Installation of MDF panels on a wooden wall. MDF panels, application, choosing the right MDF panels, installation and fastening methods, useful tips. Installation technology

As they say experienced builders, decorating the surface of walls indoors can be done using MDF panels. From the material in our article we learn what this building material, let's get acquainted with its positive and negative qualities, as well as installation technology panel structures onto an adhesive mixture or a pre-prepared frame.

What is MDF panel

Among the huge number of building materials, many are interested in wall products. The catalog is literally overflowing with such designs, but MDF wall panels occupy a special place in it. Such products are used as a decorative element when finishing the surface of walls and ceilings. By design features The described material resembles the plastic familiar to many, although such products include natural raw materials from waste from the wood processing industry.

Appearance of panels

MDF panels are very popular precisely because of their similarity to natural and more noble finishing materials. At the same time, the cost of such panels is much lower.

The term MDF itself is literally translated from English as the familiar abbreviation chipboard or particle board, but differs from the Soviet analogue in improved technical characteristics. IN in this case No harmful resins containing phenol are used to connect raw materials. The binder here is lignin, and in some cases paraffin.

The basic composition of the panel contains wood dust, which was obtained after grinding and processing sawdust. This material is heated in special ovens until the binding substance lignin is released from it. It is with the help of such a component that the raw material mass is glued together. The pressing process gives the product even greater strength. The cooled workpiece needs additional processing; first, the released slab is cut into the required parts, then a melamine film is glued to the surface, which imitates the structure of wood.

In structure, MDF lining resembles an intermediate material between cardboard and plywood sheets. Thanks to these properties, the product can be given required dimensions using a regular hacksaw for this purpose. The material in question has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, but it also has a drawback - the possibility of damage to the melamine film during operation. After mechanical impact Cracks and scratches appear on the surface of the material, but defective areas can be easily masked using ordinary paint.

Shades of different colors and textures

Great advantage in wide choice shade and texture of the panel pattern. In most cases, the pattern imitates various varieties tree.

Wall panels MDF is manufactured using the same technology, but the surface of such products may have different finishes. In this regard, the materials under consideration can be divided into several varieties:

• Veneered. In this case, as decorative finishing natural veneer is used. Thanks to this coating, the product external signs resembles natural solid wood, has the highest cost among analogues.
• Laminated panels are considered one of the most popular designs. The simplest option for making such products is considered to be gluing the surface with melamine film. This material usually imitates the structure of wood and is used to decorate walls. In some products, during lamination, a high-gloss film may be glued to the surface, improving the appearance of the material. Such panels look exclusive and respectable.
• The corridor can be finished using painted MDF panels. Here decorative coating a layer of paint is considered instead of simulating wood grain.

The products in question can be used for cladding any of the rooms of the apartment with the exception of the bathroom. The surface of such products differs significantly from the unnatural appearance of plastic. End consumer can choose an acceptable design and size of the product for himself, paying relatively little money for building materials.

Now let’s pay attention to the dimensions of the product:

• The standard slab length is considered to be 2.6 meters, although the dimensions of some materials may differ up or down - 2.4 or 2.7 meters, respectively.
• The width of the panel also varies within significant limits, for example, an MDF plinth has a width of 15 centimeters, while the parameters of a conventional plate are within 90 centimeters, for some products 1.2 meters. The width of the material greatly influences its aesthetic functions. As this parameter increases, a person notices the presence of vertical seams, which further emphasize the texture of the product.
• Depending on the final purpose, the thickness of the panel ranges from 3 millimeters to 3 centimeters. For veneered materials, this figure can reach up to 6 centimeters.

When choosing decorating elements, you must remember that the thinnest parts have minimal strength indicators, so they are used to decorate walls. Materials with a thickness of more than 1.2 centimeters are often used as an additional heat-insulating layer. In terms of properties, such insulation replaces a brick wall 15 centimeters thick.

Pros and cons

When choosing any building material, users take into account its strengths and weaknesses. First, let's get acquainted with the advantages that wall panels have. These include:

• Availability of material on the construction market.
• Relatively low price. Cost per square meter high-quality coating from the most famous manufacturers can range from 5 to 12 dollars, while the specified product is used not only to level the surface of the wall, but also as a decorative element.
• Another positive quality of MDF boards is the ability to install them yourself without the help of a specialist. Such work is characterized by high installation speed, although maximum costs time goes into constructing the frame.
• Installation of panels can be carried out on the surface of walls and ceilings; you can even cope with such work alone.
• The products have a presentable appearance. Most materials imitate the surface of wood, but their pattern may be the same. In this regard, it is necessary to avoid using MDF panels over large areas.
• The materials under consideration can be used as an additional heat-insulating and sound-proofing layer, and especially if the cladding and base surface have an air gap.

Flaws:

• Low strength indicators of the material, this is especially typical for slabs of small thickness.
• Limitation in the choice of colors and textures of panels.
• Decrease usable space indoors due to the manufacture of the frame and installation of panels.
• Low fire resistance. As we have already said, this material is made from wood, and wood is subject to combustion when exposed to high temperatures.
• The material has low water resistance; its structure can be destroyed even under the influence of condensation when the panels are installed on an insulated balcony or loggia.

How to attach MDF wall panels

Many homeowners don't know how to attach MDF panels to the wall. In practice, two popular methods are used: securing products to a pre-aligned frame and mounting the material on liquid nails or another composition. When choosing one method or another, you need to pay attention to the following:

1. When using sheathing, the curvature of the walls does not matter; the direction of the finishing plane will be determined by the frame elements.
2. For use in wet areas A frame made of galvanized steel is suitable. Such products withstand changes in humidity well and are not susceptible to corrosion.
3. If it is necessary to lay insulation under the finishing, the ideal choice would be to use sheathing. Any heat can be placed between the guide rails insulating material.
4. Placing panels on glue is suitable for Not large premises, in which it is necessary to preserve maximum usable space.

Frame mounting

Now let’s take a closer look at the method of laying MDF boards on a frame. First you need to make a sheathing for the walls; usually this design is made of a metal profile or wooden beam a certain section. When using wood, choose timber square section with a side length of 3 centimeters. Such a product should have a humidity of no more than 15%. The material is additionally treated with an antiseptic and fire retardants, which prevents the process of burning and rotting.

Next, measure the walls with a construction tape. In this case, the length of the bars should be slightly less than the calculated values. When the panels are positioned horizontally, the sheathing is installed in the vertical direction and vice versa. After marking work, the dimensions are transferred to wooden products and carry out sawing of the bars. During such operations, the hacksaw should be positioned strictly perpendicular to the surface of the wood, which will prevent the formation of crooked ends.

The guide rails are fixed to the surface using dowels (if the base is brick or concrete) or self-tapping screws (if there is a base wooden surface). After this, insulation boards are laid in the spaces between the sheathing elements, for example, mineral wool. To attach the finishing layer, you can use clamps for MDF panels, as well as self-tapping screws with dimensions of 3 * 20 millimeters, which are screwed into the grooves of the products or special nails with a thin head. At the final stage of work, the connecting strips and external as well as internal corners are secured.

Device metal frame from profiles is almost no different from installing wooden sheathing. To begin with, wall guide elements are installed along the perimeter at the top and bottom of the building. Then the main profile is placed at a distance of 40-50 centimeters from each other. All guide parts are fixed to the wall surface using self-tapping screws and hangers, after which they begin laying the finishing coating.

Glue mounting

As we have already said, gluing MDF panels to base surface most often used for finishing small rooms with smooth walls. At the initial stage of work, a thorough examination of the base is carried out, defective areas are identified and measures are taken to repair cracks and chips. Sometimes the leveling process takes longer than finishing the wall.

After the surface is leveled and the solution has completely hardened, the surface must be treated with a deep penetration primer. This solution will help increase the strength of the base and increase adhesion to the adhesive mixture. A similar composition is applied to the wall using paint brush or a roller, avoiding smudges. Now you need to cut the MDF panels with a jigsaw or hacksaw into pieces of the required size.

At the next stage of work, mix the required amount of glue and apply the prepared solution to the back surface of the panels. This substance is placed pointwise, and there should be as many places covered with glue as possible. Laying begins from the bottom of the wall.

At this stage, each element must be carefully pressed against the wall and held in this state for several seconds. Similar work continues until the surface is completely covered. At the very end, connecting strips and corners are attached, which are fixed to the surface using the same liquid nails or special glue.

Cost of MDF panels

For many developers, the question of the cost of panels remains relevant. The price of the products in question will depend on the popularity of the manufacturer, as well as overall dimensions slabs One of the most popular varieties is considered to be a decorative panel with dimensions of 2.6 * 0.2 meters. The price of such a product is construction stores ranges from 100 to 150 rubles per piece.

The modern interior provides a beautiful and original finish, which especially emphasizes the style of housing. Therefore, in lately MDF wall panels are extremely popular among designers. Unlike wooden boards, they are inexpensive, come in various colors and are easy to install, giving the room a refined look.

Peculiarities

MDF is a unique building material produced in the form of panels made from medium-density wood-fiber raw materials. Since the slabs are produced by dry pressing wood shavings under high temperature and pressure with the addition of urea resin, they are extremely strong and durable in use.

Decorative finishing with such panels has many advantages.

• Easy installation. The material can be fastened in any direction: diagonally, across or along the wall surface. In addition, to install the panels you do not need to carefully prepare the working base. The condition of the walls does not in any way affect the quality of the cladding.
• Aesthetic appearance. Huge assortment color palette and textures allows you to use MDF for any styling. In addition, during installation there remains small space, which can be used to hide insulation and wiring.
• Good thermal insulation. The material is characterized by excellent heat resistance, so after fastening MDF room gains additional insulation.
• Easy care. To clean the panels from dust and dirt, just wipe them with a soft sponge soaked in warm water. If damage occurs during operation, there is no need to completely change the casing. To do this, the panel with defects is removed and a new one is attached in its place.
• Durability. This cladding will reliably last for decades.

Despite the presence positive characteristics, MDF also has some disadvantages.

• Low moisture resistance. When exposed to moisture, the material is subject to deformation. Therefore, for finishing rooms with high humidity It is recommended to use special boards with a protective layer.
• Instability to mechanical damage and loads. Decorative panels require careful installation and maintenance.
• High risk of fire. Electrical wiring, which is laid under the trim, must be placed in the fire resistance of the box.
• Formation of hollow walls. Since MDF is fixed to the frame, there is a “emptiness” between the skins, so when you need to fix furniture to the walls, you have to use long nails or dowels.

Before purchasing facing slabs, it is important to consider that they are produced different sizes depending on model range each brand.

As a rule, the most common products on the market are thicknesses from 7 mm to 14 mm and sizes 2600×200 mm, 2600×153 mm, 2600×325 mm. Attached wall blocks usually on glue or lathing made from wooden beams and metal profiles. At the same time, installation of slabs on wooden frame it is much easier to do, but before installation, the wood should be coated with antiseptic solutions that protect it from the formation of mold and mildew.

To date, MDF boards have been found wide application in various fields. They line the walls, door leaves, window sills, ceilings, and screens for heating and ventilation systems and arches. This finish looks chic in a modern interior, as the panels imitate not only expensive types of wood, but also natural stone.

Calculation of material quantity

Installation of MDF, like any other material, must begin with preliminary calculation number of panels. To do this, first of all, determine the area of ​​the room: everything is done necessary measurements, and the perimeter is multiplied by the height. It is also important to consider the presence of doors and windows in the room. Their quadrature is calculated in a similar way, multiplying the height by the width, the resulting result is subtracted from the total area of ​​the room.

Then, knowing all the numbers, you can go shopping for wall panels. Since the products are sold in different sizes, you will have to additionally calculate how much square meters in each slab. Usually manufacturers write this on the packs. If, for example, a panel is purchased with a width of 900 mm and a length of 2600 mm, then it is enough to multiply 2600 mm by 900 mm. As a result, it turns out that there are 2.34 m2 in one slab. Then the area of ​​the room that is planned to be covered must simply be divided by 2.34 m2, and you will get required quantity panels.

Preparing tools

An important point Before starting MDF sheathing, the preparation of the tools is also considered. Since the installation of wall panels is not particularly difficult, it is quite possible to do it yourself, without the help of specialists.

To get the job done quickly and efficiently, you need to have a basic set of tools on hand.

• Roulette. It is best to use a 5-meter tape measure.
• Level. It can either be purchased in a store or made from jute, with a nut attached to the end.
• Drill with complete set nozzles It will perfectly replace a screwdriver and simplify the task of fastening the plates.
• Metal square. For installation, the one that has different legs and is usually used by mechanics is suitable. Using a square, panels for cutting slopes will be measured.
• Hacksaw or jigsaw. It is recommended to stock up on both at the same time. In this case, a hacksaw should be selected with small teeth that have a transverse and longitudinal cut.
• Bulgarian. It is needed for cutting metal profiles if the frame is planned to be assembled from metal.

In addition to the above, you will also need the usual tools that everyone has in the house: a screwdriver, a knife, a hammer, drills and a marker.

Installation methods

Before sheathing the walls with MDF, it is necessary to determine how to fasten them. Decorative panels can be installed using glue or on the sheathing. Each of these methods is characterized by its own installation technology.

Before choosing, you should evaluate the condition of the surface, taking into account some nuances.

• The boards are made from wood fibers, so the material must be protected from contact with substrates damaged by mold. Installation on walls in rooms with high humidity is not recommended. In addition, the panels must be mounted on a flat base.
• If the walls are well cleaned of old decoration, dry, then MDF can be installed on them with glue or liquid nails without assembling the sheathing. This will simplify fastening, but will eliminate the possibility of replacing individual plates if they are mechanically damaged.

The installation of wall blocks on a frame is as follows: guides are attached to the surface, serving as the basis for installation, then MDF is fixed to a metal profile or block.

This technique has many advantages.

• The lathing hides defects in the base, so the walls do not need to be leveled and leveled. This, in turn, significantly saves time and money.
• The resulting “void” between the skin will serve ideal place for laying important systems communications and laying the thermal insulation layer. In addition, it creates additional sound insulation, which is especially important for apartments in which the inter-wall partitions have poor noise absorption.
• Opportunity quick repair finishing if individual panels have been damaged.

As for the disadvantages of such cladding, it significantly reduces the area of ​​the room, and if you need to hang pieces of furniture or decorative elements on the walls, then it is worth considering that the structure will not withstand such loads.

Unlike the previous method, planting with glue does not have any significant disadvantages. MDF boards They are attached directly to the wall; in this case, the connecting element is glue. To additionally secure the panels together, clamps are also used. Thanks to this finishing option, the area of ​​the room is not reduced, installation is carried out quickly, without damaging the material with screws or nails. But if the surface of the cladding is damaged during operation, then it will be necessary to restore not just one fragment of the finish, but the entire wall.

When deciding on the choice of one method or another, it is worth taking into account not only the features of the room, but also calculating the costs of covering. For example, in some cases it is much more economical to putty the walls and not build a frame. For large rooms, of course, it is best to install lathing, since perfectly leveling their walls will be problematic.

Execution of work

MDF panels thanks to their operational characteristics and aesthetic appearance are widely used in finishing works. Wall panels can not only be used to decorate the ceilings of a corridor or hallway, but also to sheathe a doorway or window slopes in an original way. Furniture fittings and wall corners can also be easily made from the material at home. Since the product is easy to install, it is quite possible to do all the work yourself. Before attaching MDF, you should prepare the surface for finishing by cleaning it from the old coating and eliminating all defects.

Regardless of whether the cladding is planned on concrete, wood or brick, the base must be primed; this will protect the finish from the appearance of mold and mildew in the future.

For additional thermal insulation of window slopes, walls and doorways, it is recommended to lay insulating material; it will not only serve good insulation, but will also cope with the task of vapor and waterproofing.

To install panels on slopes, they can be fastened along or across, it all depends on the size of the slope. This finish, made from a combination of light and dark pieces of slabs, looks original. Installation of panels on walls and ceilings is carried out either using glue or using a pre-assembled frame. To do this, first attach starting profile, and then guides, along the length of which you need to correctly join the decorative parts. To make a beautiful corner, you should trim the material before installation, rounding its edges.

It is recommended to saw or cut panels using special tools for working with wood. A jigsaw is considered the best option for this, but if you don’t have one at hand, then a fine-toothed saw will do. Having decided on the direction of the MDF sheathing, the panels are measured and cut to the required length. In this case, it is necessary to cut off the tenon along the entire length of the first slab; if this is not done, then difficulties will arise when installing the corners.

Lathing

When choosing a method for attaching MDF to the sheathing, you will first have to make a durable frame from metal profiles or wooden beams. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the fact that wooden structure requires preliminary impregnation with antiseptic solutions that will protect it from rot and mold. If you plan to lay thermal insulation, then the thickness of the beams is chosen according to the thickness of the insulating material. It is not recommended to use a wooden frame for cladding brick walls and rooms with high humidity.

To prevent wooden beams from becoming deformed during installation, you should choose well-dried wood. Fasten the structure perpendicular to the direction of installation of the panels, leaving a small margin from the floor of 5 cm and from the ceiling of 3 cm. First of all, fix vertical elements, which are placed along the edges of recesses, in corners and next to openings. The planks should be spaced 700 mm apart from each other. To fasten the structure, self-tapping screws or nails with a diameter of 4 to 6 mm are usually used.

For assembly metal structure UD racks and horizontal CD profiles are used. The sheathing pitch is similarly 600-700 mm.

The CD profile is inserted into the rack and everything is secured to the wall with self-tapping screws. Metal profiles can be cut with a special circular saw. If the ceiling is finished with panels, then the frame must be assembled only from horizontal elements, using additional fasteners.

Paneling

After frame construction ready, start paneling. MDF slabs are fixed to each other using a tongue and groove lock, consisting of a recess and a ridge. The parts are attached to the wooden sheathing with small nails, and they are driven in obliquely with a hammer. To install the material on the metal profile, clamps are used, they are placed in the groove of the slab and secured with self-tapping screws.

At vertical installation The MDF begins to be fixed from the corner, smoothly redirecting to the left. The first slab is attached to the beam with nails, and from the groove side the fixation is carried out with clamps. Then the ridge of the next slab is placed in the groove of the first. The last panel should be cut to length, leaving a small margin of 5 mm, and its ridge should be cut in half. It must be inserted into the groove of the previous panel and the free edge secured.

Pieces of wall slabs are used to cover slopes. To beautifully close the skin, use special corners. They are placed on liquid nails or glue, decorating the edges near doors and windows. In addition, MDF is excellent for finishing ceiling surface, in this case, the panels are installed in a direction perpendicular to the base of the walls.

The construction market is represented by a huge range of MDF panels. For finishing inside the house, a material with a painted and laminated surface is usually used. It can be used to cover both the surface of walls and ceilings, as well as doorways or an arch, which is pre-installed on a plasterboard frame. Depending on the area of ​​application of wall panels, their installation is carried out in different ways.

All more people Every day people choose MDF panels as a finishing material for the walls of their home. It is considered to be a worthy alternative to painting and wallpaper, but also has additional positive qualities.

In this article we will talk not only about installing MDF on walls, but also reveal the secret of the popularity of this material.

Why choose MDF

Before we move on to talking about installing MDF panels on walls, let's figure out why this material is becoming more and more popular every day. Of course, it has many advantages, but there are no fewer disadvantages, and some of them are so significant that they make repairing some rooms using these panels simply impossible.

So, what are the main qualities of MDF that would distinguish it from other finishing materials:

• Installation of MDF panels on walls is a very simple process. and you can do it yourself, without involving professional builders. This largely affects the final cost of repairs.
• Since the installation of MDF panels on walls is carried out on a special sheathing, the free space between the wall remains for air to breathe, and this is very good, as it allows the accumulating condensate to completely dry out. Also, this space can be used for additional wall insulation, if necessary.
• Conventional MDF panels are very susceptible to moisture. The boards themselves tolerate this contact with ease, but the texture pattern can be damaged, therefore, if you are choosing a material for finishing the walls in a complex room, such as a bathroom or kitchen, then you should choose special boards, but we will talk about this below.
• Panels are convenient for restoration of damage. If a defect has formed somewhere that cannot be masked, it is enough to replace the damaged segment, and you do not have to redo the entire repair.
• MDF panels can be used to cover not only walls, but also ceilings, this way you can decorate the entire room in the same style.
• Large selection decorative solutions . MDF panels can imitate natural wood or stone, and can also be completely plain. Such diversity allows you to create the most daring and original interiors.
• Relatively low price.

As you can see, the panels are good option to decorate your home, but before you go to the store and choose the designs you like, you need to know what these panels can be and which of them can be used in rooms with a complex atmosphere.

What types of MDF panels are there?

So:

• Ordinary panels without a protective layer. Most cheap option, which is only suitable for living spaces, such as a living room or bedroom (see Decorating the bedroom: looking for options). It is not advisable to use this material in the kitchen or bathroom, as it will quickly lose its appearance and become unusable.
• Laminated panels. This option is suitable for the kitchen. The panels do not absorb odors and can be washed using detergents. The only thing such panels are afraid of is mechanical damage, such as scratches. If at least one defect appears on the surface, the destructive effect will spread throughout the finish.
• Veneered MDF. Ideal option for residential premises. Veneered panels are no longer just an imitation of natural wood covering; a thin section of wood is actually glued onto them. The appearance of this material is excellent, but as a consequence this is reflected in the price, which can be several times higher than that of conventional panels.
• Cork MDF. The most expensive option, which uses cork veneer as a decorative layer. This option is perfect for a nursery, especially since the panels do not contain chemical components that could harm your or your child’s health.
• Sheet MDF. All of the above panels belong to the lining class, that is, they are assembled using tongue-and-groove technology. Sheet MDF does not have connecting grooves, and is attached as ceramic tiles on glue butt-to-edge.

Which of these options to choose for decorating your home is up to you, based on characteristic features premises and financial capabilities, but do not fall into savings. If you cannot afford laminated MDF for the bathroom, then it is better to abandon it altogether than to install ordinary panels that will become unusable in a few months.

• Preparing for work
• How to install the panels?
• Frame making
• Panel installation

MDF panels have many positive properties, thanks to which they are becoming increasingly popular and widespread. Among others - low cost and environmental friendliness. Almost anyone can install these panels themselves. It's pretty simple work, which requires only sufficient accuracy. You can decorate walls using MDF panels without having any special professional skills in repair or woodworking.

Diagram of fittings for plastic panels.

What are MDF panels for walls?

Wood processing industry waste is used to produce MDF. However, they differ significantly from fiberboard and chipboard both in their manufacturing method and in their characteristics. No binders are used in their production; the production technology is based on the method of hot and dry pressing of wood. The use of this processing method ensures that the fibers and tubes of lignin that make up the wood, under the influence of high temperature and pressure, adhere to each other due to the resulting plasticity. In its own way MDF structure resembles a kind of felt made of wood.

With its mechanical properties of MDF inferior to most similar materials, their trump card is environmental friendliness, which is achieved by refusing to use astringent chemicals in their production. This perfect material For interior decoration. When working with this material, you must adhere to the same rules as when working with wood. To glue MDF panels, the same glue is used as for wood. However, liquid nails are an adhesive specifically developed for MDF. This glue contains sawdust, due to which it can be used not only for gluing, but also for puttying various defects, such as cracks. In addition, this glue can be used to seal the heads of self-tapping screws.

When purchasing materials, pay attention to the consistency of the color of the glue and the decorative finish of the MDF panels. Otherwise, the glue may ruin the appearance of the finish.

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Preparing for work

Installation diagram of MDF panels.

Installation of panels is carried out mainly using ordinary household tools that are found in every home. From specific devices you will need a plumb line, which you can make yourself. To do this, simply tie a fishing line or strong thread tightly around the nut. In addition, stock up on a building level, a tape measure and a drill attachment that allows you to screw in self-tapping screws. You will need the latter if you do not have a special screwdriver. You may need a metal square with sides different thicknesses, it is also called metalworking. You will need it to simplify the cutting of panels for decorating slopes. It is used like this: the cut is made based on a leg of smaller thickness, and a thicker leg is used as a stop.

You can cut the panels with an electric jigsaw or a hand-held circular saw. If you have to buy these tools, then keep in mind that the cost of a saw with a cutting depth of 12 mm is significantly higher than the cost of a jigsaw. However, you should also consider the versatility of the saw. When replacing blades, it can be used to cut a wide variety of materials. In addition, the saw is compact and easy to use.

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How to install the panels?

Before installing MDF wall panels, they must be calculated and purchased in the required quantity. Determining how much material is needed is quite simple. To do this, it is enough to calculate the surface area that will be covered and add 15% in reserve.

Installation diagram of a suspended ceiling made of PVC panels.

Inspect the room before starting work. If it has ever become damp, the wall covering is swollen or cracked, the plaster has noticeable unevenness, or the thickness of the plaster layer is less than 1.2 cm, then careful preparation of the surface is necessary. To do this, you need to completely clean the main wall of plaster and remove the baseboards.

There are 2 ways to install MDF. The first involves the installation of a sheathing on which the panels will be attached, and the second will require special galvanized profiles.

Perform installation wooden sheathing easier than installing profiles.

Scheme of additional profiles.

It will require less hardware for fastening, but its cost is higher than the cost of profiles. When making wooden sheathing, slats or slabs must be soaked in a special antifungal composition, and also treated with materials that will protect them from rot and mold.

It is not recommended to use the lathing in brick houses and in damp rooms, since the space between the wall and the cladding creates conditions for pests ideal conditions. You won't notice that the finish is damaged until mold or mildew appears, and when this happens, it will have already spread widely. Harmful particles can penetrate the sheathing through the pores of the brick.

To make a metal frame, you will need U-shaped profiles: guides and regular ones (UD and CD, respectively). The main difference between them is the cross-sectional configuration.

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Frame making

Dowels or self-tapping screws are used to attach the wooden sheathing to the wall. For metal sheathing, only self-tapping screws are used. The diameter of the fastener should be from 4 to 6 mm, depending on the strength of the base wall: the stronger, the smaller the diameter. Fastening element must be driven into the base wall by at least 3 cm. That is, if the thickness of the MDF panel is 1.6 cm, the thickness of the lathing element is 4 cm, and plaster is applied to the wall with a layer of 1.2 cm, then it is permissible to use screws or dowels with a length of at least 10 cm.

Installation of wooden sheathing begins with the installation of vertical posts. They are placed in each corner in pairs, so that an angle is formed between them. Also, vertical posts are located on the sides of the door and window openings to the entire height of the room. They must be positioned strictly vertically. You can check this with a plumb line.

First, the place for fastening the racks is marked on the wall with a pencil, then in it and in the wall the places for making holes for fasteners corresponding to each other are marked. The distance between the holes should be from 50 to 70 cm. Next, the racks are fastened with screws or dowels. Horizontal sheathing elements are installed in the same way.

Lathing made of metal profiles is made according to the same principle as wooden lathing. UD profiles are installed vertically, and CD profiles are installed horizontally. It is best to cut the profiles into the required length elements with a circular saw or a small grinder.

MDF panels for walls are boards made from wood fiber by dry pressing of wood chips. This building material has an average density, and to give it high degree For strength, sawdust is mixed with urea resins and processed using high temperature and significant pressure. Finally, the MDF panel is further processed to achieve aesthetic appeal.

Features and Benefits

MDF for walls is prepared using the same technology, but the finish of their surface is always different, in this regard, several types of these panels for walls can be distinguished:

1. created using natural veneer covering as a decorative finish. The products are distinguished not only by their excellent strength and reliability, but also by their high price.
2. panels are the most popular and in demand of all types of material. To create these panels, pasting with melamine film is used. This allows you to simulate the structure natural wood so popular when decorating the walls of a room. To improve appearance The slabs are covered with a high-gloss film.
3. Technical and office premises, workshops and garages are finished using painted MDF panels. In this case, the decorative coating is a layer of paint. On such models there is no imitation of the tree structure.

MDF panels have improved technical characteristics. When creating them, the manufacturer does not use harmful resins rich in phenol.

After grinding and processing the wood chips, the resulting dust is treated under high temperature in special ovens. The process lasts until lignin is released, which ensures the gluing of the raw material.

The main advantages of the MDF panel are:

• attractive price;
• possibility of use both for leveling the surface of walls and for decoration;
• ease of installation without the help of a qualified specialist;
• strength;
• reliability;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• ease of care.

There are several ways to attach MDF wall panels during work related to decorating the surface of walls indoors. One of them requires the assembly of a frame and sheathing, while the other requires a special adhesive for wall panels.

Frame mounting

To assemble a high-quality frame and sheathing, use wooden blocks or metal profile. Both structures are required for fastening decorative material when registering residential and office premises. Methods of attaching panels to the frame allow not only to visually change interior space, but also to hide certain defects found on the surface of the walls. When choosing how to mount, you need to take into account the degree of unevenness of the base. Significant flaws in the form of voids, dips or bumps can be corrected with the help of a high-quality frame and sheathing.

Fastening the wall panels to the frame is necessary during work related to leveling the surface. In rooms with high humidity, only a metal profile is used to construct the frame. The construction of the sheathing allows for the installation of additional insulation. Frame for fastening panels with your own hands in dry and warm room assembled from wooden beams: prepared wood (bars with a section of 30x40) must be installed and secured strictly vertically along the entire perimeter of the room.

The very first (starting) profile is attached directly to the floor, the second - to the ceiling. Having installed the horizontal profiles along the entire perimeter of the room, proceed to attaching the vertical guides. The distance between the bars does not exceed 60 cm. This is due to the fact that the dimensions of the MDF panels are as follows:

• width ranges from 153 to 200 mm;
• the length depends on which company is the manufacturer; this parameter reaches from 2 to 2.6 m;
• thickness from 5 to 14 mm.

Installation Features

Installation of MDF panels, metal profiles or bars begins from any corner of the room by laying individual elements vertically or horizontally. If it is necessary to create additional noise or heat insulation, insulation boards are placed between the lathing slats.

The distance between the slats in this case depends on the parameters of the thermal insulation material used. It is 2-3 cm smaller than the width of the insulation, which allows the mineral wool slabs to be tightly laid.

Each MDF panel is equipped with a special groove for installing clamps and fastening to the frame. The frame itself is fixed using “crabs” and brackets. MDF fastening panels to the wall cannot be called a complex process if the frame of the structure is assembled correctly and strictly according to the level.

When creating the sheathing, it is important to remember that the fastening elements (screws), or rather their length, are selected taking into account the thickness and height of the bar or profile. The self-tapping screw must be embedded into the wall to a depth of at least 40 mm.

Before constructing the frame, you need to determine the highest point on the wall surface and set the vertical and horizontal from this value. All work is carried out under constant supervision building level equipped with a spirit level. It is necessary to check not only the horizontal and vertical, but also both diagonals on each wall being sheathed.

The dimensions of MDF panels are of great importance when it is decided to attach them to the wall using a frame, and when performing work using a special adhesive composition, choose certain types panels.

It is more difficult than covering a correctly assembled frame with such panels.

Glue mounting

Before attaching MDF panels to the wall, you must:

1. Clean the surface from any dirt, dust, remnants of old coating in the form of paint, wallpaper or cracked plaster.
2. All areas to be restored must be plastered again.
3. After the solution has completely dried, prime the wall for maximum adhesion.

Knowing how to attach MDF panels to the wall, you can complete all the work in the most short term. It is necessary that the surface is not only carefully prepared, but also absolutely flat. MDF panels must be glued to the wall in such a way as to ensure complete adhesion and avoid air getting under the components of the structure.

If tiles or ceramic tiles are glued to the walls in one motion and cannot be dismantled and re-glued, then the peculiarity of the process of gluing MDF panels is that the future cladding cannot be glued immediately. It must be pressed against the wall, held for a few seconds and torn off. After this, let the glue dry slightly and re-attach the panel to the wall surface. You can glue MDF only by applying significant force when pressing the panel.

If the wall surface is prepared incorrectly or poorly for gluing MDF panels, the fixation will not be strong and durable.

Panels with adhesive applied to their surface must be laid on a clean, dry, absolutely flat and smooth wall. The quality of the cladding also depends on how correctly the first panel was glued. It must be secured in strict accordance with the vertical mark made using a plumb line or laser level level.

The final stage is the installation of plugs and other decorative elements. The inner corners are fixed with glue. Its color is selected exactly to match the finishing material and applied with a thin snake, trying to avoid the appearance of excess on the panels after pressing the corner.

You can study all stages of the work in detail by watching the video.

Interior decoration using MDF wall panels is very popular due to the many positive qualities, which this finishing material. This is not only an opportunity to perform all manipulations without the involvement of qualified specialists, but also to increase the strength and reliability of the structure. MDF wall panels allow you to change the interior space of a room, giving it attractiveness and increasing its aesthetics.