The first thing we pay attention to when buying furniture is its price and appearance. However, before you pay money to the cash register, it is advisable to find out what it is made of. After all, each material has its own technical characteristics, and some of them have a limited scope. In furniture production for a wide range of buyers, MDF and chipboard boards are often used, which constantly cause debate as to which is better. The long-term presence on the market of these materials suggests that both of them are needed. It is only important to know where and how to use them.

Comparison of panel production technology:

MDF boards have a finer wood fraction. Technological process here it is more advanced, especially with regard to the appearance of wood fibers that give strength to the sheets. In their production, the dry pressing method is used, as well as other binders that make construction material environmentally friendly.

One side of the MDF is also covered with laminate. The front part of the slabs can be decorated with PVC film, plastic or painted. In any case, it will always be smooth. Thinking about what to choose for the zone high humidity Chipboard or MDF, we take into account huge advantage the latest in this area, from which we conclude which kitchen will be better.

Pros and cons of MDF and chipboard

Such a wonderful material as MDF is not without its drawbacks. It is very sensitive to various types of mechanical damage. A blow from a heavy object may leave a dent in its surface. Another disadvantage is the rapid combustion near an open flame. This property must be taken into account when placing pieces of furniture in the same kitchen. Thanks to its finely dispersed structure, MDF is more flexible. If you need to cut out shaped elements, it fits perfectly.

Which furniture is better, made of chipboard or MDF, can be judged from the reviews of craftsmen who work with these materials. The disadvantage of chipboard is the fact that, due to its loose structure, a screw or nail holds very poorly in it. And there can be no question of repeatedly twisting it into the same place. The main fastening elements are the corners. Although MDF is denser, its coefficient of resistance to pulling out fasteners is also not high.

If we take into account the cost of materials, structures made only from MDF will cost much more. To beat the pricing policy, many people act very wisely. Without thinking about what is better for MDF or chipboard, they order the main part of the furniture body (which is hidden inside) from chipboard, and the front part from MDF, including interior doors. The service life of both types of panels is not very long. Therefore, we decide for ourselves which furniture is best suited for the home.

The material used to make kitchen furniture is a guarantee of its high-quality performance and long-term use. In the process of choosing a material, questions often arise: which one is better to order? What to choose: MDF or chipboard? What is the best way to treat the surface: plastic, film or enamel? Today manufacturers offer all sorts of options registration kitchen area, and to select suitable option you need to carefully weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Pros and cons of MDF

MDF (fine fraction) is wood dust boards pressed on an adhesive base. This material is very practical and, at the same time, inexpensive. Painted MDF is much more expensive, but its price corresponds to the quality. The process of applying paint occurs in several layers, which are varnished at the end of the process.

The customer can simulate the desired look kitchen furniture, its shape and resolve the issue of color preference. MDF provides an opportunity to give furniture oval shapes, make sharp corners more rounded, thanks to various technologies. If you choose the painted MDF option, you can use any shade from a wide range of colors to personalize and brighten your kitchen furniture. A good option would be color synthesis.

There are several varieties of MDF. The painted material is distinguished by its durability. It is resistant to any external damage: excessive humidity, a large number dirt, scratches. Frame MDF visually creates the appearance of use various types wood MDF with PVC elements will perfectly protect kitchen furniture from moisture and high temperatures.

• regular MDF will be great budget option;
• huge range of colors;
• relatively moisture-resistant material;
• any preferences in choosing a form are possible;
• the process of washing and wiping the surface occurs without problems;
• various coating options: varnish, matte, laminated, plastic;
• Perfect for long-term use.

• painted MDF is quite expensive;
• Any dirt or abrasions easily remain on the surface of this material;
• it quickly deteriorates from contact with high temperatures if covered with a film.

MDF has become a real breakthrough in the market facade materials. It is ideal for making kitchen furniture. MDF is an analogue of real wood, so you should not use dense materials to cover it. The most popular methods for finishing the surface of this material are PVC films and enamel.

Advice. In order for the MDF facade to last for a long time, it is better to cover it with plastic.

Advantages of laminated chipboard

Chipboard – particle board, replaced facades from ordinary wood. This material has become a budget option for making kitchen furniture.

The basis of the material is dried shavings, pressed together with synthetic resins. For the best appearance The chipboard is varnished and the surface is covered additional material, which hides the unevenness remaining after grinding.

Laminated chipboard is the cheapest option for making a facade. But, unfortunately, of poor quality. A kitchen facade made of this material will look cheap and unattractive. Laminated chipboard cannot be adjusted to fit the required form, since it is not flexible. Only simple designs can be made from it, which can hardly be called fashionable and easy to use.

Attention! LDPS must be covered with additional material. This will help hide unevenness and make the surface of the kitchen furniture usable.

Advantages:

• very cheap material;
• can be used as a temporary option.

Flaws:

• low quality;
• must be covered with additional material;
• simple and unattractive appearance;
• low heat and moisture resistance;
• requires constant care.

Main positive quality Laminated chipboard is its budget. This material cannot be the best option for the production of fashionable kitchen furniture. Moreover, it does not meet all standards of kitchen equipment. But LDPS will be an ideal temporary option for kitchen facade or a new thing for a rented apartment.

Advantages of plastic

Unlike MDF and laminated chipboard, plastic is not the basis for the manufacture of kitchen furniture, but its decorative coating. This The best way preserve the appearance of the facade. Thanks to this additional coating, kitchen furniture will last much longer and retain its appearance. Caring for the plastic surface does not present any difficulties: it is easy to clean detergents, without absorbing them, it is easily wiped off from dirt.

Since plastic is only a coating, a base is used to make the kitchen facade. Such a basis can be a budget option - chipboard or a more expensive one - MDF. During processing of the base material, plastic is glued to its surface.

The plastic is based on plain paper, which allows you to connect different color schemes, drawings, and create a unique product for further use. Color design will favorably emphasize the appearance of kitchen furniture and make it more visually attractive.

Advantages:

• durable to use;
• heat resistant;
• moisture-resistant material;
• large selection of colors and patterns;
• easy to clean, does not absorb heavy dirt;
• does not fade in the sun.

Thus, plastic will become the best material additional coverage. It is perfect for a long period of use and will be well preserved. Cleaning kitchen surfaces will become even easier, since the plastic is easy to wipe off and does not come into contact with detergents.

What material is better to use?

The answer to this question depends on several factors.

Firstly, the price characteristic. If kitchen furniture should become a regular budget option, you should use laminated chipboard. MDF is a much better option, but accordingly it costs more. It reminds natural wood and is of higher quality.

Secondly, surface treatment. Chipboard is initially treated with varnish, but the coating must be finished with plastic. By using finishing material the top ball of the kitchen façade will become smooth and usable. The surface of MDF can be treated with enamel or PVC film. This will improve the appearance of the facade and make it smoother. In order to extend the life of the facade, it is better to treat it with additional material – plastic.

Thirdly, the shelf life. If kitchen furniture is made for a long period, you should spare no expense and choose MDF. Laminated chipboard is perfect only as a temporary option.

Fourthly, design. If the kitchen furniture is planned to be made in fashionable style With round corners and additional design possibilities - the only option would be MDF.

Find suitable material for the manufacture of kitchen furniture is very difficult. It all depends on the price characteristics, duration of operation, appearance and design. The market offers wide choose raw materials for the kitchen facade, but the best option would be plastic-coated MDF. It includes everything necessary qualities for the production of perfect kitchen furniture.

Furniture facades: video

Material for kitchen furniture: photo

MDF and laminated chipboard are the most relevant materials used in furniture production. They are similar in technical specifications, appearance, composition, but at the same time have some differences. To the question “Which is better: MDF or chipboard?” there is no clear answer. These materials are used to make furniture for various purposes and are used in different areas, so which material option to choose in a given case directly depends on the goal.

Similarities and differences between MDF and chipboard

Laminated chipboard and MDF are materials based on wood. Despite the external similarity of these two materials common in the furniture industry, they have a number of fundamental differences.

Technological features of laminated chipboard and MDF

LDSP is a chipboard with a laminated coating. The base of laminated chipboard is made from small wood shavings or sawdust, which are held together using formaldehyde resins. Laminated chipboard has a unique coating - a paper film impregnated with melamine resin, which is applied in a special way that allows the film to practically fuse with the chipboard.

Chipboard without laminated coating

Laminated chipboard

MDF boards have a more uniform structure. In their production, fine wood shavings, reminiscent of wood dust, are used, which are mixed with an adhesive - lignin and paraffin. The result is slabs dense material, onto which a decorative coating is subsequently applied.

Rough MDF board

Laminated chipboard is sufficient hard material, moreover, loose, so the possibility of fine processing is limited.

Laminated chipboard

Furniture made from laminated chipboard includes exclusively straight parts, without shaped elements, milling or other decorative gadgets. Basically, this is simple furniture with a modest, laconic design.

MDF, in turn, is a soft material and easy to process. Exquisite material is made from MDF carved furniture, surprising with its beauty.

Operational features of laminated chipboard and MDF

Laminated chipboard is famous for its endurance to high operating loads. Due to the laminated coating, the material is practically not subject to mechanical damage - cracks, scratches. It is only possible for chips to appear along the edges of the laminated chipboard, an unprocessed special edge or one that has been damaged. With proper care, laminated chipboard can delight you with its functionality and aesthetics for a considerable amount of time.

Laminated chipboard is fireproof and resistant to high temperatures. This material can be used in the manufacture of furniture sets, placed close to heating elements and this will not affect the appearance and performance of laminated chipboard. Also, thanks unique composition, laminated particle board is not subject to the natural process of rotting.

However, laminated chipboard cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. If the integrity of the structure is violated, as well as with constant exposure to water, the material swells, becomes loose and begins to crumble, which negatively affects the appearance of the furniture and its functionality.

MDF, in turn, is distinguished by its versatility. This material is excellent for making furniture for absolutely any purpose. The dense structure allows for fine processing to give different shape. Despite the thickness of MDF boards, the material can be bent, and a pattern or ruthes can be applied to it. This opportunity guarantees a huge variety of color and texture solutions for the material.

Variety of MDF facades

Unlike laminated chipboard, MDF is less susceptible to moisture, but at the same time, this material swells, warps, and loses its shape when exposed to high temperatures. Decorative coating this peels off and bubbles, which ultimately leads to a change in the appearance of the furniture. Furniture products made from DMF are not recommended to be installed near heating elements: stoves, ovens.

MDF, unlike laminated chipboard, is more environmentally friendly material. In its production, formaldehyde is used in negligible quantities and during operation, the material does not emit any harmful substances. It can be used to make furniture for any room in your home, even a children's room. Undeniable advantage of MDF, like laminated chipboard, is resistant to various fungi and rotting.

Differences in material costs

Laminated chipboard is a cheaper material compared to wood fiber boards. This is due to production costs, the structure of the material, and its diversity. In most cases, laminated chipboard is used to make economy class furniture. Thanks to the dense structure of MDF, it is possible to give the furniture the elegance that is characteristic of expensive luxury furniture.

The above features make it clear that when choosing a material, you should take into account not only quality characteristics materials, but also the operating conditions of the furniture from which it will be made.

The difference between chipboard and MDF lies, first of all, in the use of different raw materials in their production. Although both types of boards belong to the group of wood-based panels, their components and production technologies are not similar to each other. The strength characteristics, environmental friendliness and structure of the boards depend on the manufacturing process.

The abbreviation chipboard stands for chipboard. The material is produced by hot pressing of pre-mixed wood waste, including:

• bark;
• wood chips;
• sawdust;
• remnants of rejected products, etc.

Add to the resulting mass adhesive composition, containing resins and formaldehydes hazardous to humans. But modern technologies made it possible to obtain relatively “clean” E1 class slabs, although it is still not recommended to use them in children’s rooms. After pressing, the material is cooled and cut into pieces according to standard sizes.

Based on density, chipboard is divided into three groups:

• with low rates - 350...650gk/m3;
• with average indicators – up to 750kg/m3;
• with high performance – up to 800kg/m3.

The external unpresentability of chipboard boards is improved by sanding or lamination.

MDF in the Russian interpretation cannot be deciphered. This is just the sound of the letters of the Latin alphabet MDF, which is an abbreviation for the phrase “Medium Density Fiberboard”. Translated from English phrase sounds like "medium-density particle board."

The composition of MDF includes fine wood shavings, crushed to the state of flour, which ultimately provides the boards with a perfectly smooth surface. The production process involves gluing the components using the dry pressing method. Paraffin or lignin released when wood is heated is used as a binder. This factor implies the environmental safety of the material.

The density of MDF boards is close to that of wood. On average it ranges from 720 to 870 kg/m3.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite the fact that MDF is the leader in the positions discussed above, chipboards still occupy a larger segment of the furniture market. The main advantage of particle boards is their low price, so manufacturers continue to make headsets from this material, thereby reducing costs ready-made cabinets. Often there are combined furniture options, when the body is made of chipboard and the facades are made of MDF. This solution allows us to produce headsets with an improved design, making them more affordable for most consumers.

The advantages of chipboard include:

• availability of choice;
• pliability to rough machining;
• relative moisture resistance;
• sound and heat insulation properties.

Disadvantages of chipboard:

• formaldehyde resins cause health problems;
• “open” ends contribute to the saturation of the slabs with moisture and the subsequent destruction of their structure;
• re-screwing the screws is not possible;
• fine decorative processing cannot be performed due to the friability of chipboard.

Advantages of MDF:

• environmental friendliness;
• durability;
• high density;
• resistance to temperature and humidity changes;
• moisture resistance;
• maintaining hardness while reducing sheet thickness;
• lower cost compared to wood;
• smooth surface;
• possibility of performing fine decorative processing.

Disadvantages of MDF:

• high price relative to chipboard;
• lack of established production in Russian regions.

Conclusion

If the material component when purchasing furniture is not fundamental, the choice should be MDF. The material has greater capabilities and improved characteristics. The headset will help you save money while maintaining the visual appeal combined option furniture making. Namely, the body is made of chipboard, and the facades are made of MDF.

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

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

And for those who don’t have time to understand all the intricacies furniture production, at the bottom of the page there is a picture hint “Chipboard or MDF: which is better?”. It indicates the main differences between furniture made from these materials and the suitable area of ​​the apartment for placement.

So:

Chipboard and MDF - what is the difference?

laminated chipboard

Laminated chipboard, or more correctly, of course, would be chipboard, as industrialists call it, but the name without the letter “t” has stuck among the people. It is produced from waste from the wood processing industry - sawdust, by hot pressing using a formaldehyde-based adhesive resin.

The chipboard is laminated with melamine film and cut into parts. 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 vapor to a safe minimum.

Russian GOST, adopted in 2010, obliges compliance with safety standards and allows the use of only laminated chipboards of emission class E1 and E0.5 in the furniture industry. Moreover, this standard allows us to produce chemically safe children's furniture. You can find out more about the current regulations.

Pros and cons of furniture made from chipboard:

• Obvious advantage- this is the cheap price of the final product. Even with a modest budget, you can furnish your apartment quite decently.
• Flaw- the possibility of moisture getting between the joints of the coating. It is necessary to remove water from problem areas in a timely manner.
• And one more- the material is most vulnerable at the places where the fittings are attached. It is not advisable to frequently disassemble and reassemble furniture made from laminated chipboard. With constant screwing in and out of screws, the slab crumbles and the holes increase in diameter.