Better than chipboard. Furniture made of chipboard or MDF: which is better to choose? What is better MDF or chipboard for the kitchen

Chipboard and MDF are made from wood, so they are similar in many ways. But besides the cost, there are a number of significant differences. Only by understanding them can we conclude what is in specific situation During the construction process (repair, restoration), it is still better to use chipboard or MDF. By the way, this also applies to the choice of furniture. Its strength and durability are the main evaluation criteria, since it is purchased for many years.

  • Chipboard.
  • The first two letters indicate the specificity of the raw material (wood chips). That is, the production does not use dust, as in the manufacture of some types of building materials, but rather large fractions. The last letter indicates the type of product (slab). MDF. The confusion in decoding is due to the fact that when displaying markings, English phraseology is written in Russian letters. In fact, this is also a board, but slightly different in structure - wood fiber. That is

raw material

During the preparation stage it is subjected to more thorough grinding.

To understand which of the two varieties of the same type of product is better (chipboard or MDF), you need to understand what their differences are in terms of performance characteristics. This is what determines the specific application of each sample. Features of materials All the advantages of the slabs indicated below, as well as a number of disadvantages, are the result of an analysis of reviews, an exchange of opinions on

thematic forums

. From the author’s point of view, they deserve more trust than information posted on the websites of dealers and manufacturers. At least, you definitely can’t call them custom-made.

Chipboard

Depending on the amount of toxic formaldehyde (one of the components of the adhesive) in the initial mixture for chipboard, the boards are divided into categories E0 (minimum percentage, which in practice is not taken into account), E1 (low content) and E2 (increased).

Pros:

  • Large range of products, which allows you to make optimal choice Chipboard.
  • Attractive price. Compared to MDF, with all the same parameters of the boards (dimensions, thickness), it is lower by about 30 - 35%. This is partly due to the fact that there is significant competition in this market segment, and in order to increase sales, manufacturers are forced to reduce the price of chipboard sheets.

Minuses:

  • Toxicity. Perhaps this is an overly harsh definition, but it is clear that formaldehyde is present in almost all adhesives for this type of slab. Consequently, when the resin is heated, harmful fumes are released. The only difference is in their concentration (depending on the category of chipboard and local conditions).
  • "Looseness" of the structure. Even if the chipboard density is maximum (820 kg/m3), repeated installation/dismantling of these boards is not recommended. After several reinstallations, the fasteners in the mounting socket gradually begin to loosen, which sharply reduces the reliability of the assembly. Therefore, it is not advisable to use chipboard for the manufacture of mobile (portable) structures. As a last resort, for the back walls of various cabinets, racks and the like, where you can drill new holes as much as you like - they will still be hidden from visual view.
  • Difficulty of processing. During the cutting process, especially if the tool is chosen incorrectly, the result is not just a wide cut, but also one with fringe on the edges. Milling and cutting grooves on chipboard is not recommended at all. You will not be able to achieve high quality on your own without practical skills. This should be taken into account by those who decide to make any piece of furniture from these slabs with their own hands.
  • Low bending strength. Here it is short - even chipboard with high density They break quite easily (under certain conditions). Therefore, it should not be used in places exposed to dynamic influences. Only for “stationary” structural elements.

MDF

The manufacturing conditions are in many ways similar to chipboard (hot steam, pressing), but the technology is somewhat different. Wood processing waste is crushed, after which it is also wiped using special equipment. In fact, these are already microscopic fractions, a dusty mass. After drying, it is mixed with an adhesive and pressed. Therefore, there is no need to talk about any layers - MDF boards are homogeneous in their structure and have a high density (790 ± 50).

"Environmentally friendly". At MDF manufacturing resins containing toxic components are not used. Everything is only natural (wood fractions + adhesives based on lingin, paraffin or something similar), without “chemistry”.

Accuracy of all linear parameters. Pressing the “dust” makes it possible to almost completely eliminate deviations from the declared size. In addition, the edges and ends of the slabs are smooth, so there is no need to additionally sand the base before further finishing. The result is a partial reduction in installation (assembly) costs and time savings.

Pros:

  • Ease of processing. MDF, unlike chipboard, can be milled, make various cuts, and drill. During the cutting process, there is an even cut, high accuracy and a minimum of waste.
  • High strength. The result is the possibility of constructing prefabricated structures. As a material for furniture (taking into account the low cost of production), especially when making it yourself, MDF is one of the best options.
  • Relative plasticity. In this parameter, these boards are superior to chipboard. With slight deformation of the structure, as well as excessive loading of the sample, the MDF will not break, but will only bend slightly (if the thickness is initially selected correctly).
  • Good moisture resistance. If it will not last long in damp rooms, then MDF can be used. Especially if the plate is laminated.

Minuses:

  • Flammability. Both chipboard and MDF, as wood-based materials, are susceptible to combustion. There is no escape from this. But with wood fiber boards you need to be more careful in this regard. They react more strongly to open fire. Therefore, during installation and MDF finishing it cannot be used (in the form gas burners or something similar). For example, when fixing self-adhesive sheets of rolled materials on such a basis.
  • Low impact strength. Despite the certain plasticity of the board, a fallen heavy object leaves a dent on the MDF. It is quite difficult to eliminate such a defect. Therefore for finishing It is better not to use these products on floors.
  • The cost is higher than chipboard. This limits the use of MDF in various utility rooms and so on. That is, where appearance does not play a special role, it is better to focus on chipboard of the corresponding category.

Conclusion

Strength

In terms of the upper limit of this parameter, when it comes to loaded structures, there is no significant difference between chipboard and MDF. However, for other purposes (less critical elements) choice of chipboard much wider, since the numerical expressions of this characteristic lie in a fairly large range (density value from 350 to 820 kg/m³). And since this directly affects the cost of products, competent calculation and selection of a sample of the required group allows us to talk about the possibility of optimizing costs.

Degree of edge processing

On the one hand, the finer the fractions, the smoother the surface. If we look at it from this point of view, then MDF is better. Although there are modifications of chipboard that are distinguished by their magnificent appearance. They have a designation in the abbreviation (through a dash) from the letters P-A. These slabs are sanded, so they do not need to be further processed before applying varnish or gluing.

"Ecological cleanliness"

Buyers often pay attention to the toxicity of certain building materials, and they do the right thing. This largely determines whether the product is worth using in a residential area or not. In this regard, MDF has an advantage. Such stoves, even at high temperatures (for example, in the kitchen), practically do not emit harmful components. But with chipboard you should be more careful. They are mainly used in the arrangement of various utility rooms or outbuildings (racks in garages, sheds, surface cladding, etc.). For residential - in some cases, and then, products whose labeling contains the designation of category E0 or 1.

In this case, it is recommended to organize additional protection against the release of toxins by a surface coating (film, paint and varnish compositions or something else). Moreover, all edges of the chipboard slab are processed, including its end parts (especially after cutting the sample).

It remains to add that to reduce the cost of work, it is advisable to resort to a combination of materials. That is, the visible part of the structure should be made of MDF, and the part that is hidden ( back wall, internal partitions compartments and the like) - from chipboard. This is exactly what thrifty “home craftsmen” generally do.

Well, what exactly to choose – chipboard or MDF – should be decided based on the specifics of the application. If you take into account the costs of the slabs, all the nuances of their preparation, installation and the duration of further operation in specific conditions, then determining what is better in this case is not at all difficult.

MDF and laminated chipboard are the most relevant materials used in furniture production. They are similar in technical characteristics, appearance, composition, but at the same time they 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 of dense material, onto which a decorative coating is subsequently applied.

Rough MDF board

Laminated chipboard is a fairly hard material, and also friable, 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 carved furniture is made from MDF, 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 near 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. The decorative coating peels off and bubbles, which ultimately leads to changes appearance 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. An undeniable advantage of MDF, like laminated chipboard, is its resistance 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.

Today, they are used for the production of furniture and decorative coatings. various materials– Chipboard, fibreboard, MDF, solid wood. However, more and more often manufacturers prefer to deal with laminated chipboard. At the same time, many buyers are still confused by the abbreviation LDSP: what it is, how this material differs from the varieties mentioned above, and what are its advantages and disadvantages. Answers to these questions will be provided in this article.

You can notice the similarity between the terms laminated chipboard and chipboard. The latter stands for chipboard or chipboard. The abbreviation itself, although commonly used, is not entirely correct. It would be more correct to write DSTP. We are talking about a composite material, during the production of which, due to hot pressing, sawdust and shavings together with binding formaldehyde resins take on the appearance of a solid canvas.

This material was first invented back in the 30s. twentieth century, but massive chipboard production started only in the 50s. Last but not least, this is due to the difficult post-war situation. For the needs of mass production, a cheap and available material, but natural wood was expensive and waste during its processing reached up to 60%. In addition, the tastes of buyers have changed significantly - pretentious, bulky furniture did not in any way correspond to the spirit of the era, which combined the desire for simplicity, convenience and lightness with the need to save money. Chipboards fully met all these requirements.

Chipboard production technology

For the production of chipboard, waste from the wood processing industry and specially crushed illiquid trunks are used:

  • shavings and sawdust (previously they were simply burned as garbage) are dried in a special drying chamber and is driven through a cycle unit that rejects particles that are too large for re-grinding;

  • the raw material that meets the requirements is mixed with formaldehyde resin and transferred to a conveyor belt, where it is given the required shape by cold pressing;
  • using a hot press, the layers of the workpiece are firmly glued together, then the sheets are cooled, dried and sawn into slabs of standard sizes;

Pros and cons of chipboard

The resulting durable and very affordable material instantly found application in the manufacture of upholstered and cabinet furniture, carriages, and in construction (as formwork, partitions, beams, floors, cladding, frames). Among its advantages, one can note good thermal and sound insulation performance.

Durable and inexpensive chipboard is used as partitions, floors, cladding, and formwork

However, chipboard also has a number of serious disadvantages. It can absorb moisture (up to a third of its original volume) and become deformed. The slab can also lose its shape under the influence of heat. This limits the possibility of using chipboard sheets in the kitchen or bathroom. The only exceptions are fabrics that have undergone special processing, as a result of which the material becomes moisture and fire resistant.

Due to its dense structure, chipboard holds nails and screws well. However, due to the same structural features, the fastening hardware cannot be re-attached, since the slab will begin to crumble. For the same reason, the material is not suitable for milling and creating curved contours.

And finally, the biggest drawback chipboards– the use of urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins in the process of their manufacture. They prevent the processes of wood rotting, however, they do not have the most favorable effect on human health.

Note! Formaldehyde is an extremely dangerous chemical. It can accumulate in the human body, cause poisoning or provoke the development of serious diseases. The main signs of poisoning are cough, irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat and eyes, dizziness, fatigue. .

Main types of chipboard

There are several classifications of chipboard.

Per quantity harmful substance in particle boards indicates the formaldehyde emission class E1 and E2. Class E1 is considered environmentally safer (corresponds to GOST 10632–89 adopted in Russia). Class E2 is not suitable for use in children's premises. Many European manufacturers have already stopped producing chipboards of this class.

Depending on the quality and appearance of the finished product, chipboard can be:


Based on the type of cladding, chipboards are distinguished:

  • rough (do not have lining);
  • laminated (coated with melamine film or special durable varnish);
  • veneered (have a lining in the form of a thin sheet natural wood).

To figure out which is better - chipboard or laminated chipboard, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of laminated panels.

Laminated chipboard: what is it, variety of colors

So what is LDPS? In fact, it has already been mentioned above and the decoding of laminated chipboard is simple - it is a laminated chipboard. For manufacturing of laminated chipboards(more precisely - LDstP) use only high-quality polished chipboards.

At the final stage of their production, high blood pressure and high temperatures are covered with a special polymer film. This film is made from paper impregnated with melamine resin. Sometimes, when making expensive LSDPs, a special varnish is used that is not afraid of water and scratches.

Characteristics and main advantages of the material. Areas of use. Features and installation rules. Average cost of production.

Catalogs with samples and photos of laminated chipboards, the colors of which are represented in hundreds of shades, can demonstrate several palettes:

  • plain smooth (vanilla, blue, green water);
  • plain textured (aluminum, titanium, concrete);
  • wood colors (maple, cherry, wenge);
  • glossy decors;
  • fantasy decors (various patterns and designs).

Sheets do it all laminated chipboard universal and extremely popular material. They are used in bathrooms and children's rooms, to create decorative partitions, upholstered and cabinet furniture. You can easily find many positive reviews on the forums: kitchens made from chipboard can withstand the effects of steam, water and significant temperature changes.

Laminated boards combine perfectly with other materials - glass, mirrors, metal, plastic panels, as well as fiberboard and MDF.

Which is better: chipboard or MDF

The variety of materials in stores cannot but puzzle shoppers. What is better for furniture - MDF or chipboard?

Between laminated chipboard and MDF there are fundamental differences. Laminated chipboard is made from wood shavings and sawdust, with formaldehyde as a binding component.

In the production of MDF, wood dust (waste from the woodworking industry crushed to a very fine fraction) and exclusively natural binding components – paraffin and lignin – are used. Thanks to this composition, MDF is much more environmentally friendly than chipboard. They can be safely used even for decorating children's rooms.

Note! Paraffin is not only environmentally friendly, but also has water-repellent properties, so there is no need to additionally treat MDF boards with special impregnations.

Unlike laminated chipboard, MDF is very flexible and soft material. It can be easily milled, which is why it is so popular in the manufacture of luxury furniture. Most of the bent elements, carved headboards and intricately designed facades are made from MDF. Photos of beds made of laminated chipboard or kitchen facades They cannot please with such decorativeness, because the furniture is made of material with a crumbling edge, unsuitable for milling.

Nevertheless, many, when choosing between laminated chipboard or MDF, prefer laminated panels. The reason is simple: the cost of MDF is much higher than affordable wood-based panels. According to consumer reviews, furniture made from chipboard successfully leads in the domestic market and not in last resort This happens precisely thanks to reasonable prices.

Another strong argument in favor of laminated chipboards is wealth color solutions. In the laminated chipboard catalog or on online store sites, you can choose a suitable shade or texture that will harmoniously fit into any interior style - from classic to modern.

Leading manufacturersChipboard: Egger, Kronospan, Lamarti, Nevsky Laminate

When purchasing laminated chipboard, it is very important to ensure that the product has all the necessary certificates guaranteeing the safety of the material for human health and is distinguished high quality ensuring long service life. However, ensure that at each stage of production the standards and technical regulations, only large manufacturing companies can. The leaders in the domestic market are foreign companies Egger and Kronospan, as well as domestic producers Lamarti and Nevsky Laminate.

Egger chipboard: colorsand advantages of the material

The company's head office is located in Austria. Founded in 1961 by Fritz Egger Sr., the modest family company has gradually grown to become one of the leading chipboard manufacturers in the world.

The highest quality of manufactured products, an extensive catalog of Egger chipboard colors and reasonable prices are achieved through the opening of local production facilities in 7 European countries, including Russia. First-class raw materials are mainly produced from coniferous species wood and does not include foreign elements. Laminated boards fully comply with European safety standards.

A huge variety is provided by the Egger chipboard color catalog, which allows you to realize any design solution:

  • plain laminated chipboards (white, lagoon, alabaster, beige sand, canyon, pumpkin yellow, green water, Chinese red, reed, Baltic blue and dozens of other colors) – available in matte and glossy versions;

  • texture decors (light concrete, beige leather, gray-white Amalvi marble, titanium, bronze quartz, indigo quartz, etc.);
  • Egger wood-effect chipboard colors (pink Calvados, light Venchester oak, blossoming pear, natural rosewood, champagne Cremona oak, Havana zebrawood, natural merano - more than 100 shades that perfectly imitate natural wood).

We can state a steady increase in demand for Egger chipboards. Customer reviews only confirm the positive dynamics, noting the high wear resistance of the material, excellent quality and minimal presence of formaldehyde resins (“pine smell without chemicals”).

LDSP Kronospan: high kaquality and wide range

Another Austrian company whose history began with a small family sawmill in Salzburg in 1897. Currently, its activities cover 24 countries around the world.

Among the undoubted advantages of laminated boards from this company are:

  • good moisture resistance, which allows them to be used in bathrooms and kitchens;
  • increased wear resistance;
  • a solid catalog of colors for laminated chipboard Kronospan;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • antistatic, guaranteeing additional protection against dust;
  • fairly democratic pricing policy;
  • long service life (up to 20 years).

The colors presented in the Kronospan laminated chipboard catalog can be classified as follows:

  • textures (deep pores, wood pores, office, smooth, shagreen, mother-of-pearl);
  • plain (modra atoll blue, lime green, façade white, burgundy, Inca gold, lavender, viola);
  • wood (Milanese walnut chipboard, snow birch, Guarneri walnut chipboard, dark corduroy, Bodega light chipboard, plank alder, rustic oak, warm Shimo ash);
  • fantasy (sakura white, nameo white, twist dark).

Even such a short overview of the colors of Kronospan laminated chipboard gives a good idea of ​​how rich their palette is and how varied the textures are. Actually, a surprisingly believable imitation of the rough surface of natural wood is a unique business card many lines of chipboard from this Austrian company.

Lamarti: characteristicsChipboard, colors, photos with names

Thanks to strict control quality at every stage of production, laminated chipboards from the Syktyvkar Plywood Plant successfully compete on the Russian market with products from foreign companies. The particle boards of this company are made from high-quality raw materials (coniferous and birch wood without foreign inclusions such as bark), have an environmental certificate and excellent specifications.

They are wear-resistant, not afraid of exposure to steam, moisture and high temperatures, environmentally friendly, durable and preserve original color for a long time, and Lamarti’s impressive color catalogs of laminated chipboards will allow you to bring any design idea to life.

The Lamarti chipboard color catalog includes:

  • solid colors (topaz, chili, serenity, coral, monsoon, lemon, sepia);
  • texture decors (slate, titanium, chinon, aluminum, exotic pine concrete);

  • wood imitation (plum, Marsala oak, light wenge chipboard, latte, bamboo, noche amati, bleached oak, elm, Italian walnut chipboard);
  • fantasy colors of Lamarti chipboard (linen, spring, arabica flowers, modern, luino, graffiti).

LDSP Nevsky Laminate: affordable price, European quality

Laminated sheets from the Nevsky Laminate Plant compare favorably with foreign analogues its low cost. At the same time, they have all the necessary quality certificates and good environmental characteristics. Laminated chipboards from this manufacturer hold fasteners well, are not afraid of moisture, are resistant to mechanical damage and have a long service life.

The Nevsky Laminate laminated chipboard color catalog offers customers big choice shades and textures:

  • plain (orange, lime, anthracite, yellow daffodil, red wine, dark chocolate, white pearl);
  • textured (linen, titanium, aluminum);
  • fantasy decors (litera nero, Newport, Sena, titanium, flora verde, mocha stitch);
  • wood decors (shimo ash light chipboard, light Indian ebony chipboard, French oak, Macassar, Swiss elm, jarrah, canterberry oak, caramel).

Regardless of whether the boards are produced in Europe or Russia, laminated chipboards will be an excellent choice for many years to come thanks to optimal combination prices and quality.

1. Chipboard (chipboard)- made from wood shavings and sawdust glued together with formaldehyde resins.

The advantages of chipboard are its low cost, good strength - chipboard holds screws and nails well, and water resistance. Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to note the binder of the board - formaldehyde resins, which do not have the best effect on human health. There are 2 emission classes of formaldehyde resins - E1 and E2. E1 is a more environmentally friendly material; the amount of resins it releases into the atmosphere is significantly lower than that of E2 class chipboard, therefore the latter is prohibited in the production of children's furniture.

Almost all economy class furniture is made from chipboard. When purchasing furniture, pay attention to whether the seller has certificates of compliance with GOSTs and sanitary and hygienic requirements - in this way you will protect yourself from purchasing furniture with a high resin content, because in certified furniture all indicators are within the limits permissible norm, and therefore do not pose a threat to human health.

Chipboard is a very hard material, therefore it does not allow milling and shaped processing.

2. LDSP (laminated chipboard)- Chipboard finished with polymer-based film. The film is paper impregnated with melamine resins, which is why you can often find the term “melamine board”. Laminated chipboard can be washed and cleaned - it is moisture resistant. He is also not afraid of high temperatures. Its advantage, in addition to all of the above, is its excellent ability to imitate various textures, most often imitation of wood texture.

3. MDF (from English Medium Density Fiberboard)- These are very fine sawdust (wood dust) glued together. Chipboard uses larger residues. The main difference between MDF and chipboard is the binder; in MDF the content of formaldehyde resins is much lower. In high-quality MDF, sawdust is glued together with paraffin and lignin (a substance that is part of natural wood). This production makes MDF absolutely harmless to humans. Unfortunately, the production of slabs using this technology has not been properly established in the Russian Federation, which explains its rather high cost.

MDF, compared to chipboard, is a more environmentally friendly material. MDF is stronger than wood, and, in addition, it is very plastic - it can be milled and shaped parts can be made from it. pay attention to MDF facades- they are usually decoratively processed.

4. Fiberboard (fibreboard) is a well-known hardboard, a thin board that is used as the back panel of cabinets or the bottom of drawers. It is made like MDF from wood dust, but the particles are steamed before pressing. A mesh pattern is clearly visible on the surface of the fiberboard. Typically, one side of the fiberboard is laminated to match the texture of the entire product, while the other, facing the wall, is left untouched. The main advantage of fiberboard is its low cost. This material is indispensable where it really has a place - the cost of a product entirely made, for example, from MDF, will be higher than that with a back panel made of fiberboard. Therefore, in order to significantly reduce the price of furniture, where the design allows it, it is better to use fiberboard.


IMPORTANT: Pay attention to the standards for formaldehyde content in cabinet furniture. The Russian standard GOST 10632–89 establishes compliance with class E1, where the formaldehyde content is 10 mg per 100g. dry mass. Norm E2: - up to 30 mg per 100 g. Products that meet E1 standards are safe for health. In addition, the better the processing of furniture made from chipboard and MDF, the better the edges, the fewer gaps and cracks, the safer the furniture.

5. And finally, wood or solid wood. Before you start making furniture from solid wood, the wood must be dried and treated with special means, otherwise high humidity and temperature changes, which are not uncommon in the kitchen, will inevitably lead to its deformation. Wood is an expensive pleasure, therefore, most often, the cabinet body is made from it, and, for example, veneered chipboard is used as facades - that is, chipboard trimmed with a thin sheet of wood.

Most often, oak, pine, cherry, beech, and walnut wood are used as solid wood for the production of cabinet furniture. All these materials differ in strength. You should not use “soft” pine to make children’s furniture or hallways; it is better to prefer a softer one. hard materials hardwood. Although pine, of course, has one big advantage - low cost.

U wooden furniture there are also disadvantages: wood is afraid of fire and water, it is easily damaged, it requires special care. Wooden furniture is very heavy.

But, if such a factor as environmental friendliness is important to you, then, of course, solid wood furniture is your choice. The texture of wood is unique; it exudes warmth; in addition, wood ozonizes the air, giving it a unique aroma.

Wood is an expensive material. It is significantly more expensive than chipboard and MDF, incl. due to the labor intensity of production and processing complexity.


The building materials market offers consumers a very large range of products, which are quite difficult to understand without certain skills. However, materials made on the basis of natural wood - MDF and its laminated chipboard version - are indispensable when carrying out repair and construction work. Despite some similarities, the materials have significant differences.

Definition

MDF– a finely dispersed fraction of wood, or to be more precise, it is a slab made from wood fiber by drying, followed by hot pressing. It is worth noting that wood fibers are treated with special binders before pressing. For this purpose, natural products lignin and paraffin are used, which do not emit harmful substances.

MDF panel

laminated chipboard- this is a representative of a series of chipboards, or rather, it is sanded chipboard. The main difference between laminated chipboard and chipboard is the presence of a special facing film made from paper and melamine resin. Protective film is pressed into the chipboard structure, making it more durable and moisture resistant.


Chipboard panel

Comparison

Considering such popular ones in comparison Construction Materials, we can note the fact that they have wide application, however, each of them occupies a specific niche. The main differences are presented in the table:

When considering MDF and laminated chipboard, it is necessary to pay attention to their main technical characteristics and the scope of their application in this regard. Considering the fact that both materials are made from natural wood, it is worth noting their main area of ​​application - furniture manufacturing. Moreover, MDF is a very soft material that is easy to process. This is highly valued in the manufacture of luxury furniture, which requires elegance and fine lines. Carved cabinets and headboards are all made of MDF.

Regarding laminated chipboard, one can note a high degree of protection against harmful effects, such as high humidity And heat. This has made the material indispensable in the production of kitchen and bathroom furniture. Nowadays, most of the economy class cabinet furniture is made from chipboard. Particularly valuable is the fact that, thanks to the film, laminated chipboard has many color options.

Naturally, MDF and laminated chipboard are no less in demand in construction. In this regard, we can note the fact that laminated chipboard, due to its structure, perfectly holds screws and nails. The material is very effective in the manufacture of partitions, individual roofing elements, and various interior parts. As for MDF, the ease of its processing has made the material indispensable for constructing ventilated facades. Partitions and roof elements are also made of MDF.

Conclusions website

  1. MDF is a very soft material, which makes it indispensable in furniture production.
  2. laminated chipboard has a wide color scheme, which is widely used in the production of cabinet furniture.
  3. MDF is an environmentally friendly material and has no restrictions on its use, while laminated chipboard is not recommended for use in children's and medical institutions.
  4. MDF, compared to laminated chipboard, is a more expensive material, which is due to the small volumes of domestic production.