In English, MDF will be written like this - Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). Explanation of the abbreviation MDF - finely dispersed fraction. If you enter “mdf what is Wikipedia” into the search engine, the computer will helpfully open a page with explanations where it will decipher what it is.
What follows is a rather brief description, which will not satisfy curiosity and will only add many questions. To learn about this material in more detail, you have to look for information yourself.
If you want to know the exact abbreviation of such a material as MDF, refer to the product descriptions on the websites of furniture manufacturers. Sometimes there, in more than detail, they describe the mechanism for producing boards from MDF material.
In order to understand what we are actually talking about, you have to study many technical names of materials and processes for their manufacture. This article will help you get a general idea of MDF, what kind of material it is, its qualities and characteristics.
Features of the production of MDF material, how the abbreviation stands for and is translated
On an industrial scale, MDF production was established at the end of the last century in America. This country has made a significant contribution to the furniture industry.
The latest methods in processing natural wood materials have made it possible to raise the quality of products to a new level.
MDF, what kind of material is it? This is a wood board with a medium density coefficient. Sawdust, crushed almost into flour, is processed at high pressure and high temperatures. The resins included in the formula of the substance are saturated with melamine. This allows you to improve the quality of the binding component.
MDF
The MDF material contains lignin , which is released during the processing of wood chips, a natural and environmentally friendly product. Acting as a binding material, it increases the strength coefficient of the finished MDF product.
For more information about MDF production, watch the video:
Specifications
Physico-mechanical properties of wood fiber fabric:
- The density of the finished product is in the range of 600-980 kg/m3.
- Withstands mechanical stress during bending of 17-23 MPa, during tension - 0.50-0.65 MPa.
- Within 24 hours, it withstands swelling by 17% at a sheet thickness of 6-9 mm, and no more than 8% at 30-45 mm.
- The elastic modulus is 1700 mPa.
Compound
The main component of MDF is wood fibers, the content of which is 82%. Urea-formaldehyde resins act as a binder - 9%. Water accounts for 8% and 1% is paraffin, which gives water-repellent properties to the finished product.
Wood fibers are the main component of MDF.
Dimensions
In construction and furniture production, slabs of various sizes are used:
- thickness, mm – 3, 4, 6, 10, 16, 18, 24, 30;
- length and width – 2070x2800 mm, 1830x2440 mm, 2070x2620 mm.
At the same time, moisture-resistant panels have a standard size of 1220x2400 mm, and laminated sheets, embossed, perforated and imitating stone - 2070x2800 mm.
Permissible deviation in width and length is ± 5 mm, in thickness ± 0.2 mm. The deviation from the straightness of the edges should not be more than 0.2 cm.
Characteristics and description of finishing material, composition
With sufficient strength, MDF is soft and easy to process. That is why it is so in demand by modern furniture designers. The ease of milling makes it possible to give MDF parts any shape and pattern.
The main characteristics of MDF material correspond to those of natural wood, but the price of MDF material is much lower. This helps reduce the cost of finished furniture products.
The popularity of MDF is so high that this material is used in all areas of the furniture industry. MDF is easily laminated, which allows you to improve the external qualities of the product. Here about laminated MDF panels for walls.
Laminated
When painting MDF material, polyurethane paints are used. It can be painted in any color and create decorative panels with small or large patterns.
Painted
MDF board is a special design that allows you to easily and quickly assemble the necessary elements of cabinet furniture. Deciphering the properties of MDF at the beginning of the article helps to understand that the properties of the board fully correspond to the characteristics and qualities of the MDF material itself.
Plate
The high functionality of the design allows us to produce beautiful and modern furniture. MDF finishing materials are available to any consumer, their price is lower than the price of solid wood. For the production of individual orders, the ability to select the texture and color of the material plays a significant role.
The color palette is so diverse that MDF boards are used to decorate not only furniture, but also interior decoration.
The choice of bathroom furniture or kitchen furniture is a very important moment when arranging a living space. For this purpose, choose moisture-resistant MDF. Here about moisture-resistant MDF for walls.
Color palette
The quality of products and their appearance, price and durability are the main aspects that must be taken into account when choosing furniture sets. The MDF body is highly durable and comes in a wide range of colors.
How to choose and buy MDF panels for walls, floors, ceilings or furniture
Depending on how you plan to use the purchased MDF panel, you need to take into account its various characteristics and, in specific cases, focus on the most important indicators.
Thus, painted MDF panels are better suited than others for making kitchen furniture. They have increased resistance to moisture and therefore do not deteriorate as a result of constant contact with water.
MDF with protective moisture-repellent film
However, this will not be enough to decorate the bathroom. In this case, it is better to give preference to a material with increased moisture resistance, to achieve which double-sided lamination is used. This will protect the panel not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
If you are planning any finishing work on the facade of furniture, then veneered material is suitable for this purpose. But if we are talking about the need to finish a large area, then it is quite possible to use a regular tiled one.
As for manufacturers, the desired quality can be obtained if the European country of origin is indicated on the packaging. Sweden, Germany, Poland - all these countries have their representative offices in many cities of Russia. But Chinese products, although they will be cheaper, are unlikely to satisfy you with the proper strength and moisture resistance.
Moisture-resistant MDF boards in bathroom decoration
But no matter which manufacturer you prefer, be sure to conduct an external inspection of the product before purchasing it. The same rules will apply if you need to purchase an MDF frame profile. The inspection procedure is carried out according to the following points:
- make sure the surface is smooth and free of chips;
- check the panel by touch: the surface should be smooth, depressions or bumps are unacceptable, as they can cause a decrease in the strength of the panel;
- MDF board should not have any odor;
- all panels must have the same color;
- also pay attention to the indicator that characterizes the degree of swelling of the material as a result of contact with moisture. The normal value is considered to be 17%.
Also, before you buy MDF wall panels, please note that they can have different thicknesses. Thin ones greatly simplify work, as they are lighter and do not take up much space during storage. However, they are quite fragile, so they can break due to careless handling during operation. Thick ones are much stronger and more reliable, but it is not recommended to use them for decorating very small rooms, because they will take up already valuable space.
Entrance metal doors covered with MDF panels
Kitchens - quality and style
It would seem that you can come up with something completely new when making kitchen sets? So that the quality matches the price? First of all, it is necessary to take into account that kitchen furniture must meet the following requirements:
- high temperature resistance;
- waterproof;
- good durability indicator;
- high functionality;
- attractive appearance.
MDF kitchens can have straight or rounded facades. Direct ones are cheaper.
Kitchens with straight fronts
But corner kitchens with a rounded facade look more elegant , taking into account the interior and size of the room.
Kitchens with rounded fronts
Not every apartment will have such a set that will look beautiful and organic.
Read about MDF frame facades.
Kitchens with enameled facades look very “rich”. Painting MDF material is very expensive, but this coating is the most durable and wear-resistant.
In addition, if necessary, damaged areas can be easily restored.
Kitchens with enamel fronts
MDF film facades are quite affordable, but it must be taken into account that the PVC film used to cover the facades can be damaged if exposed to high temperatures for a long time. You should not place kitchen furniture with this coating near a gas or electric stove.
Kitchens with film facades
When cooking food, exposure to steam and hot air can have a negative impact on the appearance of its surface. Kitchen facades made of MDF provide a wide choice for bold experiments when choosing an interior.
The line of MDF finishing materials is so diverse that the texture and color of the board can completely change the appearance of the kitchen.
For design, you can use the same pattern of MDF material not only for the manufacture of the facade and tabletop, but even for the doors and ceiling. Here about finishing the MDF ceiling. MDF panels are also widely used for interior wall decoration.
It will look harmonious and stylish when choosing pastel and warm colors. What you don’t have to worry about when choosing kitchen furniture is the quality, if MDF material was used in the manufacture of the set.
MDF countertop and apron for the kitchen: whether to buy or not
MDF boards are widely popular for kitchen furnishings. Its technical characteristics significantly exceed any other materials in this group, and therefore allow it to come into contact with water almost without fear. Among the most common options are kitchen countertops made of MDF, as well as kitchen aprons.
It is also worth buying an apron for the kitchen from MDF because the variety of design solutions is not inferior to any other material, but the degree of environmental friendliness and resistance to various external factors is pleasantly pleasing. There are a wide variety of color options, including those that imitate surfaces, for example, MDF panels with a stone look.
Finishing kitchen walls and splashback using MDF
In addition, if you buy an MDF profile for framed facades, you can decorate the furniture as you wish. An MDF profile for framed facades is inexpensive, but the possibilities it opens up are extremely great.
MDF in comparison with chipboard and laminated chipboard
Chipboard is a chipboard. Almost all cabinet furniture is made from this inexpensive material. Chipboard is easy to process. Therefore, it is used for the manufacture of partitions and as formwork.
The material is afraid of moisture, therefore, unlike MDF, its use next to the kitchen sink is considered inappropriate.
Which furniture material is better to use, chipboard or MDF, to reduce production costs? The environmental friendliness of chipboard borders on acceptable standards. In this state of affairs, it is worth thinking about the sanitary standards of this material.
Chipboard
MDF materials are much superior to chipboard in this regard, since their production technology is based on a fine fraction of wood and does not emit toxic substances during production. Everything is already clear with the MDF material. What kind of chipboard material is this?
If the chipboard goes through lamination, it will become chipboard. This material shows good results when finishing desktop surfaces.
As a rule, they are placed near the food preparation area. Therefore, placing a hot kettle on the countertop is quite familiar and convenient. Laminated chipboard is almost not subjected to mechanical stress.
laminated chipboard
If you don’t drive nails into it or pound the table with a knife, the working surface of the product will look like new for many years to come. At the same time, products made from chipboard have not only increased strength, but also water-repellent properties. This makes it easy to maintain.
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Any of the detergents treats contaminated surface areas well. Laminated chipboard is characterized by a variety of texture solutions and a large palette of colors. Most often they use imitation of natural wood.
When decorating the interior, it is necessary to take into account various aspects and the choice of material depends on the special requirements for the design of the room.
What material will be most pliable when making carved and openwork parts of kitchen furniture? What would be better to use chipboard or mdf? Of course, the choice here is obvious.
MDF material is easy to process and give it the desired shape. Convex and rounded design details will add special elegance and unique style to MDF kitchens. The material is more natural and does not have negative effects on health. Laminated chipboard has a looser structure, and the structure of MDF is more dense.
Such differences can significantly affect the longevity of the kitchen set. The price of materials also varies. Laminated chipboard has a lower cost, so it is often used in the manufacture of office furniture.
How to attach MDF panels to the wall and ceiling with your own hands
Even if you have not worked with such material before, it is quite possible to figure out on your own how to attach MDF panels to a wall or ceiling. And first of all, you need to prepare tools and materials. This list includes a simple pencil, a corner for marking right angles, a construction level, a hacksaw, a hammer drill, a screwdriver or hammer, dowels and screws.
The work begins with cleaning the surface on which the fastening will be made. It must be thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt. In addition, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection for the presence of fungi and mold.
If you need to make a ceiling from MDF panels with your own hands, then you will need both guide profiles and hangers, plus wooden blocks that will act as transverse parts of the frame. If we are talking about attaching MDF panels to the wall, then simple wooden blocks or a special plastic sheathing will be enough.
Do-it-yourself installation of MDF wall panels on lathing
The most important thing is to make the correct markings for the sheathing, which in the future will allow you to accurately secure all the elements. How to do this correctly can be seen in the photo of ceilings made of MDF panels. At this stage, it is important to take into account that the distance between the fixed panels and the real ceiling should be sufficient to accommodate lamps, as well as other communications.
Installation of MDF wall panels also begins with marking the place where the first lathing strip will be attached (vertical or horizontal does not matter). Maintaining the required distance, all sheathing elements are attached, and after that the installation of MDF wall panels begins. They are fixed quite simply using clamps or self-tapping screws.
This is not to say that installing MDF panels on a wall with your own hands is a difficult process. Rather, it is monotonous and requires high accuracy of calculations and constant attention.
Types of coatings for facades and cabinets of kitchen furniture
MDF kitchens with plastic coating are gaining more and more popularity . Their price exceeds the prices of MDF kitchens with PVC or enamel. What production technology is used to produce plastic coated mdf?
Kitchen with plastic coating
Under high pressure and at high temperatures, plastic is applied to the MDF panel. The undoubted advantage of this design is the edging made of aluminum or PVC edges. This technology ensures durability during long-term use of furniture.
Kitchen with aluminum frame
Plastic tolerates mechanical stress well and does not change color due to temperature changes. The surface of the plastic can imitate various materials: wood, textiles, brick, marble or stone chips. Such a rich assortment of decor helps to create a unique style when decorating your kitchen space.
The MDF enamel coating is easy to use and environmentally friendly. Painting occurs in several layers, which provides fairly reliable protection from mechanical damage. Enameled MDF is not exposed to high temperatures and retains its rich color for a long time.
The film coating withstands harsh detergents, withstands mechanical stress well, but may lose color under prolonged sunlight.
Which material is better for the kitchen - plastic or MDF? The choice leans towards plastic coverings. This coating has the qualities and properties of the other two, while at the same time it has a good appearance and high strength indicators.
The only drawback is the price. In any case, all types of MDF board coatings have their advantages and benefits.
Let's look at the pros and cons of using MDF
MDF boards are distinguished by their durability. They do not warp, crumble or crack under the influence of temperature changes. This is helped by treatment with special means, which is carried out at the stage of creating the slab and does not require regular refills or treatments.
Advantages
- Compared to competitors, environmentally friendly material;
- Strength is twice as high as chipboard;
- Allows you to perform all the “designer things”;
- It has a large color palette and different textures;
- Moisture resistance up to 80%;
- Does not deform when exposed to climatic factors;
- Resistant to fungi and microorganisms;
conclusions
High-quality and beautiful kitchen furniture will always be a hot topic. Modern residential interiors dictate their own rules. A huge variety of furniture fittings help solve the most difficult problems in selecting individual sets for the kitchen space.
The main thing is that the kitchen furniture is not only pleasing to the eye, but also that it is modern and functional. Kitchens made from MDF materials are not only popular and in demand, but also fully meet international quality standards.
Properties of MDF
First, it is worth considering the most important properties of each material separately. As for MDF, it is a board made from fine wood fraction. It is dense, resistant to mechanical stress, thickness varies from 2 to 60 mm. The name MDF comes from the English abbreviation MDF, which means “medium density wood board”.
Note! MDF is absolutely safe for health, does not emit toxic fumes, and is similar to natural wood.
A distinctive feature of MDF is its plasticity and the ability to be processed with cutting and drilling tools. It is easy to make holes and grooves in the slabs, cut out patterns on the surface, and chamfer them with a router. The sheets can be bent to obtain radius facades. This allows you to make furniture of very different configurations.
The surface of the plates can be sanded, covered with PVC film, painted with glossy or matte enamel of any color. When pasted with natural veneer, the material is difficult to distinguish from solid wood; in appearance it is very similar to it, and even superior in strength.
Furniture made from MDF can be installed in rooms with humidity reaching 70%. There are also more moisture-resistant modifications with special impregnation; slabs with fire-resistant properties are produced. Furniture made from this material is great for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and children's room.
General requirements for care and operation
When choosing a place for furniture made of MDF or laminated chipboard in the kitchen, you must take into account that both materials are resistant to temperatures above 75 ℃. When exposed to high heat, the coating begins to peel off. For this reason, heating devices should not be placed in close proximity to furniture.
If a furniture set is constantly illuminated by the bright sun, then it may simply fade and lose its attractiveness. Chipboard lamination is especially susceptible to fading.
Severe wetting of the slabs is undesirable, although they can withstand short-term exposure to water well, which is why they are used for sinks and other kitchen furniture. Much depends on the quality of the material. There are often cases when laminated chipboard sheets begin to become saturated with water, swell, and crumble. Such furniture takes on a terrible appearance, is destroyed, and becomes completely unusable.
General rules of care are:
- wipe the dust with a dry cloth or a special compound for plastic;
- promptly remove moisture from the surface with an absorbent sponge;
- do not overload hooks and shelves so that fasteners do not break off;
- Do not use waxes and mastics intended for polished wood.
The last point is worth focusing on. Polishing agents intended for wood are not suitable for MDF and laminated chipboard. The laminated film may change color under their influence and even peel off. You should also not use acids, alkalis, or abrasives.
Both types of slabs are resistant to pests and mold. In a dry room, they can stand for decades without any additional treatment without collapsing. They are used to make beds, tables, cabinets, chests of drawers, bookcases, shelves, and all kinds of kitchen cabinets.
Video: difference between MDF and chipboard
Also, when using furniture made from combined materials in the kitchen, it is worth remembering that MDF is afraid of high temperatures. It is necessary correctly to avoid heating them from a nearby stove or hob. This will avoid peeling of the coating on the finished product.
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External differences in materials
Many people are interested in how MDF differs from laminated chipboard in appearance, and how to identify them? The difference is clearly visible in the cut. In MDF it is dense, fine-grained, in chipboard or laminated chipboard it is more heterogeneous, rough, and shavings are visible. On the surface of chipboard without lamination, fibers and shavings are clearly visible, while MDF is more uniform.
If you take MDF and laminated chipboard boards of the same size (in area and thickness), then the weight of the particle board will be less than that of fine particle board.
If there is a milled, carved surface on the material, we can definitely say that it is not laminated chipboard, since nothing can be cut on it. You can’t make small parts from it either, since the material will crumble.
