The walls are made of mdf in the apartment. MDF wall panels do-it-yourself installation: mounting options for MDF wall panels on glue and frame. How the work is carried out

Wall decoration is an integral part of the repair work in most apartments. The number of options is amazing with a wide variety of options. One of the easiest and fastest is to use MDF panels. About how this material can be used for interior decoration, what advantages and disadvantages it has, and much more will be discussed in this material.

Pros and cons

Before giving preference to any building material, you need to familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of MDF panels

Availability. Easily found in most hardware stores or specialty markets.
Low cost. The total cost of the purchased material will be less than most analogues.
Ease of installation. The simplicity of the design allows you to mount MDF panels quickly and without problems. Even a person with no experience can cope with this work with the necessary tools.
Presentable appearance. The appearance of MDF panels looks extremely solid, especially the colors for expensive woods.
Additional thermal insulation and sound insulation.
Safe composition. Do not contain harmful substances for human health.

Flaws

Fire hazardous. Manufactured from wood components, panels can ignite when exposed to flames.
Poor moisture resistance. A damp indoor environment is not the best option for placing MDF panels. Long exposure to a humid environment adversely affects the structure of the material, it swells and bends.

What are MDF panels?

Different types of MDF panels have their own individual characteristics. Their number is constantly increasing. They differ not only in the design of the front part, but also in size, colors and production.

Types of MDF panels according to production technology

The following modifications are distinguished, depending on the production technology used:

Standard. The simplest option, low cost, as it does not have any additional features. It is used for decoration strictly in rooms without a sharp temperature drop.
moisture resistant. Treated with a special composition that is able to withstand moisture. It can be used in bathrooms and toilets, however prolonged and direct exposure to water will still damage the panel.

Types of panels according to the design of the front part

The front part of the MDF panels can be divided to a large extent, which creates a wealth of choice:

. Resistant to many factors: moisture, mechanical damage, etc. It is obtained by applying a special layer to the surface of the panel.
Veneered. A thin layer of wood is placed on the surface, which gives the product a beautiful structure.
Cork. A special production technology makes it possible to cover the wall panel with a thin layer of cork. The resulting modification is very expensive, and does not always justify its use.
decorative. Imitating natural stone, brick or tile.

Types of MDF panels by manufactured sizes

Before buying MDF panels, you need to familiarize yourself with its dimensions. All manufacturers produce products with different dimensions, however, frequently encountered options can be noted.

For example, sheets with a length of 2600 mm are most often produced, but options from 2400 to 2700 mm can be found. Width is also not a uniform value. Usually the value of this parameter is in the range of 150-900 mm. Some manufacturers produce sheets with a width of 1200 mm.

The thickness may vary by several times. Most often, during repairs, panels with a thickness of 3-9 mm are used, but even 60 mm options can be found on sale.

Important! When choosing a thickness, you should be guided by the fact that when choosing thin panels (up to 12 mm), they will only perform a decorative function. Above this value, this type of building material has the properties of preserving heat and extinguishing extraneous sounds.

Types of MDF panels by laying method

There are three popular types of MDF panels, depending on the installation method:

MDF panel color

The color scheme of the panels is very diverse. The colors that imitate the structure of wood, such as oak or walnut, are the most popular. They look very similar to natural array, however, they are much cheaper. The weight of products is much less than that of natural wood.

There are also MDF panels that imitate animal skin, rock. Some manufacturers produce with ornaments and patterns. Popular among consumers are MDF wall panels painted in one or more colors. Their skillful combination allows you to create original design solutions. Colors can be either glossy or matte.

How to fix MDF panels?

Before buying MDF panels, you need to decide on the method of their installation. The purchase of additional materials for fastening depends on this. In practice, two types of installation of wall panels are most often used:

Frame mounting. Requires certain skills. The frame is best used in cases where the wall has significant irregularities that will be noticeable after the installation of the panels. It is assembled from wooden bars or a metal profile. In addition, the design allows for additional insulation. The main disadvantage of this method is the loss of usable space.

installation of veneered MDF panels Rada Doors

installation of mdf panels on the wall

Sticking to the wall. This method should be used only in cases where the surface has a flat surface. MDF panels are glued using "liquid nails" or other adhesive that is suitable for this work.

How to choose high-quality MDF panels

Even though MDF wall panels are relatively inexpensive, however, the purchase of low-quality material can subsequently lead to disastrous results and repeated spending. To choose high-quality panels, follow the tips:

Check the certificate of product conformity to quality standards. When buying, be sure to request this document from the seller. Its presence indicates the absence of harmful elements that can be used to produce these panels, such as toxic resins or formaldehyde.
Visually inspect the entire batch of goods that you plan to purchase. A large number of defective copies should alert. Any irregularities, cracks and other deviations from the norm are a sign of a poor-quality product. Buying it is highly discouraged, even if the price is too attractive.
Look carefully at the colors. In addition to the uniformity of the color gamut, you need to check such a parameter as the evenness of the layer overlay. If there are irregularities, this indicates a low quality product.

Popular manufacturers

Today, many companies around the world produce these products, however, not many can boast of good quality. Consider the rating of the best companies producing MDF panels:

Swiss krono group. A large woodworking enterprise that has representative offices and factories in many countries of the world. The products are of European quality at domestic prices.
P&M Kaindl. Austrian company, one of the leaders in the production of MDF products. The most advanced equipment is installed at the plant, which allows to produce only high-quality products that are sold all over the world, including in our country.
Sonae Industries. The company from Portugal is also one of the largest in the world. It has been producing MDF boards for almost 30 years. During this time, she has proven herself from the best side.
LLC "Master and K". A domestic company that has been in existence for over 20 years. The high-quality products of this plant are used and sold not only in Russia, but also in many countries of the world. The assortment of the company is constantly expanding.

New in 2018

Breeze panels with 3D effect. Allows you to use the panels as a decorative accent in the interior. Combines with conventional panels.

Can be laid horizontally and vertically, thereby simplifying zoning options.

MDF panels in the interior of different rooms:

Below are photos of projects where the walls of the rooms are sheathed with MDF panels.

Living room.

Interior decoration of premises is a task that is relevant for both residential buildings and public buildings. Among the presented range of building materials, various panels made of synthetic and natural raw materials are very popular. The last group of products includes MDF panels, whose variety of types allows you to choose the material for facing rooms of any type.

Peculiarities

Natural materials have always been at the peak of popularity, but, unfortunately, their volume is very limited. In this case, the correct and effective solution was the use of various production waste from a natural product, which allows to reduce losses, as well as to obtain attractive and high-quality raw materials.

It was in this way that materials such as chipboard and fiberboard appeared on the shelves of hardware stores, and later a fibreboard called MDF.

Similar products are widely used in the decoration of walls in rooms., they are preferred to be used in apartments, for lining bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, for finishing office premises, etc. This trend is due to the environmental safety of raw materials, reasonable cost, as well as ease of installation, due to which it is quite possible to mount these products at home with your own hands.

The main components that make up the MDF panels are wood chips and other waste from this raw material. Special substances are introduced into a similar composition and compressed.

The manufacturing technology of the material includes the following processes:

The threshing device grinds wood into elements of a given size.
The resulting fragments are washed and sieved. As a result, larger chips and various debris are sifted out.
After that, the resulting composition undergoes steam treatment.
Epoxy resin is introduced into the finished and purified raw materials and the mass is carried out under a press under high pressure.

The resulting sheet material is cut into products of specified dimensions.
To give a smooth surface, the panels undergo a process of grinding and processing with decorative compositions. Works to make products visually attractive consist in covering the base of the material with a film, laminating or staining. The first option allows the panels to become similar to wood or stone.

In addition, the decorative coating provides products with protection from dirt and moisture, which greatly expands the range of products.

The positive features of MDF panels include the following properties:

Environmental friendliness of the material - phenol is not used during the manufacture of products, which indicates the safety of the raw materials obtained.
It is possible to sheathe walls or ceilings without the involvement of hired workers.
Cutting the material is quite simple, with almost no debris left during this task.
Today, a large assortment of similar products is on sale, among which there are panels that have different colors and textures. Due to such a variety, with the help of products, it is possible to implement almost any design solution not only for small intermediate rooms, such as a hallway, corridor or toilet, but also to decorate the main living rooms - a hall or a living room.

And cabinets decorated with MDF panels will emphasize the good taste and status of the owner.

The material is inherent in heat-insulating and sound-proofing qualities, due to which the level of comfort in the room increases.
The product does not require any specific maintenance, any dirt can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
Since the main raw materials used for the production of products are of low cost, the material itself is distinguished by an acceptable price.
Surfaces can be sheathed in several ways, so that in some cases there is no urgent need to level the bases.

Fasteners on the frame will hide all the existing defects on the walls.

In addition to the advantages, the products have some negative qualities:

the presence of an additional coating on the products does not provide 100% resistance of the material to moisture;
it should be borne in mind that the design will take up some area of \u200b\u200bthe room when mounted on the crate;
despite its environmental safety, the products belong to the category of fire hazardous building materials.

Kinds

Taking into account the specifics of the production technology at each individual stage, MDF panels have the following characteristics common to all products:

material strength varies from 600 to 1200 kg/m3;
the average tensile strength of the product is 0.55 MPa;
the allowable leaf moisture level should not exceed 10%;
in percentage terms, the level of various additives in raw materials is 10%;
the thickness of the product varies between 6-40 mm.

Based on the production method, there are several main types of MDF panels:

Moisture resistant products. The material is notable for its high strength and high cost. Such products do not deform even with prolonged contact with water, they tolerate mechanical stress and loads well. The panels are recommended for use in rooms with high humidity, and in some cases, the products are used for exterior decoration of buildings.
Whole-piece products. The material is produced by hot pressing of the panel components. The finished product has a smooth base, the level of strength of the panels is average compared to other types. Based on the cost of the product proposed by the manufacturers, it can be attributed to economy class products.
laminated products. The product manufacturing process is similar to the method described above. Among the individual features, it is worth noting the ability of the material to repel water, abrasion resistance, as well as resistance to contact with chemicals. Due to their features and strength, the products can be installed not only indoors, but also outside, however, they are not suitable for constant contact with moisture.

Taking into account the variety of external design of the rails, products can be classified as follows:

Veneered panels. They are similar in texture and color to natural wood. To achieve this effect, the outer side is covered with veneer with a layer of about 3 mm.
Glossy. They have a laminating film layer. Due to its presence, the material acquires a shiny appearance and resistance to moisture.
Painted panels. For work, a special composition is used, which sets the required shade and hides possible irregularities in the base.

Painted products can be either matte or glossy.

Given the differences in product density, manufacturers distinguish the following types of material:

HDF - where the value exceeds 800 kg/m3;
LDF - density is from 200 kg / m3 and above.

The front surface of the panels can be milled or flat.

Focusing on covering possibilities, the material is divided into the following types:

rack;
tiled;
sheet.

Scope of application

MDF panels have found their application in several industries at once. These include the production of furniture, the construction industry, with the help of products you can mount partitions, arches, etc.

We can distinguish the following types of work where this product is in demand:

production of door panels;
roof lathing device;
production of window sills;
using panels, protective screens are made for ventilation and heating devices;
products are used for suspended ceilings and flooring;
during wall finishing work.

Preparatory work

To determine the amount of material required for the design of the bases, certain measurements should be taken - measure the width of the walls. Since the panels are available in various sizes, having decided on a specific type of material, the width of the wall should be divided by the same value of one product.

However, even properly organized work can be associated with various damage to facing products, so it is best to purchase a little more material.

The preparatory process prior to the installation of MDF panels on the frame includes the following set of works:

In order to fix products on a frame of a wooden or metal type, it is not necessary to level the surfaces. In this case, it will be enough to clean the walls from dust and dirt. But serious defects need to be fixed.
All wiring that is available in the room is hidden in corrugated pipes.
If you plan to lay the material in fairly damp rooms, the walls should be pre-treated with an antiseptic primer.

The preparatory work that precedes the installation of products on the adhesive comes down to the mandatory cleaning of the base, after which the walls must be primed.

Rack-type panels are cut taking into account the height of the walls, the corners are cut off, the edge is processed with sandpaper.

If you plan to glue square products, their size is adjusted after fitting.

How to fasten?

The choice in favor of one or another method of installing such products is based on the condition of the walls, as well as the specifics of the room and the conditions in which the material will be used in the future.

The frame mounting option is reduced to installing lamellas on a specially equipped crate.

if there are serious defects on the wall that cannot be repaired;
when there is a question about the need to provide sound insulation and thermal insulation;
you need to hide various communications under the finish, for example, wiring.

The frame can be made of a wooden beam or a galvanized profile. Each option has positive and negative features. The wooden structure does not need a large number of fasteners, it can be attached with self-tapping screws, in addition, the raw material has similar characteristics in terms of moisture absorption as the finishing material itself.

The crate needs additional treatment with antiseptics, as it is susceptible to moisture.

The metal construction is distinguished by a long service life and moisture resistance. In addition, the metal frame guarantees a more reliable and rigid fastening, which is important in wet rooms, where the panels can deform and elongate.

But the construction of the crate, which will be many times more durable than the finish itself, is impractical.

Products can be mounted both horizontally and vertically. in addition, to create a specific pattern, some experts mount products diagonally. Regardless of the installation direction chosen, the frame and panel rails must be perpendicular to each other.

Vertical installation is considered the most common, since during such work a minimum amount of waste remains after cutting products.

After the construction of the crate, you can begin to install the panels.

There are the following cladding options:

The panels can be glued - in this version, the products are processed with the composition in those places where they will be fixed with the frame. This method is relevant for products with a small thickness of the plates.
Mechanical fastening with hardware - this option will be acceptable for rooms with a stable temperature and normal air humidity.
Fixing the elements with clamps - the essence of the installation is to put a clip on the edge of the rail and connect it to the frame with nails. This method is the most popular.

Installation is carried out in the following sequence:

The panels are adjusted in length, the edge of the products is sanded.
It is best to install in the direction of the window opening, if any.
The first bar is installed in such a position that its edge with the comb is directed into the corner. Next, the panels are fastened to the frame guides, a clamp is put on the edge.
The following panels are fixed with a comb into the groove to the previous element. The corners and the upper edge are formed with a universal corner.

The frameless method is chosen only when the bases in the room have a perfectly flat surface.

Installation involves the following steps:

work must begin from the corner of the room, moving towards the window;
before mounting on a concrete or any other surface, it is necessary to make markings on it that correspond to the dimensions of the facing material;
for high-quality sizing, the adhesive composition is applied to the back of the product in a zigzag pattern, after which the element is pressed against the wall and immediately removed;
after a few minutes, the product is finally pressed to the surface;
installation can be performed both end-to-end and overlap;
corners and edges are closed with skirting boards or corners.

Finishing materials for today invented a huge amount. Among others, MDF panels in our country have become the favorite of many Russians for their attractive appearance and affordability. Today it will be told how the walls are finished with MDF panels, about the features of this material, the working tool and other related issues.

Representative view of wall decoration with MDF panels

To begin with, let's say a few words about the material itself in order to better understand its purpose and scope.

MDF panel before installation

The photo shows the simplest version of the MDF panel. Before you is a sheet material consisting of two parts. The first is a base made from compressed wood fibers. They are held together by adhesives. In fact, this is a regular fiberboard, but with some differences.
The second part is a layer of lamination, a moisture-proof film on which the texture is depicted. It is she who completely determines the appearance of the panel.
The format of MDF panels is different - long, short, in the form of strips and even shields.

The walls are covered with veneered panels

Outwardly, MDF resembles wood paneling - there were no other patterns in practice. However, the choice before you is still not small. For clarity, you can consider the following photo.

Assortment of colors for the home

Depending on the type of panel, the method of its installation also differs. The most common is the thorn-groove mounting system. The panels are inserted into each other and simultaneously attached to the base with metal brackets or self-tapping screws.
Installed MDF on a wooden frame. This allows you to quickly and efficiently sheathe them without preparing the walls. Under the panels, you can place layers of insulation, various communications (heating radiators, electrical wiring, water pipes) and even out significant differences in the base plane.
Separate panels are glued - they need to prepare a perfectly flat base, for example, plywood or plasterboard.

In what rooms do they put MDF

To accurately determine the purpose of the room in which MDF can be installed, you need to know the properties of this material.

Panels are laminated on all sides

The main enemy of MDF is moisture. The material, upon contact with water, begins to actively absorb it. This leads to swelling of the base and peeling of the lamination. The appearance of the product immediately deteriorates, microorganisms begin to multiply on it.

Interesting to know! There are moisture resistant grades of MDF. This is a more expensive solution. They are covered with laminated film on all sides, and also have a special impregnation. They can be used in wet areas, but direct contact with water is also undesirable.

The composition of the material contains formaldehydes, which are harmful to human health. There is especially a lot of it in cheap varieties that fill the shelves of Russian stores. Because of this, it is better not to put such a finish in living rooms.

How can the walls in the hallway be finished with MDF panels

The circle of searches has narrowed. MDF panels should not be installed in bathrooms and kitchens. The second option can still be considered if the panels are located away from the sink and gas stove.
It is also not recommended to use them in bedrooms and other living rooms.
A suitable place for them is utilitarian premises, offices, public places. Finishing the corridor with MDF panels will fit well into a private house. In the apartment they can be installed on the balcony or in the same hallway.

Finishing in the hallway with MDF panels

If high-quality material is purchased, then the panels can become an excellent accent spot in the interior of the living room and even the bedroom.

Panel installation process

It is not difficult to master the technique of mounting MDF panels with your own hands, the main thing is to clearly follow the sequence of actions and correctly set the frame. Further we will tell about all this in detail and with illustrations.

Work tool

Let's start with preparation. The first thing we need to provide is the tool. The set is simple, but big enough:

	The frame will be attached to the walls mechanically. If the base is made of brick or concrete, then it will have to be drilled to install the fasteners. A perforator will do the job best.
	If your walls are made of wood, or, as in this case, adobe, the rail to them can be twisted onto self-tapping screws. For this you need a screwdriver. It can also be useful when fixing panels - more on that later.
	The frame can be assembled from wooden slats and timber or a metal profile. To cut the material in the first case, you need a hacksaw for wood, and in the second - scissors for metal.
	MDF itself is cut with a jigsaw. There are no special requirements for the quality of the cut, since all the edges obtained in the process are closed with decorative strips.
	The plane of the frame must correspond to the vertical. It is possible to verify it using any level: bubble, laser or plumb. To expose the ceiling frame, you can also use the water level. Important! If you plan to install a metal frame, it is better to use more accurate tools. The bubble level gives errors, so we use it only when working with wood, since it is almost impossible to set it exactly anyway.
	In work, you constantly have to measure and cut something, so we stock up a good five-meter tape measure (preferably two pieces), a construction slate pencil, and a carpenter's square.

We also note the following devices:

Stationery knife - helps to print packs with panels, trim the fringe at the edges, make marks on the laminated surface.
Hacksaw for metal - needed for cutting fragile, bending decorative corners.
Hammer - the edges of the panels, which will be hidden under the corners, are conveniently fastened to nails.
Stool - use as a stand when cutting materials.
Construction stapler - panels can also be attached to it, if there is confidence in the evenness of the frame.
Miter box - allows you to cut corners clearly at 45 degrees.
Mounting glue gun - the corners are glued to the "liquid nails". This glue is sold in plastic tubes, from which it is squeezed out with a gun, as in the photo below.

Mounting gun for applying glue

You can adapt to work and other tools. We will mention some of them in the installation section.

materials

We turn to the preparation of materials. Apart from the MDF panels themselves, we buy the following:

	The universal decorative corner consists of two long strips connected only by a laminated film. This structure allows you to bend the part in different directions and use it as an outer and inner corner. Advice! The corners are handled very carefully, as the film is easily damaged, which will instantly spoil the whole appearance.
An example of a wooden slat	The frame will be wooden. Depending on the configuration of the walls, you can buy a rail with a thickness of 20 mm and a width of 40 mm, and a bar with a section of 35 * 35 mm or more. Take planed lumber with good geometry - so the frame will be easier to level. More powerful elements are taken when the walls are heavily littered. This is necessary for the strength of the future frame.
	In the process, you will also need direct suspensions. They are mainly taken for the ceiling, but for small wall indentations they will be convenient and reliable.
	MDF panels are mounted on kleimers - galvanized metal brackets inserted into the grooves. This fastener is hidden. It provides a secure and fast fixation.
	The rail is attached to the walls with plastic dowel-screws. If the base is made of wood, self-tapping screws are used.
	"Liquid nails" must be chosen correctly. You need an acrylic white or transparent composition. Adhesives based on synthetic resins are not suitable, as they get very dirty, and they can only be removed with a solvent, which can also whiten the lamination.

The main materials are all listed. If something comes up, we will additionally mention it during the description of the work.

Wall frame installation

We start with the crate. The frame belts are installed perpendicular to the direction of the MDF sheathing. Usually this direction is vertical, which means that we twist the slats along the horizon.

Assembled crate on the wall with a window opening - the room looks sad

Here is the first photo from the object. As shown, the wall is very crooked and was repaired in the distant Soviet past. There is no need to talk about any evenness of the foundation. Here's what was done.
Lathing belts were installed (the rail was screwed onto the 60th and 70th wood screws), two main horizontals of the window opening, which will help form the slopes (these parts are placed with long belts in one plane).
The presentation goes like this. First, the most protruding part is determined by the level - usually this is the top or bottom of the wall. Then, in this place, the first rail is attached, pre-cut to length.
A nylon thread is stretched along the outer corner of the belt - along it we trim the rail, putting in the right places the bars chopped from the rail. You can take any other lining. If the difference exceeds 3 cm, then it would be more reasonable to put direct suspensions.

Inner corner of the crate

Next, the opposite rail is placed in the same manner. When setting it up, first of all, we focus on the vertical level.

Advice! If your level is short, use it in conjunction with a rule or even rail of the desired length.

The base frame of the first wall is ready. Then we fix the intermediate belts, breaking the wall into segments of 50-60 cm, but no more.
When passing through curved places, like the inside corner, as shown in the photo above, you can knock down the plaster a little, if possible. Details in the corners are placed in one line and tightly adjacent to each other.

Checking the evenness of the crate

The middle belts are much easier to expose. An even rail applied to already aligned elements will help with this. Again, add sticks as needed.

Attention! Linings are always made on both sides of the fastener, since when tightened, the belt will necessarily warp. Supports should not just be slipped, but attached to the belt with small nails or “liquid nails” glue. The fact is that the tree will dry out over time, and it is likely that the bar will fall out, weakening the strength of the frame.

Radiator frame

If heating radiators are installed on the wall, they also need to be beaten correctly. For beauty and convenience, a box is built around, on the front of which a convection grate is installed.
Since the design is partially independent of the base, a more powerful beam was used. Please note that all parts are fastened together with steel furniture corners - this is a quick, convenient, and most importantly, reliable solution.
The frame is built according to the following principle. First, the side racks and the crossbar connecting them are placed. They are attached to the bottom rail, which is screwed to the floor. Connect the racks to the base with short pieces of timber. It is also possible to additionally provide reinforcing parts.
Then the position of the radiator grille is determined. According to the data received, internal racks are being installed.
At the end, horizontal jumpers are attached.

Attention! You do not need to center the grate in height, you will still have skirting boards installed. It is most correct to retreat from the top edge of 10 cm, then set aside the height of the lattice plus 3 mm, and leave the rest as it is.

A slightly larger niche is needed for the grate to successfully fit into the opening. The same rule applies to width. At the object in question, this principle was not useful, since the purchased grating is needed for adhesive mounting.

Frame for interior wall decoration with MDF panels

This picture shows how to pass openings and external corners. Look at the door on the left. The main vertical is installed there, which forms the slope angle. The belts of the crate come close to it and are tied to the corners and self-tapping screws.

A large rectangular opening in the middle of the room does not need such details. Reiki from adjacent walls simply converge into a corner and are pulled together with hardware. In this place, when setting, a level check is strictly required.

Separately, it should be said about the installation locations of switches and sockets - a crate is also required around the boxes.

Ceiling frame

We proceed to the installation of the crate on the ceiling. If the MDF will be mounted on it.

Ready-made frame for ceiling sheathing with MDF panels

When the wall frame is assembled, its upper belt must be installed at such a height that it is below the ceiling level. And it is better to make it so that it acts as a guide for setting up a horizontal crate.
To do this, around the entire perimeter of the room, the belt is attached at a horizontal level. For setting, a water level or a laser axis builder is used. You can go the other way - use a wider rail, on which you then mark the line of the ceiling frame with a coloring thread. In this case, the master used the first method.
It is also possible to use a metal profile for drywall PPN 27 * 28 as a guide.
Ceiling sheathing belts are installed - the slats are wound up and placed on the upper wall belts. Then they are placed in increments of 50-60 cm.
We fasten the parts along the edges to the main ceiling for suspensions. Also, the suspensions rotate in the middle every 70-80 cm. We bend their ears temporarily to the sides.
Then we press the belts to the ceiling and fasten them to any of the suspensions. We pull the nylon thread across for a guideline and alternately release the slats, exposing along it, immediately fixing it on the self-tapping screws.
After complete alignment, the belts are attached to all direct hangers fixed above them.

This completes the work with the crate, we move on to the sheathing.

Installation of MDF panels

We unpack the first pack and check the integrity of all panels. If a battle is discovered, you don’t need to get upset - there will be many places where the trimmings will go.

MDF panel layout

We measure the height of the wall. If the ceiling belts do not adjoin tightly to the wall belts, then you can take a larger size, then slipping the panel between the indicated parts.
We lay the MDF horizontally - for this it is convenient to use two stools. We set aside the resulting length along the tape measure and put a mark with a pencil. To obtain an even cut, we use a square for marking. It is better to mark the reverse side - so there is less risk of damaging the lamination.

cutting MDF panel

Cut the panel straight along the line. If you want to speed up, then you can cut 2-3 pieces at the same time - in this case, you will get some length difference, but this is not scary. See that the power of the jigsaw is enough for such a load, and the file does not burn out.

Setting the first lamella according to the level

Sheathing always starts from the corner - better than the inside. We apply the first panel and rest it against the belts of the adjacent wall. If you set the frame correctly, then the part will immediately stand in level. Just in case, we double-check and make adjustments if necessary.
You have the following options for alignment - slightly push the desired angle, or partially cut off the edges at the junction with the rails to the desired level.

Fixing the panel to the clamp

The panel is located with the ridge towards the corner, and the groove outward. A clamp is inserted into the groove, as shown in the photo above. There are three holes in this bracket - the central one is for self-tapping screws or nails, and the side holes are for a stapler.
In our case, the master chose self-tapping screws as the most reliable solution. We fasten MDF in this manner to all possible belts.

Fastening panels in a row

The second lamella (as well as each subsequent one) is inserted with a comb into the groove of the previous panel. Thus, the kleimer hides and this side is fixed. You need to drive the parts all the way, but do not use a hammer for this purpose, except perhaps only through a spacer.

Thus, sheathing is carried out around the entire perimeter of the room.

How obstacles are overcome

It is not difficult to sheathe a flat wall, especially if you work together - one cuts the panels, and the second fastens them. Only there are few such walls, but there are many with door and window openings, radiators and other obstacles. Here's what to do when passing them.

The photo shows that the master had to bypass the doorway, gas pipe and heating pipes. In the first case, l-shaped cutouts are made in the extreme panels, and the upper panels are cut in height (it is better to fasten their lower edge to nails). You need to mark such cutouts in place, after inserting the panel into the groove.

Gas pipe outlet

Pipes are more difficult. They are difficult to mark and cut evenly. Very often, when creating rounded cuts in MDF, the files do not withstand heat and burn out. Be sure to stock up on them.

Air conditioner, junction box and switch

There was also an air conditioner along the way. We did not begin to outweigh it, because we do not know how it is done, and the owners regretted the money to call the master. In the end, I had to bypass it. A little "hack", but in the end everything turned out very nicely.
You can also see the holes for the power boxes. They are made immediately along the sheathing with a screwdriver and wood crowns.

Structures for radiators are sheathed in the same way. You can use many different cuts here.

ceiling lining

We won’t write much about the ceiling, since the work is going on according to the same principle. We only note the following.

Joint for ceiling panels

The length of the MDF panel is 275 cm. Ceilings are often much larger, so the lamellas have to be joined at the ends (this can also happen on the walls). To do this reliably, the position of the belts must be calculated so that the edges exactly fall on the center of the rail, as shown in the photo.

Separate panels can be joined at the expense of end grooves, but such seams are still noticeable, and are also covered with decorative strips.

Masking corners and joints

Having installed all the panels, you will not see beauty yet, as untidy seams will spoil the whole picture. Let's do the finishing touches.

Cutting a decorative corner

Precision is important in this job. The corners of the room need to be decorated only after installing floor skirting boards. We measure the height of the corner and cut it off carefully with a hacksaw for metal.

Applying glue to the corner

We lay the part on a flat surface with the reverse side up, and apply glue to it. You can do this with a dotted line or a wavy line.

Glued corners decorate the room

Gently place the element in the seat and press down. Squeezed out excess glue immediately wipe with a dry cloth. The corner can be additionally fixed with masking tape.
If the corners are placed as a ceiling plinth, they will have to be joined at 45 degrees - this requires a miter box.

Closed battery with MDF panels

The radiator box is also passed in the same way, a decorative grille is installed. This is where the work ends.

Pay attention to the video: installation of MDF without a frame.

Wall decoration with MDF panels is not used so often. But this finish has its advantages, which are extremely difficult to dispute.
Therefore, this article will be about how to install MDF wall panels for interior decoration, you will learn all the intricacies of fixing this material. Get to know all the details.

Before buying, you should learn more about this type of finishing material. There are details that you may like, and there are things that will make you change your mind.
First of all, you should look at the photos and videos on this finishing material and imagine what exactly you want to see. After that, see what you will get in this design.
So:

The installation of this material is dry. That is, you do not need to do a long alignment of the walls and spend money on it.
Of course, this should be attributed to the merits;
You can also immediately make additional wall insulation, this will be exactly as an addition, and not a separate work, therefore, the costs will decrease;
Wall decoration with mdf plates is done completely with your own hands and without outside help. This greatly reduces the cost of the entire structure;
Finishing with MDF panels, even without the use of additional materials, is an additional heat and sound insulation;
After installation, you do not need to do additional cladding of the plane. And this is a direct cost reduction.

And how to do without disadvantages, they must be considered:

Wall panels for MDF interior decoration are afraid of dampness, and this is quite important. They should no longer be used in rooms with high humidity;
Some have seen MDF paneling in the office, the bottom edge of the finish is not attractive. It cracks and swells.
Therefore, it should immediately be said that they should not be fixed in the veranda. Here, temperature drops and splashes from shoes can still fall on the coating;
This finish occupies a usable area, is not attached to the frame. Moreover, it is possible to damage it mechanically and it will be impossible to make repairs unnoticed;
The low fire safety of the material can also repel the consumer;
Well, and most importantly, they will look extremely ridiculous and office-like in the hall. But if you use them when decorating an office or a hallway (see Decorating a hallway with MDF panels: types of panels and installation), then it will be just right.

We start finishing

If you decide to use this type of wall decoration and everything suits you, then for a start you should look at the interiors with MDF trim. There are several options here and it is necessary to decide on this at the initial stage.
All work will be done by hand and without outside help. Only in its implementation it is necessary to adhere to certain rules.

Surface preparation

This will be the first stage, which will largely determine the durability of the structure.

Attention: If your base plane is covered with a plaster layer of more than 10 cm and at the same time it was damp before. Then it will have to be completely removed.
Otherwise, MDF panels will absorb moisture and will peel and warp. Yes, and the mount will turn out then not too strong.
Need too long screws.

So:

We clean the plane from the previous coating and for this we use a metal brush. We remove everything from wallpaper to plaster.
We should have a completely clean base;

Now you should treat the surface with antiseptics, they are commercially available. Give preference to a deep penetration liquid and treat a couple of times.
Make sure to do this, it will significantly extend the life of the entire structure;
After cleaning and processing, the surface should be coated with a primer layer. To do this, use a brush or spray gun.

Lathing installation

MDF sheet panels for interior decoration are mounted on a frame, which can be made from a metal corner or wood. The design is not light weight and therefore it is worth doing everything thoroughly.
The fastening must be rigid and reliable.

Attention: If you chose a tree for the frame, then it should be treated with antiseptics and done in advance.
This will significantly increase the life of the wood and protect against mold and rot. Allow the material to dry completely before installation.

So:

First you need to determine the correct mounting plane. After all, the panel is a rather rigid structure and you cannot fix it over bumps.
Yes, and the edges must completely match in height. To do this, we take a plumb line and attach it to the wall and determine the degree of its deviation.
You should immediately take into account the thickness of the insulation, if you install it. We put marks on the wall at the top and at the bottom.
After that, you need to connect these points and for this we use a nylon thread. We do this on all planes.
This will be the contour of the fastening of the panels;
Now we take the slats and cut them into the desired size. It should be noted that they should be made a little shorter, about one cm.
They should not be fixed end-to-end against the wall. This way you will avoid trouble with temperature changes;
We attach rails. If the wall is made of wood, then self-tapping screws are perfect.
If the plane is made of concrete or brick, then you should make holes with a puncher and then make a connection with dowels. We make the fastening step not less than 40 cm;

To date, the easiest and fastest way to make the walls of your home beautiful and even is to finish with MDF panels. This solution is, of course, not suitable for all rooms, but for corridors, stairwells, closets and hallways, this material will be almost ideal. We will talk about it in this article, in which, together with the website, we will consider how the installation of MDF panels is carried out in a frame and frameless way with our own hands.

There are two ways to fix MDF panels on the walls - the so-called glue and frame. Both of these methods are good and are used depending on the circumstances. If the decoration of the walls with MDF panels provides for the hiding of any communications, then the frame method of fastening the MDF is used. If we are talking about finishing even walls, then the adhesive method is used.

Wall decoration with mdf panels photo

Installation of MDF panels: frame installation method

The very name of this method speaks for itself - for its implementation, you will need to build a frame, which in some way resembles the design that is used for. The difference lies only in the position of the carriers - if they are installed vertically to fasten drywall sheets, then MDF provides for a horizontal arrangement of profiles. In this regard, there are also features of the construction of such a frame.

In principle, at the first stage, everything happens in a similar way - the plane of the future frame is beaten off, then guide profiles are attached along the perimeter of the wall, on the floor, ceiling and adjacent walls. This is where the differences begin. In a given plane, the vertical cd bearing profiles are installed not after 600mm, but after 3000mm, which is the standard length of the carrier profile.

Installation of MDF panels: frame method

This is done in order to subsequently install horizontal cd bearing profiles between them, the pitch of which is 500 mm. They are connected to vertical profiles using crab cd connectors, and fixed to the wall with the same U-shaped brackets.

Mounting the frame is the main work in the process of installing MDF panels. Mounting itself is an easier process that almost everyone can handle. MDF panels are attached to the frame using clamps (special clips). The clamper itself is inserted into the groove located at the end of the panel before being attached to the frame, thus ensuring their secure fixation to the frame. The kleimers are designed so that they do not interfere with inserting the next panel into the groove.

Do-it-yourself installation of mdf panels photo

Do-it-yourself installation of panels on glue: installation features

Mounting MDF panels on walls with glue is much easier - the entire installation process is greatly facilitated by the absence of a metal or wooden frame, the construction of which takes a lot of time.

Installation of mdf wall panels photo

Before proceeding with the direct fastening of the panels, first we will deal with the glue that is used for these purposes. Or what kind of glue is not suitable here - you need a composition that has certain qualities.

Firstly, the glue must be plastic even after hardening - the fact is that MDF panels made from pressed cardboard are highly susceptible to deformation depending on the temperature and humidity in the room. Therefore, an adhesive is needed that can quench these very thermal expansions.
Secondly, the adhesive used for MDF panels should help them to fasten even in places where the walls are slightly curved. That is, the texture of the glue should make it possible to spread it both with a thin layer and with a thick one - in a word, it should be thick enough. The so-called "", which are successfully used to solve the question of how to mount MDF panels, are the best fit for these requirements, almost all masters.

Liquid nails for mounting mdf panels photo

The installation of panels with glue itself looks quite simple - its technology is almost completely described on a tube with Liquid Nails glue. It is not recommended to break it. To begin with, the walls glued with panels must be cleaned of dust and dirt - in principle, if you are going to seriously engage in self-repair, then the priming process, which is performed to clean the walls from dust and dirt, and at the same time to improve the adhesion of materials, should be included in your habit. Priming always, everything and everywhere.

Primer walls before mounting MDF panels photo

After the primer has dried, proceed to the direct gluing of the panels. In the meantime, it dries, you can do other preparations - for example, cut several dozen panels to size.

The glue is applied directly to the panel itself in a dotted manner and in a checkerboard pattern - the glue drops should be large. After the adhesive has been applied, the panel is pressed against the wall, tapped tightly and torn off. This is required by the gluing technology - it is necessary to tear off the panel so that the glue is weathered and the panel does not peel off from the wall under its own weight. To speed up the process and make the installation of MDF panels with your own hands faster, you can immediately, one after another, smear up to a dozen panels, attach them to the wall and tear them off. While the glue is weathered, it is allowed to smoke - after five minutes, the panels can be hooked onto the wall again and slammed down.

How to glue mdf panels on the wall photo

It is easy to glue the panels - it is much more difficult to cut them evenly and with high quality. In this regard, special attention must be paid to slopes and similar obstacles that come across in the way of mounting MDF panels. It should be understood that the appearance of the room depends entirely on the even trimming of the panels.

Installing mdf panels on walls

Well, in conclusion, let's dwell on the main nuances of installation, which are typical for both methods of fastening MDF panels.

First, there are the corners. It should be understood that bending MDF panels will not work, so they are simply cut as close to the corner as possible, after which the cut edges are safely covered with a special corner that can be used for both external and internal corners.
Secondly, this is a frame - the lowest horizontal profile should lie on the floor. In this way, you will ensure a secure fastening of the skirting boards.
Thirdly, in order to avoid distortion in the future, the first panel must be installed in accordance with the vertical level and firmly fixed with self-tapping screws in places where they will subsequently overlap (at the bottom with a plinth, at the top of the ceiling, in the corner with a decorative overlay). It is desirable to check the position of the panels with a level in the future - everything should not be controlled in a row, but it is necessary to apply it to every fifth panel.

That's basically it. This is how MDF panels are installed. This process is not complicated and not simple, as, in general, any finishing work, in which your attitude to the little things plays an important role, which together affect the overall picture of the repair. Simply put, there are no trifles in this matter.