Let's find out which of these materials is more reliable, stronger and safer.

Photo: www.elvis-mebel.ru

“Sometimes a variety of goods is bad...” sighs visitors to a hardware store, who have to choose between similar board materials such as MDF, chipboard and laminated chipboard. At the same time, it is completely unclear to a non-professional which of the above can be used in a particular case. But figuring it out is not as difficult as it seems.

MDF (short for Medium Density Fiberboard) is a type of medium-density fiberboard created by dry pressing (at a certain high pressure and temperature) of fine wood chips. It is clear that no matter how much the raw material is heated or compressed in this case, the chips will not stick to each other. Therefore, a “binder” (something like glue) is added to them - urea resins modified by melamine.

Technology MDF production was developed in the USA in the 60s of the twentieth century, where it was started in 1966 industrial production. In Russia, the first MDFs were produced only in 1997.

Chipboard - chipboard (usually referred to as chipboard, although it is correct to use the abbreviation DSTP) - is obtained by hot pressing of chips (and other wood particles) mixed with a non-mineral binder. In this case, chipboard can consist of either one layer or several layers (three or more).

Chipboard has been produced in the USA for more than 70 years, in Russia - somewhat less.

Photo: www.makuha.ru

LDSP is a type of chipboard, which is a board laminated with melamine films. The unity of the design is achieved by simultaneous exposure to high temperature and pressure. The surface of laminated chipboard can be made either smooth or embossed (imitating the structure of wood or any other materials).

Safety

The production technology of board materials implies that MDF contains harmful substances less than in chipboard. It's about about volatile substances released by resins (used as binders) harmful to humans, which gradually (over time) long-term operation) “evaporate” and accumulate in the air if there is no sufficient ventilation of the room. All these substances do not cause immediate damage to the human body and have harmful effects only with prolonged contact with them (in other words, if you decide to lie on a chipboard or MDF board for a long enough time, you will die not from poisoning with the substances they secrete, but from thirst, hunger or old age).

However, manufacturers still established a certain gradation:

MDF - with strict adherence to technology and high-quality cladding of the surfaces of structures made from it is considered the least dangerous in terms of the release of harmful substances into the surrounding air. In the production of MDF, the main binder is lignin, released during the heating of wood. Therefore, high-quality MDF is environmentally friendly;

Chipboard class E1 - ranks second in safety for human body(but also only with appropriate surface finishing);

Chipboard class E2 - highlights greatest number harmful substances, is prohibited for production in foreign countries, and in Russia it is prohibited for the production of furniture and products used inside public and residential premises (GOST 10632-2007).

The difficulty of determining the harm actually caused by these materials is that the information recorded in the certificates is not always true (and sometimes the certificates attached to the materials are not “original” ones, that is, compiled based on the results of tests, but “purchased ones”). In addition, not all manufacturers (especially Russian ones) follow the recommended process technology for the production of MDF and chipboard, trying to save money by using lower quality resins.

Price

How easier production and the more accessible the raw materials, the cheaper the material will be. Since the main raw material for the production of MDF and chipboard is waste from the woodworking industry, the difference in price will be influenced by the following factors:

Production technology ( MDF is more expensive chipboard),
- country of origin (board materials from foreign European companies will cost more than their Russian counterparts),
- the number of intermediaries between the manufacturing company and the buyer (the more there are, the more expensive the material will end up being),
- the presence of additional properties imparted to the materials during the production process (fire resistance, biostability, water resistance),
- availability, quality and durability decorative covering on MDF or chipboard (everything that makes a structure made from these materials more safe and durable costs more).

Which is better: MDF, chipboard or chipboard?

Photo: gklesprom.ru

Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered unambiguously, since MDF and chipboard have their own main purposes, in which their use is considered quite safe for humans.

Thus, MDF and chipboard (chipboard) of class E1 (with mandatory surface cladding) can be used in the production of furniture. In this case, special attention should be paid to the quality of the edges and seams between them and the face (surface of the slab). If the seams are not made well enough, water will get into them over time (for example, when wet cleaning premises) and MDF (like chipboard) will “swell”. At the same time, chipboard is much less moisture resistant.

But MDF reacts more strongly to impact high temperatures. MDF furniture should not be placed too close to heating devices- it may warp.

MDF more hard material, it does not crumble during milling - this allows you to make cutouts for fittings, create drawings and carvings on the surface. Unlike chipboard, MDF holds screws and other fasteners well.

But even if all the furniture elements are made with high quality, we should not forget that MDF and chipboard are mass-produced materials, which to one degree or another (according to different characteristics) are inferior to furniture made from properly dried and treated wood. In other words, even the most best furniture made of slab materials will not last more than 10-25 years (depending on the quality starting materials and careful handling during operation).

You also need to take into account that often in the production of furniture only facades are made from MDF, and walls and internal parts- from chipboard. Furniture made entirely from MDF is quite expensive.

Another option for using MDF is to manufacture door elements from it in a factory. However, when adjusting parts at the installation site, you should pay attention to some nuances. So, when trimmed to size, MDF trims on one side are “unprotected” from moisture, which can lead to their deformation.

But chipboard will be simply irreplaceable as a subfloor (since in this case the material does not have direct contact with the indoor air and, therefore, will not be able to release harmful substances into it). To be on the safe side, you can coat the chipboard with a protective paint coating.

IN construction industry Today many of the most different materials, intended for interior work. Among them are MDF and chipboard, which are largely similar materials, but also have significant differences. In order to properly use this or that material, you need to know the main characteristics and features of each type.

What is chipboard?

The abbreviation chipboard is chipboard. This material is made by pressing wood sawdust and shavings at high temperatures. Formaldehyde or synthetic resins are used to bind the natural component of the boards.

Raw materials for chipboard manufacturing may be waste from wood processing of conifers and hardwood. The basic properties of the material are determined by the size, density and shape of the particles, as well as the quality and quantity of resins. Based on this, chipboards come in high, medium and low density. The chipboard structure can be one-, three- or five-layer.

According to the degree of safety for human health, chipboard is divided into two types: E1 (has low level formaldehyde content) and E2 (with a significant level of formaldehyde content).

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of chipboard include its mechanical strength, moisture resistance and accessibility for mechanical processing. This material is easy to saw, drill, it can be milled, planed, painted and glued. In addition, the cost of chipboard is relatively low.

In some respects, chipboards are superior to ordinary wood. They are more fire-resistant, less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, less susceptible to mold, and have more pronounced heat and sound insulation properties.

TO negative qualities refers to the presence of formaldehyde resins in the chipboard composition. As a result, a certain amount of this substance is constantly released into environment, which when using the material indoors can cause allergies in humans.

Application area

Chipboard in construction is used as finishing (for example, laminated boards). This material is also suitable for the construction interior partitions, flooring. In rooms with high level It is not recommended to use it in humidity.

What is MDF?

This material is a medium-density fiberboard made from fine sawdust. The basis of raw materials is waste from the wood processing industry and logging. At MDF manufacturing wood raw materials are specially ground, then treated with steam under high pressure, after which they are fed to the rotating discs of the defibrator. After rubbing, the material is brought to a state resembling felt, and is thoroughly dried and glued together.

Advantages and disadvantages

This is a very dense and homogeneous material, which makes it mechanically strong, resistant to moisture and hot steam. The cost of MDF is also relatively low. It is especially worth noting its environmental safety and harmlessness to human health: the particles that make up MDF are bonded together using paraffin and lingin. The advantages of MDF include the ability to maintain geometric parameters for a long time.

A distinctive feature of MDF is its exceptional surface quality: it is smooth, even, uniform and at the same time very dense. Mechanical restoration the material is not difficult.

The disadvantages of MDF boards include their easy flammability when in contact with an open flame. It is also worth noting that the resistance to mechanical damage is not very high: an accidental fall of a heavy object onto the MDF surface can leave a dent.

Application area

MDF is used for the manufacture of door blocks along with frames and trim from the same material. Laminated platbands and linings for entrance doors are made from MDF.

MDF boards can also be used to construct interior partitions, but they are not suitable for flooring due to their mechanical vulnerability. At the same time, their use in rooms with high levels of humidity is quite acceptable.

Conclusion

Comparing these two materials, we come to the conclusion that for use as a construction and finishing material, used for interior design, MDF is more preferable. The reason is safety for human health. The exception is flooring work, which is best done using chipboards, as they are more durable.

Video of making an economical facade.

There are two types of boards that are difficult to distinguish, especially if their ends are sealed - these are chipboards and MDF (fine wood fraction). Due to the difference in production, their properties differ, and, accordingly, the slabs have different quality.

What is the difference between chipboard and MDF?

The names themselves tell you how they differ from each other. Wood-based material is made from sawdust and shavings impregnated with glue by pressing. Typically, formaldehyde resin is used as a binder. Pressing is carried out at high temperature.

MDF boards are also made from wood waste, but unlike chipboard, all raw materials for them are ground by a refiner, treated with steam and ground. After rubbing, the raw material becomes like felt. It is dried, a binder is added and pressed.

The big difference compared to particle boards is the presence of lignin in the binder. It is much better than formaldehyde in terms of environmental friendliness, since it is obtained from wood after high heating.

The slabs also differ in their surface condition. If chipboard is most often laminated, then MDF boards can be painted, laminated, or covered with veneer. This is explained by the fact that their surface is much better - it is dense, uniform, even and smooth.

These boards also differ in strength: chipboard is considered a high-strength product, MDF is considered a medium-strength product. This fact directly affects the scope of their application.

What to choose?

Individual developers often wonder what is better - MDF or chipboard and what to guide their choice? The answer will depend on which of the characteristics will be important to achieve the desired result when used:

• particle board is durable, but it cannot be used in places with high humidity;
• finely dispersed slab tolerates even 80% humidity well, but it is more fire hazardous;
• in MDF all components are natural, except for paraffin, but it is neutral; in chipboards, formaldehyde is used, the fumes of which are harmful to people;
• You can’t fix chipboard with nails at all, and you can only use screws at right angles and then only once. MDF boards are easy to install, and thanks to the density of 700-870 kg/m 3, it becomes possible to process it with milling machines;
• price chip material much lower than the cost of MDF, this is largely the result of transport costs, since these productions are still small;
• MDF is much more durable than chipboard, which is ensured by the fact that this type wood boards practically does not deform from fluctuations in temperature and humidity;
• Chipboard withstands impact better than MDF.

As you can see, both types of slabs have their pros and cons. Therefore, the use of a particular type depends on each specific use case.

Areas of application

Since chipboard is afraid of moisture, it is mainly used indoors. In construction, such a slab is most often used to construct partitions between rooms. It can be drilled, sawed, painted. Therefore, it is always in demand when decorating the interior. Other areas of use particle board- production of cabinet furniture.

Doors, trims, and facades are made from MDF. The arrangement of rooms, including the manufacture of partitions, is also best made from this material due to its environmental friendliness. The exception is floors - here it is better to use chipboard due to its greater strength.

Partitions, floors, large interior items in children's rooms, as well as furniture in children's rooms, should be made exclusively from MDF in order to completely eliminate the toxic fumes of formaldehyde resins.

The general appearance of the kitchen depends not only on the cladding of the walls and floors; the facades and furniture installed in it play an important role. They must meet special requirements. Choice best material- not an easy task. Perfect option- solid wood products, but not everyone can afford it. There are more to choose from available materials. Most in demand in Lately are MDF and chipboard. They are practically in the same price category. The choice of one will depend on their characteristics.

What material is best to choose for kitchen furniture?

Each of these materials can be objectively assessed only by considering their properties and resistance to aggressive kitchen environments. Let’s figure it out first so as not to confuse the characteristics of the materials anymore. To avoid any confusion, it is better to also find out separately.

Please pay attention to the following points:

1. Appearance. The aesthetic perception of the facade plays an important role. After all, you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and if the color is not “to your liking” or the texture is not satisfactory, then everyday contemplation will only frustrate you.
2. Environmental friendliness. In the area of ​​the stove, high temperatures almost constantly prevail, and if the selected furniture façade material, when heated, releases harmful substances, this can have a detrimental effect on the health of the entire family.
3. Durability. Unforeseen circumstances regularly arise in the kitchen: splashes of oil from a hot frying pan, constant opening of drawers several times in a short period of time, accidentally falling cutting objects that fly by and can scratch the surface of the furniture. Taking this into account, the material for the kitchen set must be resistant to chemical, mechanical and thermal influences from the outside.
4. Easy to care for. Nobody wants to spend all their time free time for washing kitchen surfaces, so those that are able to withstand contamination are selected. And in case of scratches or chips, they could be easily restored.
5. Price. It is the main argument when choosing any product. But you shouldn’t chase cheap materials; if you compare the service life, it turns out that it’s more profitable to buy more expensive facades. They will be able to stay in the kitchen for a long time, and cheap ones will have to be changed soon due to their susceptibility to various influences.

But this type also has its disadvantages:

• constant moisture can lead to delamination of the material;
• afraid of high temperatures;
• care requires some effort.

All types of MDF used for facades kitchen sets, from some you can even order doors to this room or even floors.

About how to install kitchen apron from MDF you can read

Laminated body (chipboard)

Laminated material is often used for the manufacture of cabinet furniture. This is a type of chipboard - particle board, which has undergone lamination. Having good performance characteristics Laminated chipboard can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Thanks to the lamination process, ordinary chipboard acquires a number of improvements:

• beautiful appearance of the case;
• reliability;
• moisture resistance, it is achieved using a special melamine resin, which is pressed directly into the structure;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• limited release of harmful substances from the material.

How to install film facades for the kitchen can be read in this

In the photo - kitchens made of laminated chipboard:

In progress chipboard production Formaldehyde resins are used to bind the shavings together, which makes it possible to make a suitable one. They are highly toxic and release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.

Laminated chipboard is often used to make frames kitchen furniture, its facades and countertops. A reliable option is to use aluminum frames, in which this option is placed. This provides it with protection from delamination and swelling. The material is available in two thicknesses – 16 and 18 mm. The latter option is preferable, but it also costs more. Read more about it in the article.

What is the difference between MDF and HDF can be learned from this

An abundance of colors and ease of maintenance, as well as the resistance of the material surface to various external influences - these are the main advantages of laminated chipboard. But at the same time: its edges can swell from moisture, fastenings can become loose over time, they have a rustic appearance compared to MDF and after a certain period their surfaces become difficult to clean. greasy stains and food splashes.

Right choice

Both materials described above are widely used for the manufacture kitchen facades. Which one is better to choose is determined by everyone independently; to help with this a little, let’s put their differences in a table, and then when comparing their properties, you can make the right choice.

Criteria	MDF	laminated chipboard
Structure	soft	hard
Environmental friendliness	absolutely harmless as it is natural	cannot be used in children's rooms, medical institutions, contraindicated for allergy sufferers
Color spectrum	only certain colors	wide range of colors
Price	the price is more expensive, since there are few domestic producers	more affordable
Weight	heavy compared to analogue	low mass
Moisture resistance	does not react	its edges absorb water and then swell
Fire resistance	difficult to be affected by fire, but when ignited it releases harmful substances	ignites quickly but burns slowly
Presence of microorganisms and mold	sometimes a fungus may appear on its surface	resistant to both pests
Density	has a high rate of this property, is reliable and resistant to any impact	density value is lower

After comparing all the characteristics of MDF and laminated chipboard, we can conclude that each of them has found its own niche for use in the kitchen. The first has an attractive appearance, high performance properties, but is distinguished by a high price and a poor choice of colors. Laminated chipboard, on the contrary, is presented in a wide range color scheme, and also has good properties, but is used more as a budget analogue.

What material for MDF furniture used can be found in this