Furniture made of chipboard or MDF - which is better to choose? “MDF” or “chipboard”: how to make the right choice

When buying furniture for your home, you often face a difficult task: what is better to choose - chipboard or MDF. The slabs are very similar in appearance, the products made from them look approximately the same and at first glance there is no obvious difference. Meanwhile, there are very different differences: in terms of placement, durability and safety. And without having an idea about the features of each material, you will not be able to make the best choice.

But everything is not as difficult as it seems. In this article we will tell you how laminated chipboard differs from MDF, the advantages and disadvantages finished products. And also, you will learn what should be taken into account without fail.

And for those who don’t have time to understand all the intricacies of furniture production, at the bottom of the page there is a picture hint “Chipboard or MDF: which is better?” It indicates the main differences between furniture made from these materials and the suitable area of ​​the apartment for placement.

So:

Chipboard and MDF - what is the difference?

laminated chipboard

Laminated chipboard, or more correctly, of course, would be chipboard, as industrialists call it, but the name without the letter “t” has stuck among the people. It is produced from waste from the wood processing industry - sawdust, by hot pressing using a formaldehyde-based adhesive resin.

The chipboard is laminated with melamine film and cut into parts. Since the material absorbs moisture well and swells, the ends of the facades are sealed with an edge. This technology allows not only to prevent water from getting inside, but also to reduce the release of formaldehyde vapor to a safe minimum.

Russian GOST, adopted in 2010, obliges compliance with safety standards and allows the use of only laminated chipboards of emission class E1 and E0.5 in the furniture industry. Moreover, this standard allows us to produce chemically safe children's furniture. You can find out more about the current regulations.

Pros and cons of furniture made from chipboard:

• Obvious advantage- this is the cheap price of the final product. Even with a modest budget, you can furnish your apartment quite decently.
• Flaw- the possibility of moisture getting between the joints of the coating. It is necessary to remove water from problem areas in a timely manner.
• And one more- the material is most vulnerable at the places where the fittings are attached. It is not advisable to frequently disassemble and reassemble furniture made from laminated chipboard. With constant screwing in and out of screws, the slab crumbles and the holes increase in diameter.

MDF

The Russian reading of the English abbreviation MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) translates as “medium density fiberboard” or, simply put, fiberboard. It is made from the same sawdust, but the smallest particles are used for production. The fundamental difference is in the composition of the glue. Natural resins - lignin and paraffin - are used to glue fibers together.

The result is a more dense, durable and moisture-resistant material. Significantly superior to chipboard in terms of environmental friendliness. The plate bends well - you can give the products a curved shape. A high density structure allows you to produce beautiful carved and framed facades.

Another difference:

The process of cladding MDF is significantly different from lamination. The finishing layer is applied to already finished facades, which allows you to cover both the front and side parts at the same time. There is no need to seal the ends with edging material.

And one more thing:

Furniture entirely made from MDF is practically never found on sale. The most common combination options are where the body is made of laminated chipboard and the facades are made of MDF.

Features of MDF furniture

• Dignity- high moisture resistance of the slab and the absence of joints on the parts. This significantly increases the service life of MDF furniture in the bathroom, including the kitchen.
• Main disadvantage - increased cost products.

Conclusions

As you can see, furniture made from chipboard is quite a decent budget option, second only in durability in some cases.

In a dry room, in the bedroom or living room, it will not lose its qualities throughout its entire service life. And taking into account the strict Russian furniture standard, it can be used to furnish a children’s room without fear for the children’s health.

Manufacturers of kitchen and bathroom furniture take into account aggressive environment premises and use reliable methods for sealing the laminated board. As a result, cabinets and cabinets look great for quite a long period. But over time, they will still have to be replaced. Therefore, in conditions of increased dampness and temperature changes, MDF furniture will last much longer.

And finally, as promised:

Laminated chipboard or MDF furniture: which is better for the kitchen, bedroom, nursery, bathroom and other residential premises.

Today, for the production of furniture and decorative coatings are used various materials– Chipboard, fibreboard, MDF, solid wood. However, more and more often manufacturers prefer to deal with laminated chipboard. At the same time, many buyers are still confused by the abbreviation LDSP: what it is, how this material differs from the varieties mentioned above, and what are its advantages and disadvantages. Answers to these questions will be provided in this article.

You can notice the similarity between the terms laminated chipboard and chipboard. The latter stands for chipboard or chipboard. The abbreviation itself, although commonly used, is not entirely correct. It would be more correct to write DSTP. It's about about a composite material, in the production of which, due to hot pressing, sawdust and shavings together with binding formaldehyde resins take on the appearance of a solid canvas.

This material was first invented back in the 30s. twentieth century, but mass production of chipboards began only in the 50s. Last but not least, this is due to the difficult post-war situation. For the needs of mass production, cheap and accessible material was required, and natural wood It was expensive and waste during its processing reached up to 60%. In addition, the tastes of buyers have changed significantly - pretentious, bulky furniture did not in any way correspond to the spirit of the era, which combined the desire for simplicity, convenience and lightness with the need to save money. Chipboards fully met all these requirements.

Chipboard production technology

For chipboard production wood processing industry waste and specially crushed illiquid trunks are used:

• shavings and sawdust (previously they were simply burned as garbage) are dried in a special drying chamber and passed through a cyclic unit that rejects particles that are too large for re-grinding;

• the raw material that meets the requirements is mixed with formaldehyde resin and transferred to a conveyor belt, where it is given the required shape by cold pressing;
• using a hot press, the layers of the workpiece are firmly glued together, then the sheets are cooled, dried and sawn into slabs of standard sizes;

Pros and cons of chipboard

The resulting durable and very affordable material instantly found application in the manufacture of upholstered and cabinet furniture, carriages, and in construction (as formwork, partitions, beams, floors, cladding, frames). Among its advantages, one can note good thermal and sound insulation performance.

Durable and inexpensive chipboard is used as partitions, floors, cladding, and formwork

However, chipboard also has a number of serious disadvantages. It can absorb moisture (up to a third of its original volume) and become deformed. The slab can also lose its shape under the influence of heat. This limits the possibility of using chipboard sheets in the kitchen or bathroom. The only exceptions are canvases that have passed special treatment as a result of which the material becomes moisture and fire resistant.

Due to its dense structure, chipboard holds nails and screws well. However, due to the same structural features, the fastening hardware cannot be re-attached, since the slab will begin to crumble. For the same reason, the material is not suitable for milling and creating curved contours.

And finally, the biggest drawback of chipboards is the use of urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins in the manufacturing process. They prevent the processes of wood rotting, however, they do not have the most favorable effect on human health.

Pay attention! Formaldehyde is an extremely dangerous chemical. It can accumulate in the human body, cause poisoning or provoke the development of serious diseases. The main signs of poisoning are cough, irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat and eyes, dizziness, fatigue. .

Main types of chipboard

There are several classifications of chipboard.

The amount of harmful substances in particle boards is indicated by the formaldehyde emission class E1 and E2. Class E1 is considered environmentally safer (corresponds to GOST 10632–89 adopted in Russia). Class E2 is not suitable for use in children's premises. Many European manufacturers have already stopped producing chipboards of this class.

Depending on the quality and appearance of the finished product, chipboard can be:

Based on the type of cladding, chipboards are distinguished:

• rough (do not have lining);
• laminated (coated with melamine film or special durable varnish);
• veneered (have a lining in the form of a thin sheet of natural wood).

To figure out which is better - chipboard or laminated chipboard, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of laminated panels.

Laminated chipboard: what is it, variety of colors

So what is LDPS? In fact, it has already been mentioned above and the definition of laminated chipboard is simple - it is a laminated chipboard. For the manufacture of laminated chipboards (more precisely, laminated chipboards), only high-quality polished chipboards are used.

On final stage They are produced at high pressure and high temperatures and covered with a special polymer film. This film is made from paper impregnated with melamine resin. Sometimes, in the manufacture of expensive LSDPs, a special varnish is used that is not afraid of water and scratches.

Characteristics and main advantages of the material. Areas of use. Features and installation rules. Average cost of production.

Catalogs with samples and photos of laminated chipboards, the colors of which are represented in hundreds of shades, can demonstrate several palettes:

• plain smooth (vanilla, blue, green water);
• plain textured (aluminum, titanium, concrete);
• wood colors (maple, cherry, wenge);
• glossy decors;
• fantasy decors (various patterns and designs).

All this makes laminated chipboard sheets a universal and extremely popular material. They are used in bathrooms and children's rooms to create decorative partitions, upholstered and cabinet furniture. You can easily find many positive reviews on the forums: kitchens made from chipboard can withstand the effects of steam, water and significant temperature changes.

Laminated boards combine perfectly with other materials - glass, mirrors, metal, plastic panels, as well as fiberboard and MDF.

Which is better: chipboard or MDF

The variety of materials in stores cannot but puzzle shoppers. What is better for furniture - MDF or chipboard?

Between laminated chipboard and MDF there are fundamental differences. Laminated chipboard is made from wood shavings and sawdust, with formaldehyde as a binding component.

In the production of MDF, wood dust (waste from the woodworking industry crushed to a very fine fraction) and exclusively natural binding components – paraffin and lignin – are used. Thanks to this composition, MDF is much more environmentally friendly than chipboard. They can be safely used even for decorating children's rooms.

Pay attention! Paraffin is not only environmentally friendly, but also has water-repellent properties, so there is no need to additionally treat MDF boards with special impregnations.

Unlike laminated chipboard, MDF is a very plastic and soft material. It can be easily milled, which is why it is so popular in manufacturing luxury furniture. Most of the bent elements, carved headboards and intricately designed facades are made from MDF. Photos of beds made of laminated chipboard or kitchen facades cannot please with such decorativeness, because the furniture is made of material with a crumbling edge, unsuitable for milling.

Nevertheless, many, when choosing between laminated chipboard or MDF, prefer laminated panels. The reason is simple: the cost of MDF is much higher than affordable wood-based panels. According to consumer reviews, furniture made from laminated chipboard is a successful leader in domestic market and not least of all, this is due to reasonable prices.

Another strong argument in favor of laminated chipboards is the richness of color options. In the laminated chipboard catalog or on online store sites, you can choose a suitable shade or texture that will harmoniously fit into any interior style - from classic to modern.

Leading manufacturersChipboard: Egger, Kronospan, Lamarti, Nevsky Laminate

When purchasing laminated chipboard, it is very important to ensure that the product has all the necessary certificates guaranteeing the safety of the material for human health and is of high quality, ensuring a long service life. However, only large manufacturing companies can ensure that standards and technical regulations are strictly observed at each stage of production. The leaders in the domestic market are foreign companies Egger and Kronospan, as well as domestic manufacturers Lamarti and Nevsky Laminate.

Egger chipboard: colorsand advantages of the material

The company's head office is located in Austria. Founded in 1961 by Fritz Egger Sr., the modest family company has gradually grown to become one of the leading chipboard manufacturers in the world.

The highest quality of manufactured products, an extensive catalog of Egger chipboard colors and reasonable prices are achieved through the opening of local production facilities in 7 European countries, including Russia. First-class raw materials are mainly made from coniferous wood and do not include foreign elements. Laminated boards fully comply European standards security.

A huge variety is provided by the Egger chipboard color catalog, which allows you to realize any design solution:

• plain laminated chipboards (white, lagoon, alabaster, beige sand, canyon, pumpkin yellow, green water, Chinese red, reed, Baltic blue and dozens of other colors) - available in matte and glossy versions;

• texture decors ( lightweight concrete, beige leather, gray-white Amalvi marble, titanium, bronze quartz, indigo quartz, etc.);
• Egger wood-effect chipboard colors (pink calvados, light Venchester oak, blossoming pear, natural rosewood, champagne Cremona oak, Havana zebrawood, natural merano - more than 100 shades that perfectly imitate natural wood).

We can state a steady increase in demand for Egger chipboards. Customer reviews only confirm the positive dynamics, noting the high wear resistance of the material, excellent quality and minimal presence of formaldehyde resins (“pine smell without chemicals”).

LDSP Kronospan: high kaquality and wide range

Another Austrian company whose history began with a small family sawmill in Salzburg in 1897. Currently, its activities cover 24 countries around the world.

Among the undoubted advantages of laminated boards from this company are:

• good moisture resistance, which allows them to be used in bathrooms and kitchens;
• increased wear resistance;
• a solid catalog of colors for laminated chipboard Kronospan;
• environmental friendliness;
• antistatic, guaranteeing additional protection against dust;
• fairly democratic pricing policy;
• long service life (up to 20 years).

The colors presented in the Kronospan laminated chipboard catalog can be classified as follows:

• textures (deep pores, wood pores, office, smooth, shagreen, mother-of-pearl);
• plain (modra atoll blue, lime green, façade white, burgundy, Inca gold, lavender, viola);
• wood (Milanese walnut chipboard, snow birch, Guarneri walnut chipboard, dark corduroy, Bodega light chipboard, plank alder, rustic oak, warm Shimo ash);
• fantasy (sakura white, nameo white, twist dark).

Even such a short overview of the colors of Kronospan laminated chipboard gives a good idea of ​​how rich their palette is and how varied the textures are. Actually, a surprisingly believable imitation of the rough surface of natural wood is a unique business card many lines of chipboard from this Austrian company.

Lamarti: characteristicsChipboard, colors, photos with names

Thanks to strict quality control at each stage of production, laminated chipboards from the Syktyvkar plywood plant successfully compete in Russian market with products of foreign companies. The particle boards of this company are made from high-quality raw materials (coniferous and birch wood without foreign inclusions such as bark), have an environmental certificate and excellent technical characteristics.

They are wear-resistant, resistant to steam, moisture and high temperatures, environmentally friendly, durable and retain their original color for a long time, and Lamarti’s impressive color catalogs of laminated chipboards will allow you to bring any design idea to life.

The Lamarti chipboard color catalog includes:

• solid colors (topaz, chili, serenity, coral, monsoon, lemon, sepia);
• texture decors (slate, titanium, chinon, aluminum, exotic pine concrete);

• wood imitation (plum, Marsala oak, light wenge chipboard, latte, bamboo, noche amati, bleached oak, elm, Italian walnut chipboard);
• fantasy colors of Lamarti chipboard (linen, spring, arabica flowers, modern, luino, graffiti).

LDSP Nevsky Laminate: affordable price, European quality

Laminated sheets from the Nevsky Laminate Plant compare favorably with foreign analogues due to their low cost. At the same time, they have all the necessary quality certificates and good environmental characteristics. Laminated chipboards from this manufacturer hold fasteners well, are not afraid of moisture, are resistant to mechanical damage and have a long service life.

The Nevsky Laminate laminated chipboard color catalog offers customers large selection shades and textures:

• plain (orange, lime, anthracite, yellow daffodil, wine red, dark chocolate, white pearl);
• textured (linen, titanium, aluminum);
• fantasy decors (litera nero, Newport, Sena, titanium, flora verde, mocha stitch);
• wood decors (shimo ash light chipboard, light Indian ebony chipboard, French oak, Macassar, Swiss elm, jarrah, canterberry oak, caramel).

Regardless of whether the boards are produced in Europe or in Russia, laminated chipboards will be an excellent choice for many years to come due to the optimal combination of price and quality.

When buying furniture, the question often arises: “What to prefer: laminated chipboard or MDF?” At first glance, these modern materials are very similar. They are made from sawdust and shavings, and to the touch a high-quality laminated chipboard board seems the same as an MDF board. So what is the difference between laminated chipboard and MDF?

MDF and laminated chipboard: what is the difference

The composition of particle board (chipboard) includes compressed shavings and sawdust impregnated with formaldehyde resins. Depending on the grade, chipboard has different quality characteristics: from a loose material with a density of 300 kg/m 3 to a more durable and expensive one with a density of 600 kg/m 3, which is precisely used in the manufacture of furniture.

Modern production makes it possible to minimize harmful effects binder resin and improve the appearance of the slab by coating with melamine film - lamination. Hence the name “chipboard”. The film has good aesthetic properties and does not allow formaldehyde to evaporate.

The production of MDF boards takes place using improved chipboard production technology - by drying wood fiber and hot pressing. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) contains only the smallest sawdust, compressed to a homogeneous state. Unlike chipboard, which must be thoroughly sanded before covering with film,

MDF immediately has a smooth and even surface. This board is denser and more durable, resistant to drilling and moisture compared to laminated chipboard. It is also better suited for deep milling and deformation when creating radius furniture facades. In addition, MDF board has significantly higher environmental properties due to the fact that mainly natural resins, lignin and paraffin are used as sawdust impregnation. Formaldehyde is also present, but in much smaller quantities.

For greater clarity of the differences between the two materials, you can compare chipboard structure with heterogeneous raw materials passed through a blender, and MDF with a product from a meat grinder. The density of MDF board varies from 600 to 800 kg/m3, which in conditions of high moisture allows the material to surpass even natural wood in some characteristics.

Caring for laminated chipboard or MDF furniture

There are several general conditions care for furniture made of MDF or chipboard.

1. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is undesirable: at 75 degrees and above, peeling of the coating is possible.
2. Another factor is sunlight, which can also change the appearance of the slab. Film on laminated chipboard is more susceptible to fading, although MDF may change color somewhat with constant exposure to sunlight.
3. You also need to be careful about long-term interaction with water. If the joints of the coating are not sealed, when water gets inside the slab, the sawdust will swell, and the slab itself will lose its appearance and properties. However, this is an extreme case. In ordinary living conditions with short-term exposure to water, which is inevitable in the kitchen, the stove can retain its properties for a long time original appearance. MDF manufacturers claim that fiberboard can withstand even a small flood.

Chipboard or MDF: which is better?

The common advantage of both materials compared to natural wood is resistance to pests and fungal infection.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminated chipboard:

+ wide range color coatings;
+ greater resistance to temperature influences compared to non-laminated chipboard;
+ affordable price, thanks to which laminated chipboard is a leader as a material in furniture production;

– insufficient strength, tendency to chip, especially if you need to tighten the screw several times in the same place;
– lower moisture resistance compared to MDF;
– cannot be milled;
– Harmful fumes are possible if the coating is damaged.

Advantages and disadvantages of MDF:

+ the choice of colors is not inferior to laminated chipboard;
+ an exact imitation of the texture and pattern of wood is possible, while the price is comparatively lower than that of natural wood;
+ high density;
+ high resistance to chips and mechanical stress;
+ greater resistance to changes in humidity than laminated chipboard;
+ possibility of complex decorative processing, the material is suitable for deep milling and creating any patterns;
+ goes well with metal, decorates glass inserts;

– high price, especially if the furniture has additional decor. This is due to the fact that MDF production not as widely developed as laminated chipboard;
– additional care is required for decorative facades and glass display cases.

Chipboard and MDF: combining materials

Chipboard is a beautiful, inexpensive, but not strong enough material, and MDF is superior to laminated chipboard in terms of quality characteristics, but sometimes this fades into the background when it comes to price. So what should you do if you want to buy beautiful and high-quality furniture inexpensively? More often this question arises when choosing a kitchen: MDF or laminated chipboard?

The best option for your wallet, without sacrificing quality and durability, is to choose furniture with a combination of materials.

Laminated chipboard will perfectly fulfill its functions as the basis for the kitchen body, and MDF, thanks to the variety of films for coating and the possibility of decoration, will allow you to make beautiful facades that will fit perfectly into the interior of the kitchen. So you shouldn’t choose what’s better for the kitchen: MDF or chipboard? The answer lies in the right combination both materials and their rational purpose.

For example, laminated chipboard, in addition to being used in furniture, can be used as an inexpensive, but durable and reliable tabletop of various thicknesses: from 25 to 38 mm. The plate is covered with multilayer plastic using Postforming technology. This slab is resistant to moisture and mechanical damage, so it will last for many years without requiring special care.

High-quality laminated chipboard in combination with MDF can be used in the production of other furniture, including wardrobes, beds, and furniture groups for a children's room. If the joints and connections of laminated chipboard are reliably protected, and the manufacturer has appropriate certificates confirming the environmental friendliness of the material, then such furniture is safe to use and can deservedly take its place in the apartment.

Today there is a lot of competition in the market and furniture manufacturers offer customers more and more new models, each time improving the previous ones and creating new ones. This also applies to the materials used. Many people have a question: “MDF or solid wood, which is better?” We will try to describe all the options in more detail and find out their positive and negative sides.

First you need to understand the meaning of these words. So, MDF is a board or thin sheet that is made from compressed sawdust of wood. The process also uses a combination with certain resins. When furniture is made from it, the slab is covered with PVC film or veneer. Next, all this is painted with enamel (usually polyurethane). Due to its structural features, a wide variety of furniture models are created from MDF. These can be convex or concave options with different colors any shades. They make it easy to meet customer requirements.

Solid wood is natural, environmentally friendly pure material from different breeds wood (oak, beech, pine, acacia...), which is used for the production of furniture. In practice, production is very long and involves many actions: drying, sawing, sanding, decorating, varnishing and assembling the structure from finished products. Most of the stages are not automated and are performed manually, which is reflected in the beautiful appearance and the price of the finished product.

Veneer is a material made from thin sheets and lamellas. It is obtained directly from the massif. There are three types of veneer: peeled, planed and sawn. This material is used at the finishing stage, and it decorative qualities are often compared to solid wood, and some do not even understand how veneer differs from solid wood. Finished product as a result, it has no joints and looks like solid wood. Ultimately, due to primers and varnishes, such furniture turns out to be quite durable, but of course it cannot be compared with solid wood. Absolutely all types are made exclusively from solid wood and differ in appearance only in thickness and size.

Advantages and disadvantages of materials

To figure out what is better than MDF or solid wood, you need to look at each of these materials from the outside and draw the appropriate conclusions. First, let's evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages. Home feature of MDF The slab is its homogeneous composition. Thanks to it, manufacturers can create various products any shape you want with proper processing of the material. It is considered the most diverse material used for facades. Many people choose MDF to furnish their kitchens, but what is the reason for this?

Let's take a closer look at the advantages:

• similarity to natural materials;
• safety and environmental friendliness. MDF products do not emit toxic substances and fumes harmful to humans;
• has impressive advantages and external data at a low price. Many consumers are limited to a certain budget and cannot afford expensive furniture, and MDF in this case is the best option.
• quite long service life. OVER a long period of use, the material does not undergo any serious changes that would significantly worsen its external condition.
• possibility of fine processing. This fact is useful in production modern models kitchens, which is why consumers in most cases choose such furniture for the kitchen.

Solid wood is also popular in furniture production. Of course, this is sometimes capricious material that requires special care, but this will not overshadow all the advantages and advantages. This upper class quality. But some, due to tenderness, do not want to take such furniture for themselves. All this is due to the fact that, for example, you can’t put a hot mug of tea on it, and it’s even worse with smokers. Wood absorbs everything you breathe, including smoke. Subsequently, you can see on the surface what is possibly happening inside the smoker. If you are not a neat person and do not want to take care of your furniture, although any item requires care, then it is better not to look at solid wood furniture. And those who chose this great option and from time to time they take care of it, wipe the surface, treat it with oils, and subsequently enjoy beautiful products that fit perfectly into the interior of the room and give unforgettable emotions to everyone who sees this beauty.

Let us highlight the advantages that allow solid wood furniture to lead over its competitors:

• - environmental friendliness. Furniture made from this material is 100% guaranteed not to harm your health, because it is essentially natural wood with beautiful finish. There are no toxic impurities or other nasty things in it!
• - practicality. Although we touched on the topic of constant care, but by its nature, solid wood, unlike the familiar chipboard and MDF, tolerates moisture much better and is resistant to rotting. And the use protective coatings and care products will improve the effect several times more. For example, by covering a table with polyurethane varnish, you can even allow yourself to place a hot object on it.
• - aesthetics and combination with the interior. Speaking about the similarity of MDF to natural wood, we were talking about similarity or imitation, but nothing more. It is natural wood that has always been the standard of beauty and is perfect for the most different designs premises, adding to it special charm and luxury.
• - indescribable energy. In addition to the fact that furniture made from real wood gives coziness and comfort, it also creates an extremely positive atmosphere and fills it with special energy. Every owner of solid wood furniture will confirm this fact and sign every word.

What material to choose for the kitchen?

When it comes to purchasing, the question arises: what is better solid wood or MDF for the kitchen. There cannot be a definite answer here, since everyone has their own needs, tastes and preferences. Unusual and interesting options are made from MDF, which most people like better than from solid wood. The choice should be made taking into account the many facts that we described above, and you also need to approach the issue taking into account your financial situation. MDF is a great alternative to real wood, but investing in it is not just a practical and environmentally friendly choice for people who appreciate nature's graceful simplicity. It is also an investment in the health and harmony of your family.

Image:

No matter how beautiful the kitchen furniture is, it doesn’t hurt to ask what it’s made of. The service life, environmental friendliness, and performance properties depend on the source material. It happens that the names say nothing to a curious buyer, which is quite normal: the person wants to buy good furniture, but he himself doesn’t understand it, just as a furniture maker doesn’t understand aircraft engines, Lobachevsky geometry, prêt-à-porter and shrimp. Let us clarify the questions of what it is - MDF, laminated chipboard, chipboard, and how the materials differ from each other.

Let's start with the fact that the abbreviation chipboard is unofficial and incorrect. Chipboard refers to wood-laminated plastic (similar in structure to plywood, made from veneer). In our case, we are talking about chipboard - chipboard made from small waste (shavings, sawdust) from woodworking production. We use the usual definition of chipboard (chipboard), but in order not to mislead anyone, we gave this certificate.

When German inventor Max Himmelheber developed a new material, production waste in the furniture industry reached 60%, and with the introduction of the invention, their number sharply decreased to 10%. Caring for the consumer was not the goal of innovation - production and ecology required savings (60% of wood was thrown away - unacceptable waste, not typical of the Germans). Furniture that is affordable to everyone is a secondary advantage.

Chipboard is composite material, made from a mixture of small particles of wood and binder resins (contain formaldehyde) by hot pressing or extrusion. The percentage of wood and resins leaves much to be desired (6–18%).

In water, the slab swells, gaining about 30% of its original volume. In addition to hydrophobia, there is another significant drawback - you can screw a self-tapping screw into the slab only once (the first time). It is advisable to do this with pinpoint precision, since there will be no chance to correct the error - the material crumbles, and in principle it does not hold fasteners well. Craftsmen “put” nails on glue, but then these nails “come out” of the slab along with the glue and the sawdust (crumbs) surrounding it. However, these are all flowers: chipboard is environmentally unsafe because it emits formaldehyde.

The child is hanging on the door... You can’t screw self-tapping screws into these holes anymore, you’ll have to widen the holes for the fittings and use M5 screws

To the utmost acceptable standards emission of harmful substances, chipboard is divided into two classes - E1 and E2 (Europe). In Russia, this parameter is regulated by GOST. It is extremely difficult to compare standards because different countries different methods measurements. One thing is for sure - E2 is prohibited for use in children's furniture. Some countries have long stopped producing it, which is what we would like from Russia: formaldehyde is released with human joy if the chipboard is slightly heated, which happens all the time in the kitchen. By the way, GOST is stricter than European standards, but who would comply with it?

Chipboard is used in construction and furniture production. If, thanks to gypsum plasterboard, gypsum fiber board and OSB, the use of chipboard as a structural material is actively decreasing, then furniture makers are in no hurry to part with cheap boards, although there is an alternative (albeit more expensive). The culprit is, obviously, demand. People want to buy as cheaply as possible, manufacturers meet them halfway. If people refuse furniture made from chipboard (they completely refuse chipboard too), they won’t make it.

Chipboard classification

Chipboard is classified according to a number of parameters:

• number of layers;
• brand: divided into P1, P2 according to bending and deformation strength, water resistance, warping;
• grade: 1st and 2nd grade or without it, depending on the presence of defects - chips, cracks, stains, depressions and protrusions;
• outer layer (fine-textured, regular, coarse-grained slab);
• surface treatment (polished, not polished);
• formaldehyde emission class (E1 -< 10 мг, Е2 - 10–30 мг; в lately they produce slabs of class E0.5, their emissions are halved compared to E1);
• water resistance (they produce special waterproof chipboard, in addition to P1 with 33% and P2 with 22% swelling of the original volume);
• fire resistance (treatment with fire retardants);
• density:< 550 кг/м 3 , 550–750 кг/м 3 , >750 kg/m3;
• pressing method (flat, extrusion).

Waterproof chipboard (varies in color)

What is laminated chipboard

The chipboard surface is treated to give the material strength, water resistance and other properties provided by the coating. The cheapest but flimsiest option is impregnated paper. The strongest, but most expensive option is veneer. Between the two extremes are polymers, films, and plastics. The most in demand is laminated chipboard - as the most balanced in quality, price, and aesthetic properties.

In conditions high pressure and temperature, a durable melamine film is applied to the slab - the process resembles the familiar lamination (the only difference is in the materials). A slab treated in this way acquires high aesthetic and performance properties. No further processing is required - by lamination it is obtained finished product, but sometimes the surface is additionally varnished ( expensive varieties).

The problem of formaldehyde emission remains the same (the material is produced from chipboard with all its characteristics), despite lamination, but the outer surface of laminated chipboard is more aesthetic, waterproof and durable, especially if varnished.

What is MDF

MDF, MDF - MediumDensityFibreboard (medium density fiberboard 600–800 kg/m3). The same board of wood particles, produced by dry pressing under high pressure and temperature conditions. Urea resins containing formaldehyde are used as a binder, but the emission of harmful substances is much lower than that of chipboard and is comparable to that of natural wood. Significant reductions in emissions are achieved by modifying resins with melamine.

Production of urea resins for MDF

The resin is produced in several stages:

• polycondensation in an alkaline environment;
• polycondensation in an acidic environment;
• additional introduction of urea and drying until the required viscosity is achieved;
• cooling;
• modification.

Synthesis requires compliance temperature regime- 88–94°. The resin is modified at a temperature of 40–50°.

Despite the same raw materials, MDF is very different from chipboard (without taking into account the difference in emission values): the material can be milled and deformed, which opens up the possibility of producing carved furniture facades, furniture and other designs of radial shapes.

Types of MDF

MDF is divided into four types according to operating conditions (humidity, temperature). The first type is used for the manufacture of office and home cabinet furniture and commercial equipment ( normal conditions), second - kitchen furniture(humidity, steam), the third - structural elements (normal conditions, high load), the fourth - structural elements ( high humidity, high loads).

During the production process of slabs, they are given fire resistance, water resistance, and biostability (protection from fungi and bacteria). MDF requires additional processing of the front surface. According to the type of processing, the material is divided into:

1. Veneered: thin natural veneer is glued to the front (sometimes also the inside) surface; this is an expensive type, and the price varies depending on the value of the type of wood used to make the veneer.
2. Painted: surfaces (one or both) are coated with paint or enamel
3. Laminated: the front side is covered with PVC film - matte or glossy, imitating various surfaces (wood, natural stone, marble, etc.); The film is applied under pressure at high temperature.

Surface treatment improves the physical and mechanical characteristics of the material, its operational and aesthetic properties.

Painted glossy slab - examples of some shades and curves

All types of MDF are in equal demand - each has its own niche. Material with a front surface made of natural veneer is used to make good office furniture and commercial equipment, furniture for kitchens, living rooms, hallways. The cheaper one, laminated with a film that imitates wood, is used in the production of the already listed, but relatively inexpensive mass-market furniture.

Flexible MDF

The material was developed specifically for creating curved surfaces, which are actively used in modern design. MDF can be milled - this is precisely the quality that is used in the manufacture of flexible boards: parallel slots are made on one side, due to which the panel can be bent to a certain radius (depending on the thickness); the other side remains flat. In this way the surfaces are obtained of varying complexity- from a banal circle to a wavy one with different radii of each wave. This type of MDF is called perforated MDF (not to be confused with perforated HDF). The material opens up almost limitless possibilities in furniture design.

Not a single flat façade - all with one radius or another

Differences between chipboard, chipboard and MDF

In the same IKEA we see furniture made from chipboard and MDF, visually perceiving only the difference in price (with the exception of particularly glossy ones - there the differences are obvious to the eye). Furniture made from MDF is much more expensive. Why? What is the difference between chipboard, laminated chipboard and MDF - one board made of wood particles from another?

Let's start with the fact that the difference between chipboard and chipboard is lamination. Natural veneer is no worse than laminating film, but it is not practical to process chipboard with it, so further we will talk about the difference between laminated chipboard and MDF.

List of differences:

1. Laminated chipboard is much less resistant to moisture. It would seem that the water has nowhere to go, but between the edge and the laminating film the liquid finds (as the proverb says) a microscopic gap and penetrates inside. It remains inside (for rapid evaporation an area is needed, but there is none), expanding the chipboard to unimaginable sizes. However, long before the extra 20-30% in volume is added, the sheet will warp, the film or veneer (whatever it may be) will crack. A few drops of water falling in the wrong place can irreversibly damage the tabletop. Even the so-called waterproof material still absorbs moisture - such is its structure.
2. Chipboard is more toxic. It is precisely more toxic, because the information about the complete non-toxicity of fibreboard is incorrect: even if the material emits the same amount of formaldehyde as natural wood, this does not mean that there are no emissions at all. It is there, but much lower. It happens that they write that MDF contains no formaldehyde - this is not true (moreover, formaldehyde is everywhere: it is used in medicine, food industry like E240, it is used for fumigation of grain, the substance is part of cosmetics, and is found in the human body - a matter of concentration). Wood fibers are impregnated with urea resins containing formaldehyde. Modification helps reduce emissions.
3. MDF is suitable for making furniture complex shape, which is impossible from laminated chipboard.
4. MDF has a higher density - you can mill it and make inclined holes. The material “holds” fasteners much better.
5. There are practically no differences in color solutions, with the exception of glossy MDF (but this is no longer a color) and custom-made - the enamel can be tinted in any shade that comes to mind, so here MDF is a winner.
6. MDF is noticeably more expensive, which is due to the quality parameters of the material. However, this high cost is apparent, which is clear to any person who knows how to count: even according to rough estimates, furniture made from MDF will end up being cheaper because it will last much longer.

There is no edge - the entire slab is covered with a single layer, which eliminates gaps between the film and the edge

Chipboard or MDF? MDF is inferior to laminated chipboard only in price, but this may not be significant if all the advantages are taken into account. When purchasing furniture, the decision is made by the buyer; we can only advise making an informed choice.

No matter how much you want to save money, it is better to give preference quality material- environmentally friendly, which is really important, because the temperature in the kitchen is often elevated, and the emission of formaldehyde increases from heat (we do not understand why E2 is prohibited only in the production of children's furniture - in the kitchen this type of product is even more harmful). Let us repeat, the savings when choosing furniture made from chipboard are illusory. Again, aesthetic properties matter.

MDF kitchens

The ability to bend the panel turns the utilitarian standard kitchens into premises that are not devoid of individuality and are more appropriate to their owners. This is especially important when the kitchen is small: there is no opportunity to play on the arrangement of furniture, implementation original parts- only the form remains, and MDF provides its variability.

These curved facades are not the work of software at all. The doors are made of perforated MDF - a kitchen that is ordinary in all respects with a standard arrangement of furniture looks extraordinary thanks to the rounded cabinets. And this is the simplest option of all possible.

What in this kitchen in the photo is made of wood? It's likely nothing. Even a log may turn out to be plastic (or polystone, which perfectly imitates any natural materials). Floor, ceiling and furniture facades(we remind you: the material can be milled) are made of MDF.

Here's some great country music. Either natural wood or MDF can hold glass (especially stained glass) - laminated chipboard will crumble a little faster than instantly. Working with MDF, the master is spared from endless trials in search of the only desired shade (the paintwork, when placed on natural wood, changes color in accordance with the tone and texture of the base), and the customer is spared from exorbitant expenses.

You can make almost any kitchen out of MDF (almost - because there is also stainless steel) - realize a bold idea, create something truly original and enjoy the result every day. Only an array can be better (and even then not always). In our opinion, only an acute lack of funds and an equally urgent need for furniture can drive us into the framework of chipboard. But this solution will be temporary (the furniture will quickly peel off). Make the right choices.