Furniture made of chipboard or MDF - which is better to choose? What material is better to choose for making a custom-made kitchen? Better quality than MDF or chipboard

Knowing the characteristics of the materials used in production is important not only for the manufacturers themselves. Buyers purchasing a kitchen set or a sofa for the living room should also understand the difference between MDF and chipboard, and chenille from velor. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of defects that appear over time. Operating conditions play an important role for furniture. And even an inexpensive item will last a long time if you know the characteristics of the material and care for it properly.

Particle board, which appeared in the 40s, became a godsend for furniture makers. Economy-class products began to be produced from it. In the Soviet Union, the boom occurred in the early 80s. Chipboard was used to make bedrooms and kitchens, and various children's furniture, including for schools and kindergartens. Chiefs' desks and cabinets in clinics, as well as dozens of other items for public, medical, cultural and sports institutions, were made from these universal sheets. The dangers of formaldehyde resins were not discussed at that time. But most chipboards were produced in class E1, where the presence of formaldehyde was 10 mg per 100 g of dry matter. Now the requirements have become more stringent, but resins are still present in the slabs.

The production of chipboard is regulated by the provisions of GOST 10632-89. The material is produced by hot pressing a mixture consisting of wood chips bound with formaldehyde resins. High-quality chipboards are characterized by the following properties:

• strength;
• rigidity;
• homogeneity of structure, absence of voids;
• water resistance;
• ease of processing with tools;
• ability to hold fasteners (nails, staples, screws).

In this case, repeated screwing of the self-tapping screw into the same place of the slab is no longer possible, since when unscrewing, the layers are damaged and pressed chips spill out.

There are 3 types of chipboard that absorb moisture differently. Differences are determined by immersing the material in water for a day. Classification is based on absorption results:

1. moisture resistant (the sheet swells by 15% in thickness);

2. grade A (up to 22%);

3. grade B (up to 33%).

For furniture, a moisture-resistant board is used, which performs quite well not only in dry rooms, but also in bathrooms. During its manufacture, paraffin is added to the main mixture.

When comparing brands A and B, it should be noted that the first (A) is different best performance water repellency, bending strength. It has a lower percentage of roughness and warping.

Grade

There are 3 types of chipboard:

1. first;

2. second;

3. sheets without grade.

Quality requirements allow for minor flaws even in the first type, but unlike second-grade material, the slabs do not have chips along the edges, stains, depressions, or grinding defects.

Chipboard density:

• small (less than 650 kg/m³);
• medium (650-750);
• high (750-800).

The highest density, as a rule, is found in sheets with a thickness of 8-12 mm.

Other types of chipboard classification:

• polished and unpolished;
• extrusion and laminated;
• with fine-grained, regular and coarse-grained surfaces.

What is MDF?

The term MDF is interpreted in different ways. In English, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is a medium density fiberboard. In the Russian version, the first two letters (M and D) are taken from the abbreviation of the word “fine”, and the third (F) is “fraction”. It is the concept of “fine fractions” that fully reflects the essence MDF production. Wood dust, obtained by grinding wood chips, is pressed at high blood pressure and temperature. When wood is heated, it releases lignin, which becomes a natural binder. Of course, this method is better than using formaldehyde. Accordingly, the material can be used in furniture industry, including for the manufacture of bedrooms, kitchens, children's furniture.

Physical indicators for MDF:

• Density – 850-950 kg/m³.
• Swelling in thickness is 20-30% per day.
• Bending strength – 30-36 MPa.
• Humidity – 6%.
• Tensile strength (in the direction perpendicular to the panel) – 0.4 MPa.

Advantages:

• easy installation;
• affordable price;
• wide choice of colors.

Classification of slabs

1. Differences in production technologies:

• whole pressed;
• laminated;
• moisture resistant.

2. Type of external surface:

• veneered;
• glossy;
• painted.

The only difference between solid-pressed and laminated panels is that a polymer film is glued to the front side of the laminated panel. This provides a wide range of colors, which is important for furniture. Moisture-resistant sheets are better in the sense that they are made from more quality wood and under prolonged temperature exposure. They tolerate it well natural humidity not only in kitchens, but also in bathrooms, on loggias and balconies.

Analyzing differences in external MDF surfaces slabs, it should be noted a significant difference in technology:

• for veneered ones, a layer of veneer is applied to the front part natural wood(3 mm);
• for glossy ones, the plane is laminated with a polymer film;
• painted ones have paint applied to the front side.

What to choose: chipboard or MDF?

When choosing furniture for a bedroom or nursery, kitchen or bathroom, as well as sheathing balconies and loggias, you should take into account the difference between chipboard and MDF. What works in one room may not work in another.

MDF positions are preferable according to the following parameters:

1. environmental friendliness, safety for the body;

2. moisture resistance;

3. density;

4. bending and tensile strength;

5. aesthetics appearance;

6. ideal front surface;

7. better retention of fasteners.

Chipboard performs better in terms of fire safety and has more low price. The surface of the MDF panel is deformed at temperatures above 70 ºС, and the film peels off. Therefore, kitchen furniture made from MDF should be protected from open fire and heating, that is, install it away from stoves, heaters, ovens.

If chipboard sheets can be operated at a humidity of no more than 60%, then for MDF the figure rises to 80%. Another aspect where the advantage of MDF is manifested is its tendency to be processed on milling machines. You can make any shaped recesses on the panel, thereby creating various configurations facades on furniture.

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. Choosing the best material is not an easy task. Ideal 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 while washing kitchen surfaces, therefore, those that are able to withstand pollution 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 high temperatures;
• care requires some effort.

All types of MDF are used for the facades of kitchen units, some of which can even be used to order doors to this room or even floors.

You can read about how to install a kitchen apron from MDF

Laminated body (chipboard)

For the manufacture of cabinet furniture it is often used laminated material. This is a type of chipboard - chipboard that has been laminated. 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 to the outside 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.

The 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.

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 one has an attractive appearance, tall operational properties, but different at a high price and weak choice color versions. 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

In this article we will answer the most frequently asked questions when choosing cabinet furniture. And the most basic of them is what to choose, chipboard or MDF. First, let's look at the production technology, because... The key differences come from this.

laminated chipboard- laminated particle board. It is produced by gluing large chips, therefore it has a heterogeneous structure. Known since Soviet times, when it was widely used for continuous production standard furniture, which stood in every second apartment. Now it can be of two classes - E1 and E2. The first one is considered safer, because its composition minimizes the amount of formaldehyde.

MDF/MDF- Medium Density Fiberboard or medium density fiberboard. Manufactured by pressing under high temperatures. Consists of smaller wood fibers than chipboard. Paraffin and lignin are used to bind the composition, which makes the boards absolutely safe for health.

Which is better: chipboard or MDF

There is no clear answer to this question, because... materials differ in several basic parameters. Let's look at some of them.

Price

Furniture made from chipboard is much cheaper than furniture made from competitive raw materials. This is due to several factors. Firstly, chipboard is a more common option, which means its production has long been put on stream in many factories. Secondly, processing of raw materials is less expensive, because does not require special preparation. The finely dispersed fraction of wood requires a more careful approach. This includes special equipment that dries fibers, and pressing machines that require large area production premises.

Nowadays, cabinet furniture is rarely made only from MDF, because the final product will cost a fabulous amount. Most often it is used for facades, where more elegant carving is required. And the side walls are often made of laminated chipboard, and the rear walls are made of plywood.

Appearance

The MDF structure is more flexible in terms of finishing, which means it can be given any shape. That is, carved headboards or cabinet fronts will look more like natural wood. Moreover, there are products that at first glance cannot be distinguished from wood. Of course, it will cost more (see point 1), but it looks more respectable than furniture made from chipboard.

However, furniture made from laminated boards is more variable in terms of color, because the film covering it can not only have any color, but also imitate the color of natural wood. Of course, it is more difficult to give it texture, so the coating simply copies the shade very accurately.

Safety

MDF is a more modern material, which means its production technology has been worked out to the smallest detail. Manufacturers, competing with each other, are trying to use innovative technologies that every year make products safer for use in residential and children's premises.

However, laminated chipboard manufacturers are not lagging behind and are also using new developments that make their products quite competitive. Every year the amount of resins and formaldehydes in the composition decreases, which means the safety of such slabs increases. At a higher cost, it is still worth giving preference to E1 class chipboard, especially if you plan to install this furniture at home and not in a public place.

Wear resistance

The durability of a material depends not only on its composition, but also on operating conditions. For example, in the kitchen and bathroom, any furniture can become deformed under the influence of moisture and temperature changes. The service life is also affected by the microclimate in the room, which, in turn, may differ in winter and summer.

Processing technology and edge material are of no small importance. Modern factories use such types of processing as postforming and softforming. There are no fundamental differences between them, the first one is simply used for products of simple shape. The laminating film is wrapped around the product and completely sealed to the edge.

The softforming method also involves special processing of the edge; its cut is rounded to the front side, which makes the corners of the furniture safer for small children. Both of these methods prevent moisture from entering the edges and inside the slab, which means it will not swell or deform. Both of these methods are great for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.

Materials that can be used to process the edges of products not intended for wet areas, may be:

• Acrylic
• Aluminum rim

They do not protect against water ingress very well, but they affect the final cost of the product. Unlike the first two methods, these options are less expensive, but can add zest to the appearance of the furniture. Contrasting or metal finish looks interesting and unusual.

As for the wear resistance of MDF and laminated chipboard, the first option is considered more durable. But due to its high cost, it makes sense to use it only on furniture facades, and make the rest of the array from chipboard. Moreover, the wardrobe in the bedroom is unlikely to be subject to frequent moisture.

To summarize our article, we can say: before giving preference to one material or another, you need to decide under what conditions the furniture will be used. Kitchen sets It is better to choose facades made of MDF with edge processing using the softforming or postforming method. And for a simple chest of drawers or cabinet, a more budget-friendly chipboard with acrylic or aluminum edge is quite suitable.

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 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 susceptible 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 to its 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 a 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, 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 in the construction market such building materials like chipboard and MDF. What are they? To begin with, chipboard and MDF are chipboards made from small chips. After this, the material can be subjected to various types processing and acquire the required surface type. Both of these products are actively used in the production of furniture, so let’s try to figure out which product is considered the best.

Advantages which one is better

Before deciding on the most the best material and start doing something, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of each.

In the photo - chipboard and MDF:

Pros and cons of chipboard

Let's start with chipboard and its positive characteristics:

• moisture resistance;
• strength;
• ease of processing;
• securely hold screws and nails that are used to fasten the structure;
• slabs can be painted and glued;
• they are superior to natural wood in certain physical and mechanical qualities;
• low cost.

Such material is not without its disadvantages:

• the presence of components harmful to health;
• high hardness of the material does not allow for fine processing;
• although the product is characterized by high hardness. For this reason for decorative finishing kitchen furniture from, however, after sanding the structure becomes loose.

About the fact that MDF is better or chipboard for furniture can be found in this

Pros and cons of MDF

Now let's look at the advantages of MDF:

• high environmental friendliness;
• the material can resist moisture and temperature changes;
• long service life;
• MDF can be subjected to even the thinnest machining;
• optimal ratio between hardness and thickness;
• the presented product has a flat, smooth, uniform and dense surface, making external processing of the slabs much easier;
• MDF boasts all the benefits of wood, but the price is much lower and its service life is longer.

You can find out whether chipboard or MDF is better for a cabinet by reading

The video explains which is better than MDF or chipboard for furniture:

Choice for the bedroom

For such a room it remains a very important accessory. For this reason, choosing the material from which it will be made is a very important process.

Today, very often people order bedroom furniture from chipboard or MDF, but still do not understand which is better. First, let's look at chipboard. The presented product is obtained from shavings, which are then treated with a binding component, namely formaldehyde resins.

DPS today are very relevant in the manufacture of cabinet furniture, or rather bedroom sets. Main advantages Chipboard material can be considered: easy processing, strength, excellent water resistance, the material holds all fasteners perfectly and firmly and is not expensive.

Let's take a closer look at MDF. They have a medium density and wood-fiber structure. For its production, small sawdust is used. The bonding process is carried out using paraffin. In terms of environmental friendliness, this material is the most suitable for children's furniture. A similar material is used to produce backs for chairs, cribs, and tables. Also MDF boards We are indispensable when obtaining cabinets, shelves and various parts.

Bathroom material

To be honest, none of the materials under consideration are suitable for making bathroom furniture. Unless, of course, special choice no, it is best to use an MDF board that has a laminated surface. But to the general misconception, you can choose a good one.

As a rule, such processing is present only on one side. If we consider Chipboard boards, then they are generally not suitable for installation in the bathroom. You can, of course, also purchase a laminated product, but over time the furniture will begin to delaminate and deteriorate, and furniture set will begin to lose its attractive appearance. Both options can be mounted on the appropriate ones.

How to install kitchen apron you can learn from MDF with your own hands

There is only one conclusion here: neither MDF nor chipboard are suitable for the bathroom, but for those who choose from these materials, big advantage I use laminated MDF.

Which is more harmful?

If you choose the materials under consideration according to the criterion of environmental friendliness, then MDF is in an advantageous position. As has already been mentioned several times, formaldehyde resins are used in the production process of chipboard. During evaporation, they release harmful components and thereby negatively affect human health. MDF does not involve the use of harmful substances, so in terms of environmental friendliness they can be compared with natural wood.

How furniture is made from two materials

MDF can be amenable to various types of mechanical processing, due to which it is actively used in the manufacture of facades for cabinet furniture. In this case, CNC machines are used during production. Thanks to this equipment, it is possible to make various patterns and figured designs.

The production process from MDF involves the use of a thermal vacuum press, as a result of which various PVC films can be applied to the surface of the board. For this reason, the cost of MDF boards is much more expensive than chipboards. In order for the final product to have excellent quality and price, the furniture production process can be based on a combination of these materials. As a rule, it is possible to produce not only furniture facades, but also table tops.

It was the low content of harmful components that allowed MDF boards to be used in the manufacture of a crib. Today there is large number PVC films, on the surface of which many children's drawings are applied. As a result, it is possible to obtain a durable and practical furniture, which is very easy to care for. In addition, milling the edges allows you to avoid sharp ends, which is important when making furniture for a children's room.

Chipboard and MDF are very popular products today, which are actively used in the manufacture of furniture. It’s impossible to say unequivocally which material is better. Indeed, in terms of environmental friendliness and beauty, MDF material wins. But the cost is lower and the service life of chipboards is longer. When choosing furniture, pay attention to the purpose for which you are buying it and under what conditions it will be used.