of particle board and to expand the use of this material.

So, chipboard much less prone to mechanical damage due to the additional protective layer. In addition, buy a ready-made plate of any color will be much cheaper. However, with regard to moisture resistance, in this issue gives chipboard MDF and makes it impossible to use the bathrooms. For this reason, there is no question of what is best for the kitchen: MDF or chipboard.

Urgent is the problem of ecological chipboard. Despite all attempts to reduce the amount of the formaldehyde, a certain probability of encountering counterfeit still persists. It is therefore necessary to pay special attention to the study of certificates that are attached to each batch. Thus, we again come to the conclusion that the question of what is best (MDF or chipboard) furniture and home decorating, the answer is unequivocally in favor of the first option, especially since you can always buy laminated MDF.

How to choose and buy MDF panels for walls, floors, ceilings or furniture

Depending on how you plan to use the acquired MDF panel, must be taken into attention to its various characteristics and in specific cases to focus on the most important indicators.

For example, painted MDF panels are better than others suitable for the manufacture of kitchen furniture. They possess enhanced resistance to moisture and therefore does not deteriorate as a result of constant contact with water.

However, to finish the bathroom will not be enough. In this case it is better to give preference to materials with improved moisture resistance, which is used to achieve two-way lamination. This will protect the panel, not only from the outside, but also inside.

If you are planning any finishing work on the facade of furniture, it is suitable for this purpose veneer material. But if we are talking about the need to trim a large area, it is possible to use a conventional tile.

As for manufacturers, it is possible to obtain the desired quality in the case, if the package is listed European country of origin. Sweden, Germany, Poland - all of these countries have their own offices in many Russian cities. But the Chinese products, though cheaper, but is unlikely to please the proper strength and moisture resistance.

Useful advice! Wanting to find any original products on the Internet, try to avoid middlemen who resell the products purchased directly from the manufacturer. It is enough to formulate the right web request, for example, "the official website of MDF furniture Kaliningrad".

But what would the manufacturer you may have preferred, be sure to conduct an external inspection of the goods before you buy it. The same rules will apply in the event that you need to purchase a frame MDF profile. examination procedure is performed on the following items:

• make sure the surface is smooth and has no chips;
• Check the touch panel: the surface should be smooth, bumps or depressions are not permitted, as they may cause a decrease in the strength of the panel;
• MDF-board must have no odor;
• All panels should be the same color;
• also pay attention to the indicator, which characterizes the degree of swelling of the material due to contact with moisture. Normal value assumed rate of 17%.

Also, before you buy a wall panel MDF, pay attention to the fact that they may have different thicknesses. Thin significantly simplify the work, since they have lower weight and not take up much space during storage. However, they are quite fragile, so they can break from the careless handling during operation. Thick much stronger and more reliable, but use them for decoration too small rooms is not recommended, because they will occupy and without that valuable space.

How to fix MDF panels to the wall or ceiling with his hands

Even if you are not used to working with similar material on their own to figure out how to fix MDF panels to the wall or ceiling is possible. First and foremost, you need to prepare the tools and materials. The list includes a pencil, a corner to mark the right angle, building level, hacksaw, hammer, screwdriver or hammer, dowels and screws.

The work begins with cleaning the surface, which will be mount. It should be thoroughly cleaned from dust and dirt. Additionally, you must carry out a thorough visual inspection for the presence of mold and mildew.

If you need to make a ceiling of MDF panels with their own hands, that need as a guide profiles and hangers, plus wooden blocks that will play the role of cross-pieces frame. If we are talking about fixing MDF panels to the wall, it will be enough simple bars of wood or special plastic crates.

Useful advice! In order to mount the process was easier, it is recommended to use klyaymery. This will allow you to capture on the part of the crate and cover a whole will greatly facilitate the task.

Most importantly - the right to partition under the crate, which later will accurately fix all the elements. How to do it correctly, you can see in the photo ceiling of MDF panels. At this stage it is important to take into account that the distance between the fixed panels and ceiling should be present sufficient to lamps housed therein, as well as other communications.

Installation of wall panels MDF also starts with marking the place where the first plank lathing (no matter horizontal or vertical) will be attached. Maintaining the required distance, all the elements are mounted crate, and then begins the installation of wall panels MDF. They are fixed simply by using klyaymerov or screws.

Useful advice! High-quality and certified products can be found on the official website of the "Union". Wall panels MDF manufacture their highly sought after due to its compliance with all requirements and standards.

We can not say that the installation of MDF panels on the wall with their hands - it's a complex process. Rather, it is monotonous and requires a high accuracy of calculations and constant attention.

Related article:

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Plywood: manufacturing features, the main types of material advantages and disadvantages. building materials market overview.

Countertop and apron made of MDF for kitchens: buy or not to

Broad popular MDF for kitchen. Its technical characteristics far superior to any other materials of this group, and therefore allow it to almost fearlessly into contact with water. Among the most common variants can be found countertops for the kitchen made of MDF, as well as kitchen aprons.

Buy apron for the kitchen made of MDF stands still because the variety of designs is not inferior any other material, but the degree of environmental friendliness and sustainability to various external factors nice pleases. There are a variety of options of colors, including meet those that mimic the surface of, for example, MDF panel under a rock.

In addition, if you buy MDF profile for framed facades, you can decorate the furniture at his own request. Standing MDF frame fronts profile for inexpensive, but the opportunities it opens up - the extremely large.

How to paint your own MDF panels for kitchens

As already mentioned, these boards are perfect for kitchen furniture, and are often used as an alternative to plastic. And of course you can buy kitchen made of MDF with photo printing, if finances do not limit. However, you can use what is already there, having painted MDF in the color that you want. Consider the sequence of actions in this case:

• surface have to be thoroughly cleaned: cleaned and sanded;
• then wipe it with solvent;
• Apply two coats of primer with a break for drying;

Useful advice! Today construction supermarkets offer a huge amount of a variety of coatings, but it is better to choose the one that will fit in color.

• using a brush or spray apply a layer of paint on the surface. You can also use a spray gun: it will cost more, but the result will be much better;
• after the drying lacquer layer may be applied, which will give the product sheen, and will perform the protective function.

Useful advice! It is better to gradually apply a few coats of paint. Thus, the color will be more complete and uniform.

As for the materials used, the experts here give the following advice:

• primer is best to choose a polyurethane water-based. So you can hide the structure of the plate as much as possible. Also preferably, if it is in the cartridge;
• staining can be used acrylic paint or a special polyurethane enamel is designed for MDF. One major advantage of the second embodiment - no odor;

• for the topcoat also used a polyurethane varnish. You can choose a glossy or matte finish depending on your own preferences.

By following these simple rules of selection, as well as MDF Coating, you can get a surface which will not differ from the purchase of expensive panels. And you will only have to figure out how to fix MDF panels.

Of course, the debate about what is better, plastic or MDF, which kitchen or furniture last longer in certain circumstances, will not stop ever. Possible to argue in favor of either option, but we can say with confidence that the IDF takes its place quite deservedly. Its specifications are combined with aesthetic appearance can be an excellent basis for the implementation of various works, and also for the manufacture of furniture and decoration.