Determining criteria when choosing kitchen furniture are strength and durability. But no one has canceled the aesthetic factor - so you should pay attention to such practical materials for finishing the kitchen, like MDF and chipboard. How they differ and which type is better is discussed in the article.
Comparison of two materials: MDF or chipboard
To give preference to one of these materials, you should understand what characteristics are inherent in each of them, since the external differences between facades and countertops made of MDF and laminated chipboard are minimal.
The abbreviation MDF stands for “fine fraction” and means a board made of medium-density wood fibers.
There are several varieties of this material, in addition to the basic one. For example, you can find fiberboards with PVC film and MDF frames. They all have their own characteristics that should be taken into account during operation.
Small budget kitchen 6 sq. meters from MDF
Advantages of pressed coating wood shavings(MDF):
- Easy to use. The material is malleable and plastic, which allows you to create almost any shape.
- This coating is considered environmentally friendly.
- Simplicity and ease of daily care, as the material is easily washed off from grease stains and other persistent contaminants.
- Wide variety of design options.
- Affordable price.
Considering the advantages of wood fiber coating, we can say that it is best option, if there is a choice between natural wood and artificial materials.
MDF is cheaper than wood, but more expensive than chipboard varieties. But it is worth considering the disadvantages of this finish:
- Insufficient water and moisture resistance.
- Lacquered varieties may be scratched by knives and other kitchen utensils.
- Low resistance to constant exposure to steam.
- If a scratch appears, you need to paint the entire surface; local exposure will not bring results.
- Tendency to dry out.
Despite the disadvantages, wood dust coating is quite popular, and there are reasons for this: tabletops cannot be deformed by hot objects, you can safely place hot kettles and pans on them, and they are protected from direct sunlight kitchen fronts will not spoil.
Corner kitchen made of framed MDF
In addition, among the variety of types of wood chips you can find truly durable and super-strong material.
1. Painted MDF (enamel)
This coating will be more expensive, but it has its advantages - for example, aesthetic appearance.
Enameled facades look stylish and expensive, and are quite easy to maintain - just wipe with any gel detergent.
In addition, enameled facades and countertops are environmentally friendly.
The choice of furniture with facades made of enameled MDF is simply huge - you can order kitchens with patterns, gradients, glossy shine, all the colors of the rainbow. Which color is better is up to you to decide.
The disadvantage of the coating is that it may not withstand exposure to the sun and light. Also, enamel is susceptible to mechanical damage. And if chips appear on the surfaces, they cannot be eliminated.
2. MDF covered with PVC film
On forums on the Internet you can find many reviews about kitchens from fibreboards with film coating. There is a wide variety of facades made of this material: one of the most popular and stylish colors is “wood”.
The main advantage of this coating is huge selection options, as well as ease and simplicity of operation. The price factor also plays an important role: kitchens made of MDF with film belong to the budget category.
It is easy to care for such furniture using the simplest non-concentrated detergent. The downside is that you need to protect the surfaces from excessive exposure to high temperatures, but the facades can easily withstand ordinary daily household loads.
3. Frame MDF
Surfaces made from framed MDF differ from other varieties in that they have frames that are easily recognizable by their characteristic appearance.
This material is more expensive, but looks much better than other types of wood chip coating.
Kitchens made from frame coverings are mainly made in classic style, but you can find more modern options.
4. Laminated chipboard
The abundance of photographs of kitchens with laminated chipboard facades on the Internet surprises with their beauty and sophistication. Kitchens made from laminated chipboard seem to be an excellent option for budget finishing, and more expensive for interiors.
The abbreviation of the name stands for “laminated particleboard coating”. Products made from this material can be the most different colors and shades, so you can choose options for various natural materials.
The main disadvantage of this coating is that it is not environmentally friendly, since formaldehyde is used in production. To buy the most safe material, pay attention to the markings. The lower the use of this substance, the more environmentally friendly the coating.
Advantages of laminated chipboard:
- Strength, wear resistance and durability.
- Does not scratch, can be cleaned from dirt with any detergent.
- Plasticity, wide variety of designs.
In addition, kitchens made from MDF and laminated chipboard can be assembled with your own hands. To do this, you will have to calculate the dimensions, footage and determine the type of furniture arrangement.
If you are thinking about what is better for the kitchen - MDF or laminated chipboard, then take into account all the pros and cons of both types of coatings and choose the best option for you.
Caring for furniture made of MDF and chipboard
Considering the pros and cons of both coatings, we can say that both materials are easy to maintain.
Therefore, if you cannot decide which material to choose for the kitchen, then preference should be given to the type that suits you in all respects - price, appearance, practicality.
Caring for MDF furniture depends on the type of coating. For example, natural MDF is easy to clean with an ordinary washcloth and any product, but enamel and film surfaces are not recommended to be cleaned with abrasives, so as not to scratch the enamel and upper layer PVC films.
Caring for laminated chipboard furniture involves regularly removing stains from surfaces using a soft sponge and any non-concentrated chemical.
It is also important to maintain an acceptable temperature in the kitchen, remove access to direct sun rays(for example, hang blinds on windows), avoid excessive humidity and do not apply mechanical damage surfaces. Due to the materials' resistance to various kinds dirt, they do not require special care.
IN furniture production The most popular materials are MDF and chipboard. Their characteristics are largely similar, but there are some differences. It is not surprising that many people, when purchasing these materials, think about how chipboard differs from MDF and which is better. To answer this question, you need to understand in more detail the qualities and production method of each of these materials.
Manufacturing Features
MDF is an abbreviation that refers to the finely divided fraction of wood. This material is made from fine sawdust (almost usually logging waste. The raw materials are crushed, treated with steam, thoroughly dried and glued together. SoHow is MDF different from chipboard?
Chipboard is a chipboard, for the production of which sawdust of different fractions is used. They are mixed with synthetic or and pressed at high temperatures. A large number of resins negatively affects the environmental friendliness of the material. The advantage is that it is close to the density of natural solid wood.
How does MDF differ from chipboard in appearance?
Many believe that these two building materials are similar not only in production, but also in appearance. This is wrong.
The fine wood fraction has the following characteristics:
the surface of the slab is even and smooth;
When studying the section, one can note the homogeneity and fine-grained structure of the material.
It also has pronounced characteristics:
the surface is uneven, slightly rough;
at the cut site you can see pieces of shavings and looseness of the material.
Differences in use in furniture production
For those who intend to use these materials to assemble cabinets, beds or decorative elements interior, it will be useful to knowWhat is the difference between MDF and chipboard in furniture?
The finely dispersed fraction is easy to cut and process. The screws can be screwed in without much difficulty. Ideal when needed figure cutting— the cut is perfectly smooth and neat. At the same time, the material is heavy and has different colour on both sides (one side is white).
Chipboard is more capricious in processing. The cuts often turn out sloppy and “torn”. When screwing in screws, chips and cracks may appear. The advantage is that the weight of the material is light and the sides are the same color.
Furniture makers are also familiar with another material - laminated chipboard. This board is essentially the same as chipboard, only slightly improved. The surface of the slabs is covered with a special facing film. This covering is made from paper and melamine resin.
The film is literally pressed into the surface of the plate and gives finished products increased strength and protection from moisture. The only drawback of this material is its high cost.
How to choose correctly
Based on the characteristics of all these building materials, one can ask a completely reasonable question:how MDF differs from chipboard,and for what purposes it is worth buying each material.
The finely dispersed fraction of wood is suitable for the manufacture of:
interior door leaves, platbands and boxes;
decorative overlays on entrance doors and platbands;
interior partitions;
cabinet furniture (even for rooms with a high level of importance).
The particle board will become great solution For:
assembling cabinet furniture;
interior partitions;
floors
At the same time, vulnerability to high humidity is considered a significant drawback. Laminated chipboard can cope with this task.
So, the difference in the materials used and production methods affects the performance characteristics of the slabs. That is why the same product made of wood particle board and fine fraction, will look different and require special care. When choosing a particular material for a specific purpose, you need to take into account everythinghow MDF differs from chipboard: weight, processing method, interaction with moisture.
There are two types of boards that are difficult to distinguish, especially if their ends are sealed - these are chipboards and MDF (fine wood fraction). Due to the difference in production, their properties differ, and, accordingly, the slabs have different quality.
What is the difference between chipboard and MDF?
The names themselves tell you how they differ from each other. Wood-based material is made from sawdust and shavings impregnated with glue by pressing. Typically, formaldehyde resin is used as a binder. Pressing is carried out at high temperature.
MDF boards are also made from wood waste, but unlike chipboard, all raw materials for them are ground by a refiner, treated with steam and ground. After rubbing, the raw material becomes like felt. It is dried, a binder is added and pressed.
A big difference compared to chipboards is the presence in the composition binder lignin. It is much better than formaldehyde in terms of environmental friendliness, since it is obtained from wood after high heating.
The slabs also differ in their surface condition. If chipboard is most often laminated, then MDF boards can be painted, laminated, or covered with veneer. This is explained by the fact that their surface is much better - it is dense, uniform, even and smooth.
These boards also differ in strength: chipboard is considered a high-strength product, MDF is considered a medium-strength product. This fact directly affects the scope of their application.
What to choose?
Individual developers often wonder what is better - MDF or chipboard and what to guide their choice? The answer will depend on which of the characteristics will be important to achieve the desired result when used:
- particle board is durable, but it cannot be used in places with high humidity;
- finely dispersed slab tolerates even 80% humidity well, but it is more fire hazardous;
- in MDF all components are natural, except for paraffin, but it is neutral; in chipboards, formaldehyde is used, the fumes of which are harmful to people;
- You can’t fix chipboard with nails at all, and you can only use screws at right angles and then only once. MDF boards are easy to install, and thanks to the density of 700-870 kg/m 3, it becomes possible to process it with milling machines;
- price chip material much lower MDF cost, this is largely the result of transport costs, since there are still few of these industries;
- MDF is much more durable than chipboard, which is ensured by the fact that this type of wood board is practically not deformed by fluctuations in temperature and humidity;
- Chipboard withstands impact better than MDF.
As you can see, both types of slabs have their pros and cons. Therefore, the use of some a certain type depends on each specific use case.
Areas of application
Since chipboard is afraid of moisture, it is mainly used indoors. In construction, such a slab is most often used to construct partitions between rooms. It can be drilled, sawed, painted. Therefore, it is always in demand when decorating the interior. Another area of use of particle board is the manufacture of cabinet furniture. 
Doors, trims, and facades are made from MDF. The arrangement of rooms, including the manufacture of partitions, is also best made from this material due to its environmental friendliness. The exception is floors - here it is better to use chipboard due to its greater strength.
Partitions, floors, large interior items in children's rooms, as well as furniture in children's rooms, should be made exclusively from MDF in order to completely eliminate the toxic fumes of formaldehyde resins.
Wood is often used for finishing work, making doors and furniture. Construction Materials. The existing selection allows you to decide on optimal solution for construction or repair, but does not eliminate questions about the appropriateness of using wood panels. Popular sheet materials include chipboard and MDF, which can largely replace each other when carrying out a number of works.
We will conduct a comparative study of these materials, paying attention to characteristics that are important from an operational point of view.
Environmental properties
MDF is considered the most harmless and non-toxic material. This is due to the use of natural binders based on paraffin or lignin in its production. Their combination with wood dust does not cause allergic reactions or other negative consequences in people.
There is a gradation of chipboard according to toxicity classes, while the least dangerous class is not limited in its area of application. The peculiarities of the domestic trade sector do not always make it possible to reliably determine the class of the purchased material. Try to avoid chipboard applications for decorating a child's room.
Labor costs in processing
Despite its greater strength and weight, MDF is much easier to expose machining and give the required form. This is especially important when cutting blades to specific dimensions for floors or furniture. Chipboard has greater hardness, which is explained by the rigidity of the adhesive base and the larger size of the wood chips.
To obtain chipboard of the required size and shape, it is necessary to use automatic equipment and be sure to protect the respiratory system with a respirator. When processing MDF, it is enough to use a hacksaw for wood, carrying out the most fine work metal hacksaw or jigsaw.
Working with MDF is more tedious due to its higher density (0.1-0.2 kg/m3) and the weight of the canvas. In small volumes of work, the difference is not so noticeable and is felt only when the surface being processed is large.
Tendency to mechanical damage
The strength characteristics of both materials are quite high. If compared by relative indicators, then the fine-mesh structure of MDF tends to withstand higher loads (bending and torsion). Downside medals is the lower hardness of the material, which leads to relatively easy crumbling.
Chipboard sheets have less strength, but are not as sensitive to point loads as MDF. Higher hardness allows the material to be used in a less gentle mode, in terms of mechanical stress.
Flammability of sheet materials
Even though chipboard is made from wood, it will be quite difficult to set it on fire. Of course there is resistance Chipboard fire not as high as plasterboard, since all particle boards are susceptible to burning. The essence of its heat resistance lies in longer exposure open fire necessary for combustion.
If you quickly extinguish a flame that has spread to chipboard board, it will leave minimal damage. They will be easy to clean and paint on top, while simultaneously getting rid of unpleasant odor. MDF has a significantly higher fire hazard, although sometimes there are boards impregnated with fire-retardant compounds. In case of fire MDF harmful effects There will be much less combustion products per person than with chipboard.
Application in furniture production
If any sheet material can be used for finishing facades and laying floors, furniture assembly has its own limitations. In products made entirely from chipboard, there is a risk of cracks appearing at the points where self-tapping screws are attached. When metal elements fastenings jump out of their places, they uproot a significant part of the material.
That is why old furniture made from chipboard is not durable enough. This leads to the practical impossibility of its high-quality and long-term use. In addition, crumbs of material from fastening points do not have a very good effect on the ecology of the room. This is especially true during storage food products in chipboard cabinets.
pros using MDF in the manufacture of furniture are its greater flexibility and toughness. Unlike chipboard, which is almost impossible to bend without breaking, MDF is well suited for interior decoration.
Furniture made entirely from MDF is quite expensive, and its external surfaces will not be durable enough. At self-assembly or ordering cabinets, it would be optimal to make the fixed parts of the structure from chipboard (frame), and the moving parts (doors, shelves) from MDF. This will increase the service life of the product and make it more repairable.
If you plan to use wood boards For
The first thing to consider when choosing kitchen furniture is its functionality. But not less important has an attractive appearance. You also need to take into account the price of the furniture. Many people want to get high-quality and beautiful furniture for little money. But which is better: MDF or chipboard for the kitchen?
Material for kitchen facade
The following materials are used for the arrangement:
- laminated chipboard;
- tree;
- frame;
- aluminum profile.
If everything is clear with wood or aluminum, then the abbreviations LDSP and MDF raise questions for many. These materials are widely used in modern furniture production.
The creation of materials such as laminated chipboard and MDF makes it possible to develop a wide range of products for the home, including the kitchen. Which is better: MDF or chipboard?
The kitchen needs furniture to withstand temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Cabinet doors are constantly subject to mechanical stress and are opened wet hands. Therefore, the facade is usually made of MDF, and the side walls and shelves are made of chipboard. This is due to the characteristics of the materials.
and MDF
LDSP is laminated chipboard. It is obtained by pressing sawdust. But first they are treated with formaldehyde resin. Then it is laminated - covered with paper film impregnated with melamine resin. Paraffin or its emulsion makes laminated chipboard waterproof.
The predecessor of chipboard appeared in the 40s of the last century. To finish it, not only lamination is used, but also plastic, veneer, acrylic and even artificial stone.
MDF is obtained by pressing dried chips. Before this, paraffin is added to it. They make the material durable. Sawdust used for MDF production, very small. Therefore, the product obtained from it is much stronger and denser. There are not many resins in such products that are harmful to humans. Such a stove appeared in the 60s of the last century.
So which is better, MDF or chipboard for the kitchen?
Advantages of waterproof laminated chipboard
Perhaps its main advantage is the low cost of chipboard. The price of a sheet ranges from 220 to 400 rubles. It depends on the thickness, which can be from 8 to 25 millimeters.
Products made from this material tolerate moisture well and high temperatures, which are often found in the kitchen furniture made of chipboard.
The price also depends on the type of decor.
The color range of LDPS products is quite wide. Often it repeats the colors of wood of different species.
Disadvantages of laminated chipboard
Firstly, it is rigid, due to which it cannot be milled.
Due to the presence of various resins, laminated chipboard is a toxic material. This indicator depends on what kind of resin was used in its manufacture. The least harmful substances are found in class E1 slabs.
Nevertheless, even countertops are made from laminated chipboard. Laminated chipboards are covered with HPL plastic, which is also called laminate, using postforming technology. Special attention pay attention to the quality of the seams. If it is bad, then moisture gets into the sawdust, the tabletop board swells and loses all its qualities. Laminated chipboard countertops are often not of very high quality.
Advantages of MDF
The material is easy to process using milling tools. The result is a patterned relief surface.
PVC film various colors can give furniture a modern and stylish look. She is not afraid of acids and household chemicals. Various enamels are used for finishing furniture.
Products made from MDF are fire resistant. They do not swell from moisture. We can say that the material’s characteristics are much closer to wood than chipboard. Surface MDF kitchens(gloss) beautiful and original. The use of special effects (mother of pearl, chameleon) makes it possible to obtain beautiful and original products. And if we take into account the presence of all kinds of colors, then manufacturers are faced with ample opportunities to create beautiful and original products for the kitchen.
Disadvantages of MDF
More high price than for products made from chipboard.
The coating may peel off at temperatures above 75 degrees.
Frame facades
Frame facades are used. The frame made of MDF profile is complemented by inserts made of chipboard, metal, and glass. The frame is finished with PVC film or veneer. Their advantage is low price and the possibility of creating large quantity various options design.
Disadvantages - fragility, difficulty in care. The frames are sometimes loosely connected, resulting in a wobbly product.
Processing of product ends
The postforming method is that it is already bent at two ends. Others add a decorative edge after cutting to size.
Most often, all four ends are treated with PVC, acrylic or an aluminum rim. The color of the edging may contrast with the color of the furniture.
The softforming method consists of processing the edges of the workpiece with cutters rounded outward. The decorative film is glued end-to-end at the cut site.
MDF with enamel
Very impressive products can be obtained by decorating products from MDF enamel various colors. First, the surface is primed, painted, dried, and sanded. The next layer is applied, then several more.
After processing the last layer, the surface is varnished. After drying, polish again.
The advantage is beautiful view, the disadvantage is that it is expensive compared to plastic or film coating. Such furniture can fade in the sun, leaving fingerprints on it. The back of the doors is usually white. In addition, mechanical shocks cause chips that cannot be repaired.
What's better
So which is better: MDF or chipboard? For the kitchen, would it be nice to make all the furniture from MDF, and not just the facades? Yes, it would be stronger. But much more expensive. Therefore, this type of configuration is often used.
MDF has more high density. This will not only extend the life of the products, but will also allow you to decorate them with various carved patterns and decorative ornaments.
The furniture created in this way has a beautiful appearance, the facade is indestructible. Of course, this furniture is not as durable as wooden furniture, but with normal care it will serve its owners faithfully for a couple of decades. And during this time, perhaps new technologies will be created that will make it possible to produce more quality furniture. The MDF kitchen gets different reviews. In general, consumers like the appearance, but are not satisfied with the quality of the countertop.