What material is better than MDF or LDSP. What is better - MDF or LDSP for the kitchen: comparison, advantages and disadvantages

Tree is used everywhere both in the manufacture of furniture and in the finishing of the premises, and the kitchen here ─ is no exception. But if an array of wood prevailed in the interiors, today it is a chipboard, such as chipboard, LDSP and MDF. Of course, the natural wood is beautiful, it creates a special atmosphere and comfort in the house, but materials from chips and wood fibers make it possible to significantly reduce the cost of repair and trim.

The chipboard panels, MDF or LDSP are much cheaper than an array, which most often determines the choice. Although all these materials are distinguished and their qualities that are important in conditions of high humidity and temperature fluctuations.

What materials it is better to choose for decoration walls of kitchen and facades

Already have long passed those times when the walls were crushed with a natural board, although, of course, it is possible to find exceptions. A modern and more functional solution is the walls of the walls of the chipboard, LDSP and MDF. Their design does not exceed natural wood, since the difference between real boards and laminated materials is always felt, but the properties differ significantly.

  • Chipboard - The cheapest option that is used to create furniture frames, as they are usually not visible, because it is not the most attractive material. The photo shows that the structure of such a panel or plate is rather porous, which leads to absorbing moisture and smells. That is why the chipboard is not recommended for decoration of the walls, however, and as a hull headset, it can quickly collapse. For the manufacture of facades, the chipboard is used more and less often, since it does not provide a wide selection of design and is distinguished by low wear resistance.
    In the photo - chipboard

    In the photo - a pretty cute kitchen set of chipboard

  • ─ Laminated variant of the previous material, which is due to lamination, is more considerable strength and resistance to the effects of aggressive factors. Such a stove has the same structure as the chipboard, but is covered with an additional paper-resin layer. The use of synthetic resins in the production of shavings of synthetic resins excludes these two material from the list of environmentally friendly. But the facades from LDSP are used everywhere, since its value is below the MDF, and the properties are slightly better compared to the usual chipboard.
    In the photo - LDSP

    In the photo - concise cuisine Olga Il LDSP

  • MDF. ─ A more qualitative and safest option from wood-fibrous materials. The finishing of surfaces with such panels looks quite expensive, as the finish coating is more compared to the chipboard and the LDSP mimics the pattern and the texture of the natural tree. Instead of synthetic in MDF, natural resin is used, highlighting sawdust in the process of their heating and pressing. As a result, it turns out a more homogeneous and non-porous structure, which significantly reduces the ability of this wood material to absorb moisture. Therefore, such panels are more suitable for the manufacture of facades. In addition, the plates from MDF are increasingly used for finishing walls. For the headset, a wide variety of solutions are used: glossy, with finishing with film, plastic and veneer elements, with inserts of array and other materials in the frame, etc.

    In the photo - MDF-slabs

MDF in the trim of the facades of the kitchen

In terms of its characteristics, a fibrous plate wins the chipboard and LDSP, in many respects, exceeds the massif, including due to the reasonable price, which made the material popular and in demand. The development of technologies allows you to process MDF in various ways, which significantly increases the choice: here and, and plastic covered, and painted products, and with a trim from a veneer, and the difference between some unnoticed even in the photo.


On the photo coloring kitchens from MDF, almost no limit

MDF is used and for the production of frames for. In such designs, a wide variety of materials are inserted: rattan, grates of fine wood, cork, array, glass and even drawing a chalk board.

Additional advantage MDF ─ This is the ability to paint the facades in any color if you want to change the interior.

Traditional finishing options have long lost their relevance. Increasingly, designers use unexpected materials to arrange this part of this part of the wall: here and metal, and wood array, and glass. Instead of tile, the MDF is increasingly used. In the photo you can see that the design ideas were transformed and the usual panels of wood fiber.


If you compare MDF with a familiar tile, the latter will be more practical and easier in care, since it is still more resistant to water and detergents. But the cost and complexity of laying the tile sometimes help make a choice in favor of MDF, while the design of the panels allows you to choose options for any interior style.

The MDF panels for the wall of the working area can be standard ─ with wood pattern, decorated with plastic, veneer elements or film. Glossy painted slabs are widely used. You can paint and cover the varnish and a regular sheet of material, give it the same individual design suitable for your kitchen interior. In the manufacturers catalogs, photos are often found ready with applied images.

MDF panels on apron instead of tile easy to install on their own, for this sometimes it happens to look through video instructions and master classes that are easy to find on the sites of manufacturers and experienced masters.

Installation of MDF panels for apron of the working area

Bashed panels instead of tiles are quite simple, the main thing is to prepare the necessary tool. This is a drill, hacksaw, as well as self-tapping screws or liquid nails. The choice in favor of the latter is possible if the wall is smooth. If the surface has flaws, the MDF-apron will correct them, which is another advantage of using this material.

After examining the video with the instruction, how to fix the finish to the wall, start with the preparation of the panels:

  • if not a ready-made designer solution is used, then you need to carve out and collect apron on the floor to place the location of the sockets, because the holes for them should be cut in advance; MDF can be pre-painted;
  • next, the panels should be fixed according to the folded figure or plan using the selected method ─ on liquid nails or on pre-installed rails;
  • close the joints with the table top can be special plinths or a corner, and from above hides 1-1.5 cm by mounted cabinets.

Bold the panels such as instead of tile, as well as as decoration on the walls, you can do it, which, together with thermo- and moisture resistance, makes MDF especially attractive and popular material.

Choose: Chipboard or MDF What is better. Wood plates are widely used in construction and furniture industry. But what is better, chipboard or MDF is better and what they differ in except prices? Let's try to figure it out in detail. Chipboard or MDF What is better, we understand.

Decipher terms

Wood-chipboard, known to us under the abbreviation of chipboard (or removal) - is the material obtained by the help of hot pressing waste of the woodworking industry (technological chips, bark, sawdust, porridge, remnants of substandard products). Wood mass is pre-crushed, mixed with thermosactive resin, after which it hardens under the press, cooled and cuts onto the plates.

MDF is the Russian version of the abbreviation of the English term Medium Density Fiberboards, which is translated as "Middle Density Warfather". For the production of MDF, a finely dispersed technological chip is used, obtained from borne and crushed wood. The plate is made by dry pressing method, the binder is paraffin or lignin (polymeric substances that highlights the tree when heated).

How does MDF differ from chipboard?

Strength characteristics

MDF density, on average - 720-870kg / m3. Such indicators provide comfortable use of materials, wear resistance and long-term operation. In the parameters of moisture resistance and mechanical MDF indicators, even some kind of natural wood exceeds. What is better than MDF or chipboard, how to choose correctly.

The duct strength depends on belonging to the corresponding group:

  • low density (from 350 to 650kg / m3);
  • medium (650-750kg / m3);
  • high (750-800kg / m3).

Safety

The main difference between MDF from chipboard - environmental friendliness. All components of tree fibers are natural, do not distinguish harmful evaporation. Therefore, even unleashed or MDF with a damaged surface, will not be a threat to health.

High manufacturability

The raw material for the manufacture of MDF is homogeneously in the composition and size of fractions, so that the plates are smooth, smooth and perfectly prepared for applying facing and decorative materials. Among the chipboard such a surface can "boast" except that the stovered stove of the brand P - A.

Advantages and disadvantages of materials: chipboard or MDF. What is better

It only seems that MDF "wins" in all respects. In practice, more than 80% of the wood boards market belongs to chipboard.

Pluses of DPP

  • the availability of choice - chipboard is produced both domestic and foreign plants, and competition, as a rule, gives rise to price reduction;
  • moisture resistance compared to natural wood;
  • price - if you compare the plates of the same density, the chipboard will be at a third of the third more cheaper than fibrer.

Minuses chipboard

  • in 95% of the production of chipboard, phenol formaldehyde, carbamide-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde resins, which evaporate the substances harmful to health, negatively affect the nerve and respiratory system, provoking allergic reactions. The remaining 10% comes to isocyanoy binders, but they are not used in domestic enterprises. It should be remembered that for residential premises it is recommended to use only products of class E1 or E0 - they have formaldehyde evaporating them minimal (0-10 mg per 100 grams of dry composite). The entire surface of the plates (including ends) should be thoroughly sealed with paintwork products or facing materials (laminate, veneer, paper-resin film, etc.);
  • many know that products from the chipboard are poorly denominated by fine processing, do not tolerate repeatedly screwing the fasteners, do not hold the accessories. It's all about low quality raw materials, domestic standards for which are too loyal. For example, in the chipboard of European production, the ratio of deciduous and coniferous wood (10:90) is strictly regulated (10:90), it is forbidden to use the bark, knots and roots. In domestic enterprises, any waste of wood goes into the course, and the insufficient density of the wood mass is compensated by an increase in formaldehyde resins.

Pluses of MDF.

MDF is easy to process, allows you to perform curly milling, sealer, rounded items. The big plus is the high density of the material, which allows you to keep fittings well, and moisture resistance. Therefore, MDF is most common in the furniture industry.

Cons MDF.

  • the high price that makes profitable use of MDF only for furniture and in the production of wall panels, the leader remains in the construction of the leader;
  • mainly the imported origin of the material, especially moisture-proof;
  • high flammability of material is a significant minus, it is better to avoid work, nearby open fire.

There are certain requirements that need to be followed by choosing finishing materials for the repair of an apartment. An important role here plays the choice of materials and furniture for the kitchen, since it is a "hot shop" in the apartment.

Usually, MDFs or LDSP are used for finishing furniture facades. These plates, with external similarity, have a significant difference in their composition and applied technologies. This is reflected in their operational qualities. Chipboard or MDF - What is better for the manufacture of kitchen furniture suitable? What to choose the furniture to meet environmental standards and served as long as possible, keeping the initial attractiveness?

Kitchens from LDSP / Chipboard: characteristics and types of material

The chipboard was used for the production of furniture, kitchen including, in the middle of the last century. The use of this material made it possible to satisfy the increased need to ensure the population with average incomes affordable and attractive in the aesthetic plan of furniture.

The basis for the production of chipboard is the recycling - sawdust and wood chips, compressed with the addition of inexpensive glue, so the cost of the final product is quite low. Today, the production of chipboard is carried out on new technologies, using a variety of finishing materials, which makes it possible to make beautiful and high-quality furniture from the plates.

The chipboard for their external and high-quality characteristics are divided into several types:

  • "Naked";
  • Laminated (LDSP);
  • Kashned.

Naked, or deprived of any chipboard, is used as a basis, lining with top plastic, veneer and other coatings, including even artificial stone.

Laminated DPE They are obtained by facing the surface with a laminated film of paper impregnated with melamine resin. Thanks to modern technologies, you can create LDSP with imitation of natural wood or stone, as well as apply any other picture. Pressure film is pressed on the surface of the chipboard, giving it resistance to moisture, minor mechanical and thermal effects.

The main difference between the chopped chipboard from LDSP lies in lamination technology. Despite the same price, the chopped chipboard is inferior to the LDSP in the duration of operation, since the proportion of the protective layer along the edges of the products begin very quickly.

The use of chipboard for the kitchen today has its pros and cons who need to know when buying furniture. The undoubted advantages of this material are:

  • The available cost of the furniture made;
  • Ease and speed of installation;
  • High material density providing sufficient durability for furniture;
  • Stability of the pressed and laminated surface to moisture.

Production of chipboard or chipboard kitchen furniture will not require significant effort and costs, as they are easily processing without the use of special equipment, and have sufficient density to reliably fix the loop and handles with screws.

However, one should not discount the minuses that this material possesses. The most important of these is the use of formaldehyde resins for gluing wood components. By environmental safety, chipboard can be divided into two types: E1 and E2

The main difference is that in the composition of E1 there are fewer formaldehyde resins that allocate poisonous evaporation. Therefore, for the production of kitchen and children's furniture, it is preferable to use the E1. Manufacture, for example, children's furniture from chipboard E2 is categorically prohibited. Therefore, the use of it for the kitchen is also undesirable. The most environmentally friendly chipboard of the production of Germany or Austria.

The second minus, which is also important in the manufacture of small details, is that very solid chipboard is poorly handled. Of these, it is impossible to make curly details.

Naked chipboard

Laminated DPP

Kashned chipboard

Kitchen MDF: characteristics, pros and possible cons

MDF plates are made by the pressing of the smallest sawdust with the addition of paraffins having water-pumping properties, or lignin for bonding. Kitchen made of MDF has greater environmental safety than similar furniture from LDSP.

Recently, the manufacture of furniture from MDF is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. This is explained by the pluses that the MDF plates undoubtedly have:

  • Environmental Safety;
  • Softness in processing;
  • Long service life;
  • Preservation of natural wood properties;
  • Low cost production.

MDF, like chipboard, can be laminated, and this significantly increases its water resistant qualities.

Modern designers love to work with MDF it easy to handle and create beautiful carved or embossed elements for furniture finishing.

New Kitchens from the MDF look stylish and does not differ absolutely from furniture made of natural wood.

The main minus is the absence of a developed production base in Russia for the manufacture of MDF, so for the Russian consumer furniture from MDF is much more expensive than analogs made from other types of plates.

Compare, more suitable for kitchen furniture

Try to compare the main advantages and disadvantages of each material - this will allow you to choose for yourself the most acceptable option.

The main requirements that kitchen furniture should answer is:

  • Environmental purity;
  • Resistance to moisture;
  • Strength;
  • Beautiful design of surfaces;
  • Affordable price.

We will analyze the adherence to these requirements in furniture, which is collected from MDF or chopping analogs.

If you decide to get furniture from chipboard, it should be found out from what type of material it is made. Even for the budget option, it is not worth risking their health and acquire furniture collected from an ecologically dangerous chipboard of the E2 class.

If you are guided by considerations of the full environmental purity of the material, it is better to give preference to LDSP or MDF - so you will be guaranteed from the fact that your furniture in the kitchen will become a source of poisonous evaporation.

MDF has the greatest moisture resistance, since moisture-resistant materials are used to glue the wood components - lignin and paraffins. Therefore, such furniture will be most resistant to moisture. In second place is LDSP. The covering surface of the water repellent film protects furniture from water exposure. The worst positions of the chipboard - the "naked" plate at all is not suitable for kitchen surfaces, and the compatible is not protected from the penetration of moisture due to the possible detachment of the protective layer.

Common materials from which furniture make are and LDSP. However, there are differences between them in the structure, density, they are distinguished by resistance to moisture, appearance, a number of other characteristics.

What is suitable: MDF or chipboard for furniture and what kind of it is worth choosing for a bedroom, kitchen or other residential premises?

Properties MDF.

Initially, it is worth considering the most important properties of each material individually. As for MDF, it is a plate made from a fine wood fraction. It is dense, resistant to mechanical effects, the thickness varies from 2 to 60 mm. The name of the MDF was formed from the English abbreviation MDF, which means "Middle Density Wood Plate".

Note! MDF is absolutely safe for health, does not highlight poisonous evaporations than the natural tree.

A distinctive feature of the MDF - the plasticity and the ability to process with cutting, drilling tools. In the plates it is easy to do holes, grooves, cut patterns on the surface, remove the sheets with a milling sheets. Can be bending, getting radius facades. This allows you to make furniture to the most different configuration.

The surface of the plates is grinding, covered with PVC film, painted glossy or matte enamel of any color. When pasting with natural veneer, the material is difficult to distinguish from the wood massif, it looks very similar to it, and even the strength even surpasses.

Furniture from MDF can be installed in rooms with humidity reaching 70%. There are more moisture-proof modifications with special impregnation, plates with fire-resistant properties are available. Furniture from such a material is great for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, children's room.

Properties Ledsp.

Laminated chipboard (LDSP) is distinguished by low cost, resistance to temperature drops and a wide range.

Laminated coating can be made almost any color and texture, which allows you to choose furniture from LDSP for the interior in any style. It belongs to the economy-class, since it is distinguished by a democratic price.

Furniture, fully made from LDSP, has straight lines, looks more concise even if there is a beautiful image on the film.

It should be noted that on the basis of the chipboard, there are durable material lined with plastic, which is called post-forming. He goes to the production of countertops. However, this is not LDSP in the usual understanding.

Among the disadvantages of laminated wood-chip, there is a tendency to form chips on the surface and the impossibility of milling. The latter property makes it impossible to obtain smooth angles and bevels, relief surface.

LDC differs from MDF for the worse side, and the fact that less resistant to moisture action. Although there are moisture-resistant types of panels, but the price is significantly higher.

If part of the laminate was broken from LDSP, then the slab can allocate harmful evaporation. This is also a disadvantage, because you should not forget that formaldehyde glue is used to clutch chips in the plates. The melamine film can be protected from the evaporation of toxic formaldehyde. It is from her lamination. Manufacturers care that the film supplied as stronger as possible to the surface, completely closing it. The safety of the LDSP largely depends on its quality.

Note! If there was a question that it is better to choose for a bedroom: LDSP or MDF, then it is worth stopping the selection on the second or prefer the combined option.

However, certified products corresponding to European standards (E1 class specified in official documents) is quite safe to use in any residential room. Choose the best (if possible) products produced in Austria, Germany. At the same time, it is important to care for it, not allowing damage.

General requirements for care and operation

When choosing a place for furniture from MDF or LDSP in the kitchen, it is necessary to take into account that both materials are afraid of temperatures above 75. With strong heating, the coating begins to flaps. For this reason, heating appliances cannot be placed in close proximity to the furniture.

If the furniture headsets constantly illuminates the bright sun, then it can tritely observed, lose attractiveness. Especially burning is subject to lamination of LDSP.

Strong wetting plates is undesirable, although the short-term exposure to water is well kept, so they are used for washes and other kitchen furniture. In this case, much depends on the quality of the material. There are no cases when LDSP sheets begin to be beaten with water, swell, crumble. Such furniture acquires a terrible appearance, collapsed, completely comes in disrepair.

General rules of care.

  • wipe the dust with a dry cloth or a special composition for plastic;
  • timely remove with the surface moisture absorbing sponge;
  • do not overload hooks, shelves so that the fasteners are not taken out;
  • do not use waxes and masts provided for polished wood.

At the last point it is worth focusing. For MDF and LDSP, polishing agents are not suitable for wood. Laminated film can change the color under their influence and even peel. It is also impossible to use acids, alkalis, abrasive substances.

Both types of plates are resistant to the action of pests, mold. In a dry room, they can stand decades without any additional processing, not destroying. Of them make beds, tables, cabinets, dressers, shelves, shelves, all kinds of kitchen lockers.

External differences of materials

Many are interested, what differs MDF from LDSP in appearance, how to determine them? The difference is well noticeable on the cut. The MDF is dense, fine-grained, in chipboard or chipboard is a more inhomogeneous, rough, visible shavings. On the surface of the chipboard without lamination, fibers and chips are clearly viewed, while MDF is more homogeneous.

If you take plates from MDF and LDSP of the same size (by area and thickness), the weight of the chipboard will be less than finely dispersed.

If there is a milled, carved surface on the material you can unambiguously say that it is not LDSP, because it cannot be cut on it. You can't make small details from it either because the material will crumble.

Advantages of MDF over LDSP

So, comparing two types of wood-based plates, it can be concluded that in general MDF differs from LDSP for the better. The advantages of the MDF are as follows:

  • scoops are not formed at the edges, in the places of spinning of screws;
  • features high density, strength;
  • material is environmentally safe;
  • more resistant to humidity than laminated chipboard;
  • MDF can be bend, milling, consequently, create beautiful shapes, drawings.

Advantages affect price. Usually the cost of wood-fibrous plates is higher than wood-chip. If MDF is combined with metal, glass, made in accordance with the original design solution, decorated, then its price increases even more. At the same time, such furniture, whether it is in the kitchen or in the bedroom, requires more careful care.

Combining materials

To slightly reduce the price of the furniture, while maintaining its strength and aesthetic characteristics, manufacturers combine MDF and LDSP or chipboard. MDF makes beautiful front-resistant facades, and the chipboard is used for the base of the design. Finely dispersed plates are extremely rarely used for the frame, since such furniture is quite expensive and massive. Combined designs are installed in apartments, offices, private houses, public premises.

The framework facades that are made during individual orders are very popular. Frames with grooves are cut out of the MDF sheets and tempered glass or mirror are inserted into them, sometimes using the same wood plates with a thickness of 8 mm, decorated with milling. In this case, the color solution and the configuration can be completely any.

No matter what beautiful kitchen furniture, it will not hurt to ask what she was made. It is from the source material that the service life, environmental friendliness, operational properties depend. It happens to a curious buyer of the name say nothing that is quite normal: a person wants to buy good furniture, but it does not understand it, as a furnitureer does not understand the aircraft engines, Lobachevsky geometry, prêt-À-porter and shrimp. We make clarity into questions that it is - MDF, LDSP, chipboard, and how materials differ from each other.

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

When the inventor from Germany Max Himmeltebere developed a new material, the production wastes of 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 purpose of innovation - savings required production and ecology (60% of wood for emissions - a non-disabilities, not peculiar to the Germans). Furniture, in price Available to everyone - a secondary advantage.

The chipboard is a composite material made from a mixture of small wood particles and binding resins (contain formaldehyde) by hot pressing or extrusion method. The percentage ratio of wood and resins leaves much to be desired (6-18%).

In water, the stove swells, gaining about 30% of the original volume. In addition to the water-house, there is another significant drawback - you can only screw in the stove only once (first). It is advisable to do it with jewelry accuracy, since the chance of correcting the error will not be - the material crumbs, it basically keeps fasteners well. The craftsmen "plant" nails on glue, but then these nails "come out" from the plate along with glue and the surrounding sawdust (crumb). However, these are all flowers: the chipboard is environmentally unsafe, since it highlights formaldehyde.

The child hung on the door ... In these holes, the screws are no longer screwed, you will have to expand the holes under the pits and use the screws M5

According to the maximum permissible standards for the release of harmful substances, the chipboard is divided into two classes - E1 and E2 (Europe). In Russia, this parameter regulates GOST. Compare standards are extremely difficult, because different countries are different measurement methods. One exactly - E2 is prohibited for use in children's furniture. Some countries have long been removed from production, which I would like from Russia: Formaldehyde stands out with human joy, if the chipboard is slightly able to warm that in the kitchen there is a completely and close. By the way, GOST is steadily European, but who would observe him.

The chipboard is used in construction and furniture production. If, thanks to the GLC, GVL and OSB, the use of chipboard as a structural material is actively declining, then the furniture makers are not in a hurry to part with a cheap plate, although there is an alternative (though, more expensive). Fault in what is obviously demand. People want to buy as far as possible, manufacturers go to meet them. If people refuse furniture from chipboard (refuse completely - from LDSP too), it will not be done.

Classification of chipboard

The chipboard is classified for a number of parameters:

  • the number of layers;
  • mark: divided into P1, P2 by flexural strength and deformation, water resistance, warp;
  • variety: 1st and 2nd grade or without it depending on the presence of defects - chips, cracks, spots, deepening and protrusions;
  • outer layer (finely structural, normal, coarse plate);
  • surface processing (polished, not polished);
  • formaldehyde emission class (E1 -< 10 мг, Е2 - 10–30 мг; в последнее время выпускают плиты класса E0.5, эмиссия в них снижена вдвое относительно E1);
  • waterproof (produce a special waterproof chipboard, in addition to p1 with 33% and P2 with 22% swelling from the initial volume);
  • fire resistance (antipiren treatment);
  • density:< 550 кг/м 3 , 550–750 кг/м 3 , > 750 kg / m 3;
  • pressing method (flat, extrusion).

Waterproof chipboard (different in color)

What is LDSP

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

In terms of high pressure and temperature on the slab, a stable melamine film is applied - the process resembles familiar to all lamination (the difference is only in the materials). The slab treated in this way acquires high aesthetic and operational properties. Further processing is not required - a ready-made product is obtained by laminating, but sometimes the surface is additionally lacquered (expensive varieties).

The problem of formaldehyde emissions remains in its place (produce material from chipboard with all its characteristics), despite lamination, but the outer surface of the LDSP is more aesthetic, waterproof and durable, especially if they are covered with varnish.

What is MDF.

MDF, MDF - MediumDensityFibreboard (Wood-fibrous stove of medium density 600-800 kg / m 3). The same stove of wood particles manufactured by dry pressing under high pressure and temperature conditions. As a binder use urea resins containing formaldehyde, but the emission of the harmful substance is much lower than that of the chipboard, and comparable to the similar characteristic of natural wood. A significant reduction in emission is achieved by modifying resin by melamine.

Production of carbamide resins for MDF

The resin is manufactured in several stages:

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

Synthesis requires compliance with the temperature regime - 88-94 °. Modified by resin at a temperature of 40-50 °.

Despite the same raw material, the MDF is very different from the chipboard (excluding the difference in the emission values): the material can be milling and deformed, which opens up the possibility of making carved furniture facades, furniture and other constructs of radial forms.

MDF varieties

MDF is divided into four types under the terms of operation (humidity, temperature). The first view is used for the manufacture of office, home body furniture and commercial equipment (normal conditions), the second - kitchen furniture (humidity, steam), the third - structural elements (normal conditions, high load), the fourth - structural elements (increased humidity, high loads ).

In the process of production of plates, they give fireproof, water resistance, biostostility (protection against mushrooms, bacteria). MDF needs additional processing of the facial surface. By type of this processing, the material is divided into:

  1. Veneered: on the facial (sometimes inner) surface is glued with thin natural veneer; This is an expensive view, and the price varies depending on the value of the wood breed, which went to the manufacture of veneer.
  2. Painted: surfaces (one and both) are covered with paint or enamel
  3. Laminated: The front side is covered with PVC films - matte or glossy, imitating various surfaces (wood, natural stone, marble, etc.); The film is applied under pressure at high temperatures.

Surface treatment increases the physico-mechanical characteristics of the material, its operational and aesthetic properties.

Painted glossy stove - samples of some shades and bends

All types of MDF are equally in demand - each has its own niche. Material with a facial surface of a natural veneer is on the manufacture of good office furniture and shopping equipment, kitchen furniture, living rooms, hallways. The cheaper, laminated film, imitating wood, finds the application in the production of already listed, but relatively inexpensive mass market class furniture.

Flexible MDF.

The material was developed specifically to create curvilinear surfaces actively used in modern design. MDF can be milling - this quality is used in the manufacture of flexible plates: on the one hand, parallel slots make, due to which the panel can be bent to a certain radius (depends on the thickness); The second side remains smooth. Thus, surfaces of varying complexity are obtained - from a banal circle to wave-like with different radii of each wave. Call such MDF perforated (not to be confused with perforated HDF). The material opens up almost limitless opportunities in furniture design.

None of the smooth facade - everything with one or another radius

Differences of chipboard, LDSP and MDF

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

Let's start with the fact that the difference in LDSP and chipboard consists of lamination. Natural veneer is no worse than the laminating film, but the chipboard is inappropriate to handle them, so then it will be about the difference between LDSP and MDF.

List of differences:

  1. LDSP is much less resistant to moisture. It would seem that water has nowhere to go, but there is a liquid between the edge and laminating film (as stated in the proverb) microscopic gap and penetrates inside. Inside, it remains (for rapid evaporation, the area is needed, and it is not), cutting chipboard to unthinkable sizes. However, long before the set of extra 20-30% in the volume of the sheet, the film or veneer (whatever it is) is cracking. Some a few drops of water that fell into an unsuccessful place can irreversibly dismissed the worktop. Even the so-called waterproof material still absorbs moisture - this is its structure.
  2. LDSP is more toxic. It is more toxic, because information about the full non-toxicity of the wood-fiber plate is incorrect: even if the material sends as much formaldehyde as natural wood, it does not mean that there is no emission at all. It is, but much lower. It happens that they write that there is no formaldehyde as part of MDF - it is not true (moreover, formaldehyde is everywhere: it is used in medicine, the food industry as E240, is used for grain fumigation, the substance is included in the composition of cosmetics, is contained in the human body - the question of concentration ). Wood fibers are impregnated with carbamide resins containing formaldehyde. Modification helps to reduce emissions.
  3. MDF is suitable for the manufacture of furniture of complex shape, which is impossible from LDSP.
  4. The MDF is higher than the density - you can mill, make inclined holes. The material is not an example better "holds" fasteners.
  5. In the color solutions, there are practically no difference, with the exception of glossy MDF (but this is no longer a color) and custom-made - enamel can be poured into any shade that came to mind, so here the MDF is in winning.
  6. MDF is noticeably more expensive, due to the qualitative parameters of the material. However, this seemingly expensive, which is understandable to anyone who can consider to be considered to be a person: Even on rough estimates, the furniture from MDF will eventually work cheaper, because it will last much longer.

No edge - the whole plate is covered with a single layer, which eliminates the slots between the film and the edge

LDSP or MDF? MDF loses LDSP only in price, but it may not be meaningful if you consider all the advantages. By purchasing furniture, the decision takes the buyer, we can only advise to make a weighted choice.

No matter how much to save, preference is better to give quality material - environmentally friendly, which is actually important, because in the kitchen there is often an increased temperature, and the emission of formaldehyde rises from heat (we are not clear why E2 is prohibited only in the production of children's furniture - in the kitchen The type of product is even more harmful). Repeat, savings in the event of a choice of furniture from LDSP is ghost. Again, aesthetic properties are important.

Kitchens from MDF.

The ability to bend the panel turns utilitarian standard kitchens into rooms, not devoid of individuality and more relevant to their owners. This is especially important when the kitchen is small: there is no possibility to play on the placement of furniture, the introduction of original parts - only the form remains, and the MDF provides its variability.

These curved facades are not at all the work of software. Doors are made of perforated MDF - the usual kitchen in all parameters with a standard furniture arrangement looks extraordinary thanks to the rounded cabinets. And this is the easiest option of all possible.

What is in this kitchen in the photo made of wood? It is likely that nothing. Even a log may be plastic (or from polystone, perfectly imitating any natural materials). Paul, ceiling and furniture facades (remind: Material can be mill) Made from MDF.

But the magnificent country. It will be able to keep the glass (all the more stitched) either natural wood, or MDF - LDSP will turn out a little faster than instantly. Working with the MDF, the Master is delivered from endless trials in the search for the only necessary shade (LKM, LOW on the natural tree, changes the color in accordance with the tone and texture of the base), and the customer is from exorbitant spending.

From the MDF, you can make almost any kitchen (almost - because there is also a stainless steel) - to implement a bold idea, create something truly original and enjoy the result daily. It can only be an array (and not always). In our opinion, only the sharp lack of funds and as acute need in furniture can be driven into the frame of LDSP. But the solution will be temporary (the furniture will raise quickly). Make the right choice.