What does the MDF panel consist of? What is MDF, how does it differ from chipboard, where is it used. Additional sources of income

With the development of technology, more and more construction and finishing materials are appearing on the market. At the end of the last century we had MDF. There are MDF boards that are used in construction work, There is finishing panels, which can be used to decorate walls/ceilings or make furniture.

What is MDF and its manufacturing method

MDF appeared on our market in the last years of the last century, and it was invented in the USA in the late 60s of the 20th century. You can understand what MDF is if you translate its English name - MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard. This translates into Russian as “medium density fiberboard.” That is, the Russian-language name was formed using transliteration - instead of Latin letters they put similar Russian ones. A common phenomenon for our language.

MDF - medium density fiberboard

Manufacturing process

MDF is made from wood, ground to the state of very fine chips, almost to the state of fibers. Wood processing waste is mainly used, so the release of this material does not harm forests.

The ground wood is cleaned of sand and other foreign inclusions, washed and dried. The prepared mass is heated, a tape of the required width is formed from it, and then pressed. Under pressure, a natural binder, lignin, is released from heated wood fibers. It is he who is the binder in this material. The final shape of the products is given in a finishing press, which squeezes out the remaining air from the mass, forming a homogeneous MDF structure.

After pressing, the cooled material is submitted for grinding, where the flaws on the surface are removed from the MDF and the material is brought to the required thickness.

Not all types of wood provide a sufficient amount of binder. Then a similar, previously isolated lignin or other natural binder is added. Of all sheet wood materials, MDF is considered the safest, since the binder is natural, and formaldehyde emissions are comparable to those of wood (emission class F1, that is, it is allowed to be used for the manufacture of furniture for children's and medical institutions).

During production, fibreboards can be given special properties. Basically, moisture resistance additives increase moisture resistance and reduce flammability.

Appearance and release forms

In its “pure” form, the material has a grayish-brown color; when cut, it is a homogeneous dense mass. The exact shade depends on the type of wood ground and the amount of bark. In this form, the material is used as sheet construction - for the construction of light partitions and leveling walls.

The surface of MDF can be “refined”. It can be painted, laminated with PVC film, covered with veneer or plastic. It gives quite big number design options that are used in furniture industry, in the production of finishing materials.

The production technology allows us to create products of various shapes, thicknesses, and sizes. During final pressing, a certain relief can be formed, which is used in the production of furniture and doors. Finishing materials such as slabs and panels are also made from MDF. They make skirting boards, platbands, and other moldings from it. All these materials can be used for interior decoration premises.

The structure of MDF is fine-fiber; dust is generated during milling, which makes it possible to produce carvings. This is used in the manufacture of carved decorative elements - panels, decorative grilles, figured furniture facades.

MDF or chipboard - which is better?

Having appeared on the market, MDF created competition. This was facilitated by its properties:

All this led to the growing popularity of the material. Even though MDF is more expensive than chipboard. To some extent, MDF even competed with wood. For example, skirting boards, MDF trim, and finishing panels are increasingly used. This is due, firstly, to lower cost, and secondly, to greater practicality. Wood requires regular maintenance - painting, varnishing. MDF special care does not require. They just wipe it down damp cloth, using liquid detergent if necessary.

MDF boards

The manufacturing technology of MDF boards allows you to vary the density within a wide range: the minimum value is 760-780 kg/m3, the maximum is 1100 kg/m3 and even higher. Material with a lower density is used where the abrasion load is low: in the furniture industry, for finishing walls and ceilings.

High density MDF boards are used for floor finishing. The material of this category has high abrasion resistance: one and a half times higher than that of oak (oak - 6.9, MDF - 10-11). If we add that the coefficient of warping along the diagonal is only 1.2 mm for every meter of diagonal (for plywood it is 15 mm), the love of furniture makers and finishers for this material becomes clear.

Dimensions and tolerances

One of the most popular forms of release is slabs of different thicknesses and formats. They can be found with the following parameters:

It is convenient to work with MDF boards, since this material has very small tolerances for deviations from dimensions:

• the difference in thickness cannot exceed 0.2 mm (for plywood 0.5-2.5 mm);
• length may differ by no more than 5 mm;
• The width difference cannot be more than 2 mm.

When joining two sheets, the difference in thickness or size is very small or non-existent. Because MDF finishing sheets or panels move quickly.

Types of surface finishing of sheet material

MDF boards are available with different types of surface treatment:

If we talk about construction and repairs, they use polished MDF boards. When leveling walls or installing light partitions, when leveling floors and ceilings. Here is their approximate scope.

Frame mounting

If the surface of the walls or ceiling is uneven (deviations more than 1 cm), the method of installing sheet MDF is the same as for plasterboard - on a frame. The frame is usually assembled from wooden blocks, but no one forbids installing profiles under drywall. The cross-section of the bars is selected based on the unevenness of the wall - they must compensate for the entire height difference. Most likely, you will need 20*30 mm bars or something like that. They are stuffed horizontally in increments of 40 cm. With this step, the joints of the sheets (they exist if the ceiling height is higher than 280 cm) fall on the bar.

For installation sheet panels Vertical lintels are installed from the same timber. They are placed in increments:

• 54. 3 cm - for sheets with a width of 2170 mm;
• 42.3 cm or 63.5 cm for a width of 1270 mm.

The installation step of the vertical jumpers depends on the thickness of the selected material. For thin sheets(3-4 mm) it should be smaller, for thick ones (5-6 mm) you can make more.

MDF sheets/plates are attached to the assembled frame. The peculiarity (compared to drywall) is that for hidden fastening you need to drill holes for the fasteners. Otherwise, the fasteners will not fit into a dense slab. To prevent the caps from sticking out above the surface, the hole under them is widened using a drill of a larger diameter.

After installing the screws, holes remain on the surface. They are sealed with putty. If you are planning to putty the walls next, proceed as before - first fill the holes with putty, immediately removing the excess with a spatula. After drying, the putty areas are sanded with fine-grain sandpaper to finally get rid of possible unevenness. Then, having cleared the surface of dust, they begin to putty the walls.

Glue installation

If the walls are smooth, you can mount MDF boards without a frame - using glue. You can use liquid nails or a composition like SM-11. The operating procedure is as follows:

To ensure that the sheet does not move anywhere during installation, you can make holes in the corners and, after leveling, fix the sheet. Even if the self-tapping screw only sticks to the plaster, this will help, since it is required only at the initial stage - until the glue begins to harden.

This method seems simpler and costs less (due to the absence of a frame), but leveling bulky MDF boards is not at all easy. It's better to try on a small section of the wall. The thing is that it is impossible to disassemble what has been installed. Only if you destroy the casing completely. So it’s worth thinking about which method is better.

Installation of sheet MDF on the floor

For laying on the floor, choose high-density moisture-resistant MDF boards (from 900 kg/m 3 and above). Sheet thickness - from 5 mm when laid on a subfloor and from 10 mm when installed on joists. IN in this case The installation method is similar to leveling the floor with plywood, only the gaps are smaller, since the wood board changes its parameters much less than plywood. Otherwise the rules are similar:

After sanding the putty, the surface of the MDF floor is ready for painting. If you do everything carefully, you get a perfectly flat floor. This base can also be used as a base for flexible finishing materials or laminate.

MDF finishing panels

Finely dispersed pressed boards serve as the basis for the production of decorative finishing panels. The front surface is covered with paper. This is the cheapest option. Slightly more expensive ones are laminated with PVC film. There are also panels covered with veneer. This is a more expensive material. There are also options with plastic, but very rarely.

MDF panel with three-dimensional image - 3D

Decorative MDF panels are most often used to cover walls and sometimes ceilings. This finishing method saves time: the surface is leveled and immediately takes on its final form, since no additional finishing is required.

Types of decorative MDF panels

We will not talk about colors and shades, but about the shape of the intake and the type decorative surface. The shapes of finishing panels made of pressed wood fibers are:

When choosing MDF panels, pay attention to the type of finish. Most cheap material covered with paper, on top of which a thin layer of protective coating is applied. It is clear that such a surface gets scratched quickly; it can only be wiped with an exceptionally soft, slightly damp cloth. You cannot even use a rough sponge, otherwise light spots will form. Such MDF panels are good for finishing the ceiling - there is no mechanical load at all. If you install them on walls, it is better to immediately cover them with two layers of varnish. You choose the type of surface yourself - gloss, semi-gloss, matte, semi-matte... It is important that the film is durable.

More expensive ones - with PVC and veneer - do not require additional finishing, but the price is 2-3 times more expensive. If your budget is limited, the option described above is not bad.

Installation methods

MDF panels are mounted either on the frame or directly on the wall using glue. The technology is described in the previous paragraph and differs only in that clamps are used for installation - special fastening plates for hidden mounting. The first panel on the wall is installed in the corner. Here it is attached through and through using self-tapping screws. All others are fixed with clamps. After installation is completed, the corners are closed with a special corner profile. It is mounted on glue - applied thin layer and press at the installation site.

There is also a system of profiles - starting, finishing, connecting and corner (outer and internal corner). But this fastening system is more expensive; it is used with veneered MDF panels, square or rectangular.

There is another subtlety of installing decorative MDF panels on the ceiling. If you use thin sheets/planks - 3-4 mm thick - you need to install hangers often, otherwise the material will bend under its own weight. When using slabs 6-8 mm thick, hangers can be installed less frequently. They are more rigid and do not bend. But the weight of the finish will be greater, so you will have to use more powerful guides and the hangers themselves.

MDF panels are a sheet material consisting of fine wood chips and lignin. Translated, the abbreviation means medium-density fiberboard.

MDF is a material that is often used in construction and furniture production. The technological process eliminates the use of epoxy resins, phenol and other substances that pose a danger to human health.

The formation of the slab occurs by pressing, subject to the obligatory conditions:

• high pressure;
• high temperature conditions.

The material includes:

• fine wood fraction;
• lignin (binding element).

The complex type of processing did not prevent the material from being preserved best qualities tree, and some even surpass.

Technical characteristics of panels

1. Density slabs according to specifications is 600–840 kg/m3.
2. Quality control a grade is assigned to each panel surface within grades 1, 2, 3.
3. The main produced format is 2440x1830 mm.
4. Sheet thickness ranges from 8 to 30 mm.
5. Humidity finished material should be 6.5%. An error of 2.5% is allowed.
6. Thanks to their shape, MDF sheets are easy to install. The color scheme allows your imagination to run wild in design solutions. Fastening different ways can visually change the geometry of the room.
7. The structure of the material is pliable various types processing. In this case, it is enough to use a primitive tool.
8. Caring for MDF products does not require special skills. Regular wet cleaning will be quite enough.

Due to the modernization of production with new high-tech equipment, the production of various products has been launched.

A distinctive feature of the species is the method and material of cladding.

1. Solid pressed sheets produced under high pressure during hot pressing. Both sides have a smooth surface.
2. Veneered sheets have a textured surface that replicates natural wood. During the processing process, the rough version of the panel is covered with a 3 cm layer of veneer, repeating the structure of different types of wood.
3. Painted sheets are obtained by painting rough slabs with special paint. May have a glossy or matte surface.
4. Moisture resistant sheets Made from dense wood of the highest quality. It differs from the production of other types not only in the raw materials, but also in the pressing time.
5. Laminated sheets go through the entire manufacturing process solid pressed slabs, however, at the final stage the front side is covered polymer film. As a result, the plate acquires additional protection from moisture and mechanical damage.

The latest achievement in the woodworking industry is 3D boards with a pressed structure and a moisture-resistant coating.

The new type is relatively new on the market, but has already gained popularity among consumers.

MDF sizes

Widespread use encourages manufacturers to produce slabs of different sizes to reduce the amount of waste during subsequent processing. Each company has its own range of sizes, but upon request it is possible to cut any dimensions from 150 mm to 4000 mm.

Conventionally, the sizes of the slabs can be divided into three categories.

1. Thin: thickness – 5-9 mm, length – 1300-2800 mm, width – 153-2070 mm.
2. Thick: thickness – 19-30 mm, length – 2620-2800 mm, width – 2070 mm.
3. Average: thickness – 10-18 mm, length – 2620-2800 mm, width – 2070 mm.

Depending on the dimensions, the panels can be divided into types:

• Rack and pinion;
• Leafy;
• Tiled.

Dimensional differences do not affect the quality of the product or the complexity of installation. Manufacturers pursue only one goal - convenient selection of dimensions to reduce waste during processing.

Advantages of MDF:

• The composition includes only natural ingredients, which emphasizes the environmental qualities of the material.
• Aesthetic cladding can become an exclusive addition when creating a room design.
• The density of the material exceeds that of natural wood.
• Moisture resistance allows for wet cleaning of the surface.
• Flexibility of the structure to processing. Installation can be done without much difficulty.
• Resistance to temperature changes.
• Soundproofing qualities.
• The pricing policy surprises with the affordable cost at high quality execution.
• The texture and color scheme allow you to make a choice in accordance with the style of the interior.
• Versatility of the material with a wide range of applications.

Disadvantages of MDF:

• Flammability of slabs. It is recommended to use corrugated cables for wiring located behind wall panels. Also take other measures to enhance fire protection.
• Damaged by strong mechanical shocks.

Scope of application

In individual construction, MDF panels are used for:

• leveling the surface of the walls;
• ceiling cladding;
• laying laminated flooring;
• in the form of partitions.

From MDF panels you can make design elements when decorating the interior:

• arches;
• curved planes;
• railings;
• scaffolding;
• niches.

Paneling

MDF panels are widely used in finishing works different surfaces. Having selected the required color and texture, you can perform decorative design administrative or public premises.

IN home interior used when creating certain styles with wooden elements.

To complete the finishing you will need to prepare a set of tools:

• perforator;
• electric jigsaw;
• hammer;
• drill;
• Bulgarian;
• screwdriver;
• level;
• plumb line;
• roulette.

In addition to the panels, you need to stock up on the following components:

• boxes for wiring;
• edge profiles;
• wooden slats;
• self-tapping screws;
• Claimers.

Technological finishing features may differ only in frame materials. The structure can be made of metal profiles or wooden slats. Preference is given profile frame due to its resistance to moisture.

Installation stages

1. Preparatory work includes:
   • cleaning work surface from old finishing;
   • sealing cracks with cement or gypsum mortar;
   • primer with a special antiseptic composition;
   • insulation (if necessary);
   • execution of a drawing of the room with calculated data on materials.
2. Installation begins with fastening the upper and lower profiles. The level will help determine the lowest corner of the room and the location of the frame. When performing the sheathing, you need to take into account the protrusion of communications. The frame ribs are installed at intervals of 30–40 cm.
3. Cutting panels to size. Processing of sections with light friction sandpaper(no more than two passes).
4. Installation of wall panels begins from the corner of the room. Before fastening, it is necessary to cut off the tongue of the tongue. The connection is made using self-tapping screws (to the profile) and gluers (in the grooves of the lock). The assembly of subsequent panels is carried out by inserting the ridge into the grooves.
5. The sheathing ends by snapping the last two planks into the lock. To do this, the outermost corner panel is adjusted in size with an increase of up to 5 mm. To make it easier to insert into a corner, round off the edges and cut the comb halfway. Use self-tapping screws to secure the last lock, pushing the last bar all the way towards the previous one.

There is another way to install MDF panels - using glue. The main conditions for this option include:

• a flat surface on which the cladding will be attached;
• choosing the right waterproof adhesive.

Panel price

Factors influencing pricing:

• status and image of the manufacturer;
• dimensions of the plate;
• material density;
• decorative finishing.

The range in pricing policy is also dictated by the time of development of the woodworking market. Since MDF products have been produced in Europe for more than 20 years, the companies have already managed to win the trust of consumers.

Therefore, the cost of wall slabs is an order of magnitude higher than domestic ones.

• Kronostar (Russia): color - walnut, size - 2600x250x7 mm, price per piece - 118 rubles.
• Eurostar (Russia): color - savanna beige, size - 2600x250x7 mm, price per piece - 160 rubles.
• Kronospan (Poland): color - maple, size - 2600x153x7 mm, price per piece - 134 rubles.
• LAATUpaneeli (Finland): color - oak, size - 2016x232x11 mm, price per m2 - 3900 rub.
• Egger (Germany): color – white, size – 2800x2070x16 mm, price per sheet – 2770 rub.

1. If finishing is carried out only on the walls, It is recommended to use corners that match the color of the panels.
2. When tiling small spaces It is better to choose light shades.
3. For decoration of residential premises designers often use a zoning technique, where one of the parts is lined with MDF boards.
4. When choosing MDF products You should pay attention to the condition of the edges. If they are damaged, you should refuse the purchase, since the locking part is most likely broken.
5. Fastening with gluers is more reliable, but at the same time it will cost more. But if necessary, you can dismantle the panel without damage.
6. Despite its moisture resistance, the material may lose original appearance after prolonged contact with water.
7. Vertical arrangement cladding implies vertical installation frame.
8. To achieve a tight fit of the slab the starting chamfer must be removed from the profile.

As they say experienced builders, decorating the surface of walls indoors can be done using MDF panels. From the material in our article we will learn what this building material is, get acquainted with its positive and negative qualities, as well as the technology of installing panel structures on an adhesive mixture or a pre-prepared frame.

What is MDF panel

Among the huge number building materials Many people are interested in wall products. The catalog is literally full of such designs, but a special place in it is occupied by Wall panels MDF. Such products are used as a decorative element when finishing the surface of walls and ceilings. By design features The described material resembles the plastic familiar to many, although such products include natural raw materials from waste from the wood processing industry.

Appearance of panels

MDF panels are very popular precisely because of their similarity to natural and more noble finishing materials. At the same time, the cost of such panels is much lower.

The term MDF itself is literally translated from English as the familiar abbreviation chipboard or chipboard, but differs from its Soviet counterpart in improved technical characteristics. In this case, harmful resins containing phenol are not used to connect raw materials. The binder here is lignin, and in some cases paraffin.

The basic composition of the panel contains wood dust, which was obtained after grinding and processing sawdust. This material is heated in special ovens until the binding substance lignin is released from it. It is with the help of such a component that the raw material mass is glued together. The pressing process gives the product even greater strength. The cooled workpiece needs additional processing, first the released board is cut into the required parts, then a melamine film is glued to the surface, which imitates the structure of wood.

In structure, MDF lining resembles an intermediate material between cardboard and plywood sheets. Thanks to these properties, the product can be given the required dimensions using a regular hacksaw for this purpose. The material in question has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, but it also has a drawback - the possibility of damage to the melamine film during operation. After mechanical impact, cracks and scratches appear on the surface of the material, but defective areas can be easily masked using ordinary paint.

Shades of different colors and textures

A great advantage is the wide choice of shade and texture of panel patterns. In most cases, the pattern imitates various varieties tree.

MDF wall panels are made using the same technology, but the surface of such products may have different finishes. In this regard, the materials under consideration can be divided into several varieties:

• Veneered. In this case, as decorative finishing applies natural veneer. Thanks to this coating, the product’s appearance resembles natural solid wood, has the maximum cost among analogues.
• Laminated panels are considered one of the most popular designs. The most simple option execution of such products is considered to be covering the surface with melamine film. This material usually imitates the structure of wood and is used to decorate walls. In some products, during lamination, a high-gloss film may be glued to the surface, improving the appearance of the material. Such panels look exclusive and respectable.
• The corridor can be finished using painted MDF panels. Here, a decorative coating is considered a layer of paint instead of simulating wood texture.

The products in question can be used for cladding any of the rooms of the apartment with the exception of the bathroom. The surface of such products differs significantly from the unnatural appearance of plastic. The end consumer can choose an acceptable design and size of the product for himself, paying relatively little money for building materials.

Now let’s pay attention to the dimensions of the product:

• The standard slab length is considered to be 2.6 meters, although the dimensions of some materials may differ up or down - 2.4 or 2.7 meters, respectively.
• The width of the panel also varies widely, for example MDF plinth has a width of 15 centimeters, while the parameters of a conventional slab are within 90 centimeters, some products have 1.2 meters. The width of the material greatly influences its aesthetic functions. As this parameter increases, a person notices the presence of vertical seams, which further emphasize the texture of the product.
• Depending on the final purpose, the thickness of the panel ranges from 3 millimeters to 3 centimeters. For veneered materials, this figure can reach up to 6 centimeters.

When choosing decorating elements, you must remember that the thinnest parts have minimal strength indicators, so they are used to decorate walls. Materials with a thickness of more than 1.2 centimeters are often used as an additional heat-insulating layer. In terms of properties, such insulation replaces brick wall 15 centimeters thick.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing any building material, users take into account its strengths and weaknesses. First, let's get acquainted with the advantages that wall panels have. These include:

• Availability of material on the construction market.
• Relatively low price. Price square meter high-quality coating from the most famous manufacturers can range from 5 to 12 dollars, while the specified product is used not only to level the surface of the wall, but also as a decorative element.
• Another positive quality of MDF boards is the ability to install them yourself without the help of a specialist. Similar works differ high speed installation, although the maximum amount of time is spent on constructing the frame.
• Installation of panels can be carried out on the surface of walls and ceilings; you can even cope with such work alone.
• The products have a presentable appearance. Most materials imitate the surface of wood, but their pattern may be the same. In this regard, it is necessary to avoid using MDF panels over large areas.
• The materials under consideration can be used as an additional heat-insulating and sound-proofing layer, and especially if the cladding and base surface have an air gap.

Flaws:

• Low strength indicators of the material, this is especially typical for slabs of small thickness.
• Limitation in the choice of colors and textures of panels.
• Reducing the usable space in a room by making a frame and installing panels.
• Low fire resistance. As we have already said, this material is made from wood, and wood is subject to combustion when exposed to high temperatures.
• The material has low water resistance; its structure can be destroyed even under the influence of condensation when the panels are installed on an insulated balcony or loggia.

How to attach MDF wall panels

Many homeowners don't know how to attach MDF panels to the wall. In practice, two popular methods are used: securing products to a pre-aligned frame and installing the material on liquid nails or another composition. When choosing one method or another, you need to pay attention to the following:

1. When using sheathing, the curvature of the walls does not matter; the direction of the finishing plane will be determined by the frame elements.
2. For use in wet rooms, a frame made of galvanized steel is suitable. Such products withstand changes in humidity well and are not susceptible to corrosion.
3. If it is necessary to lay insulation under the finishing ideal option The choice will be to use sheathing. Any heat-insulating material can be laid between the guide rails.
4. Installing panels with glue is suitable for small rooms in which it is necessary to preserve maximum usable space.

Frame mounting

Now let’s take a closer look at the method of laying MDF boards on a frame. First, you need to make a sheathing for the walls; usually this design is made from a metal profile or a wooden beam of a certain cross-section. When using wood, choose timber square section with a side length of 3 centimeters. Such a product should have a humidity of no more than 15%. The material is additionally treated with an antiseptic and fire retardants, which prevents the process of burning and rotting.

Next, measure the walls with a construction tape. In this case, the length of the bars should be slightly less than the calculated values. When the panels are positioned horizontally, the sheathing is installed in the vertical direction and vice versa. After marking work, the dimensions are transferred to wooden products and the bars are sawed. During such operations, the hacksaw should be positioned strictly perpendicular to the surface of the wood, which will prevent the formation of crooked ends.

The guide rails are fixed to the surface using dowels (if the base is brick or concrete) or self-tapping screws (if there is a base wooden surface). After this, insulation boards are laid in the spaces between the sheathing elements, for example, mineral wool. To attach the finishing layer, you can use clamps for MDF panels, as well as self-tapping screws with dimensions of 3 * 20 millimeters, which are screwed into the grooves of the products or special nails with a thin head. At the final stage of work, the connecting strips and external as well as internal corners are secured.

Device metal frame from profiles is almost no different from installing wooden sheathing. To begin with, wall guide elements are installed along the perimeter at the top and bottom of the building. Then the main profile is placed at a distance of 40-50 centimeters from each other. All guide parts are fixed to the wall surface using self-tapping screws and hangers, after which they begin laying the finishing coating.

Glue mounting

As we have already said, gluing MDF panels to the base surface is most often used for finishing small rooms with smooth walls. At the initial stage of work, a thorough examination of the base is carried out, defective areas are identified and measures are taken to repair cracks and chips. Sometimes the leveling process takes longer than finishing the wall.

After the surface is leveled and the solution has completely hardened, the surface must be treated with a deep penetration primer. This solution will help increase the strength of the base and increase adhesion to the adhesive mixture. A similar composition is applied to the wall using a paint brush or roller, avoiding smudges. Now you need to cut the MDF panels with a jigsaw or hacksaw into pieces of the required size.

At the next stage of work, knead required amount glue and apply the prepared solution to the back surface of the panels. This substance is placed pointwise, and there should be as many places covered with glue as possible. Laying begins from the bottom of the wall.

At this stage, each element must be carefully pressed against the wall and held in this state for several seconds. Similar work continues until the surface is completely covered. At the very end, connecting strips and corners are attached, which are fixed to the surface using the same liquid nails or special glue.

Cost of MDF panels

For many developers, the question of the cost of panels remains relevant. The price of the products in question will depend on the popularity of the manufacturer, as well as overall dimensions slabs One of the most popular varieties is considered to be a decorative panel with dimensions of 2.6 * 0.2 meters. The price of such a product in construction stores ranges from 100 to 150 rubles per piece.

It is possible to obtain an attractive wall design, provide comfort in the room and an environmentally friendly environment in it, with the help of modern finishing material- MDF. It is produced in the form of panels. It gained fame extremely quickly due to its practicality and attractiveness; its use is allowed in rooms with extreme loads: kitchen, living room, hallway. MDF panels surprise with their variety of shades and textures; they can very accurately imitate natural wood materials, brickwork or tiles. The cost of the material is low; if you install it yourself, you can get significant savings on finishing work; during operation, it will not require particularly complex care.

MDF wall panels, their properties and advantages

To begin with, we note that MDF panels are produced not from solid wood, but from waste, and no synthetic impurities or glue are used, technological process consists of heating wood chips to high temperatures and pressing them under high pressure. Strong connection The destruction of material fragments occurs due to the natural polymer compound released during heating - lignin.

Among important advantages MDF panels should be noted:

• environmental friendliness of the material,
• Possibility of quick and easy installation,
• good thermal insulation and noise insulation characteristics,
• material strength, long term services,
• ease of replacing any piece of finishing if necessary,
• simple care that does not require the purchase of expensive household chemicals,
• the ability to hide wires, pipes, and other utilities under the cladding layer,
• affordable cost of material.

The main disadvantages of the panels are:

• flammability of the material - when laying electrical cables under the slabs, they will need to be carefully insulated in a self-extinguishing corrugation,
• inability to use in conditions of high humidity,
• fragility, the need for very careful handling when performing installation work.

Types of MDF panels

In the manufacture of panels, different methods of finishing the front side are used; accordingly, the panels themselves are divided into two types:

• laminated, the surface of which is covered with PVC film, characterized by an attractive appearance, imitating the structure natural wood, other building materials, not prone to dust accumulation, resistant to damage;
• veneered, for finishing of which veneer of the best wood species is used.

The external finish of the panels can be shiny - glossy, or matte.

We purchase MDF panels and materials that will be required during installation work

Although installing MDF panels is not a complicated process, it will nevertheless require preliminary preparation, purchasing the facing material itself and the necessary components. To correctly calculate the number of panels, you should first take into account the width of the space to be finished. MDF panels have the following dimensions: their standard width is 148, 190, 240 mm. Determining the required number of panels is simple: it will be the quotient of dividing the width of the wall by the width of the panel. You should purchase a little more material than was received by calculation: there may be defects, some of it will be used for scraps, and losses may also occur as a result of errors.

For work you will need to stock:

• MDF panels,
• insulating corrugation, if electrical wiring will be laid under the panels,
• screws,
• ceiling lamps,
• pendants,
• claymer,
• profiles.

Preparing the walls will consist of cleaning them from remnants of old wallpaper. You will also have to remove the baseboards. The surface of the walls must be treated with an antifungal primer, especially for rooms with high air humidity. If necessary, the walls can be covered with insulating material, for example, foam foil A. It is attached with glue, end-to-end, with the foil side facing the room.

The use of finishing corners will greatly simplify installation. Consisting of strips located with a gap of 2 mm, they are intended for fastening strips; a film corresponding to the color of the panels is applied to their surface. The formed angle very easily bends outward or inward. This point is especially important if the geometry of the existing corners is far from ideal.

To build a frame for the cladding you will need slats, preferably 20x40 mm. There is no point in using slats with a large cross-section - the panels are light in weight. In addition, slats with this cross-section are constantly available for sale in hardware stores. Fastening the slats can be done using plastic dowels and wood screws.

To fasten MDF panels to the frame bars, you will need clamps; most often they are sold complete with the panels. It will be convenient to glue the corners liquid nails. We should especially talk about the quality of the glue - since the panels can change under the influence of moisture and temperature, the glue for them must have some plasticity. Such characteristics of the glue are usually indicated on its packaging. In addition, the glue must have a texture that allows it to be applied in a thicker or very thin layer, depending on the curvatures present on the walls. Liquid nails meet these requirements.

Installation of the sheathing should be carried out by checking the evenness of the structure, for which you can use a regular building level.

Before attaching MDF panels, you should definitely make sure the quality of the installation of the sheathing - this will ultimately determine general form walls To fasten the panels to the sheathing, clamps are used.

Those who decide to decorate MDF panels with their own hands should not neglect the following recommendations:

1. If you need to cut panels, it is best to use a jigsaw - the cut will be smooth and clear. Here it should be remembered that milling, sanding and drilling panels is quite simple to perform; the tools used are the same ones that are used when processing wood materials.
2. In rooms with high levels of humidity, it is better to make the frame from a metal profile. If the sheathing is made of wood, then it should be treated with high-quality antifungal impregnations.
3. If you plan to finish the junction of the ceiling and walls with plinths, then before installing the panels around the perimeter of the room, install a fastening device. After installing the slabs, a ceiling plinth is installed in its groove.
4. In places where hanging interior items are supposed to be placed, the frame will need to be reinforced with additional bars.

Finishing with MDF panels - work order

Installation of the sheathing begins from the most convex place on the wall. The bars are mounted in a horizontal direction, with a step of no more than 40 cm. Increasing the step can lead to distortion of the pattern.

You should start attaching the planks from the corner; it is advisable to make the calculation in such a way that the last panel remains intact. Before starting installation work, you can repeat the calculations or even try on how the purchased material will fit on the wall. The tenon of the first panel should be in the corner.

Along the length of each panel you will need to use 5-6 fastening clamps. They are distributed evenly and secured to the slats using a screwdriver. The opposite end is fixed using self-tapping screws.

In order for the head of the screw to sink into the material, you must first drill a hole with a diameter of 8-10 mm in the strip. The next plank is fastened with a tenon into the groove of the previous one; this procedure is repeated until the last one is installed. Each of the joints at the joints, side and top edges are secured with corners using liquid nails.

If you choose the option of laying panels in a horizontal or diagonal direction, then you should change the direction of the sheathing - its strips should be located perpendicular to the panels of the facing material.

All significant depressions found on the walls should be filled with blocks or wedges.

From below, the joints of the slabs are covered with a regular plinth; it can be secured with nails or sealed with sealant. To make it easier to attach the plinth, the bottom batten of the sheathing is fixed at floor level. The joint under the ceiling can be made with a corner or plinth.

Methods for fastening MDF boards

Methods of fastening MDF boards may be different, depending on the condition concrete surface on which installation is carried out. If it is leveled and clean, then the panels can be glued directly to the wall using adhesive-sealant.

It is applied in a zigzag over the entire board, then it is pressed firmly against the wall for a couple of seconds. If excess glue comes out, carefully remove it with a spatula.

If a layer of insulation is laid under the MDF boards or numerous utility lines have to be hidden under it, then the best option The slabs will be installed on a metal frame.

If you need to hide noticeable unevenness in the wall, it is better to use a lathing made of wooden beams - it will be stronger and more stable. In places where sockets or switches are installed, holes of the required diameter should be made using an electric drill.

MDF panels for the kitchen - are they a suitable material?

You can often find discussions about installing MDF panels in the kitchen. It is not easy to give a definite answer to this. MDF is an environmentally friendly material, it does not have unpleasant odor, therefore cannot cause any harm to people in the kitchen.

At the same time, the material is not moisture-resistant to the extent that would allow its unhindered installation in rooms with high levels of humidity - under the influence of water, the material may lose its attractive appearance. But using MDF boards to improve areas remote from places where water is used, for example dining area, it’s still possible. In this case, it is recommended to mount the panels on a metal profile - wood is humid environment may suffer from fungi and putrefactive processes. In addition, experts recommend paying attention to a relatively new version of panels with a special moisture-resistant coating.

Care of MDF boards

The period of operation of the slabs will not cause much trouble. The surface of the slabs is very smooth, it is well laminated and covered with paints. Cleaning the material from contaminants is done with a moistened soft cloth; when cleaning, do not use substances containing abrasive particles.

If peeling becomes noticeable during operation top coating film, it can be removed using fine-grained sandpaper. Any of the damaged slabs can be replaced quite easily with a new one.

Evgeniy Sedov

When hands grow out the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

You can make repairs in any room using special coatings yourself. The choice of covering depends on design solution, features of the room. Today, MDF panels for wall cladding are considered the easiest to install and at the same time aesthetically pleasing material, which compare favorably with PVC and chipboard products.

What are MDF panels

Very common wood material which is used for cladding - MDF panels for walls. It is made from natural, steam-treated fibers. Its usual name is fiberboard, but Medium Density Fiberboard is an improved version of it. New technologies are used in production, so the result is a more modern product with new properties. Its advantages include:

• environmental friendliness;
• aesthetics;
• strength;
• durability.

The new fibrous material is used for the production of furniture, flooring, and ceilings. The environmental friendliness of medium-density wood fiber products is due to the fact that the production uses safe resins and plant lignin to bind fibers during dry pressing of wood fibers instead of toxic formaldehyde. Finished goods can be additionally coated with varnishes, waterproof and fire-resistant mixtures.

What types of MDF wall panels are there?

Depending on the application, MDF wall panels have different thickness, design and protective coatings. Most often, such products are used for interior work, cladding door designs. For different rooms with different humidity and temperature, cladding with special protective coatings, filling. To choose the right cladding, you need to know about the features of production and use of each type of fibrous material.

Solid pressed sheet

Solid pressed products - sheets with medium density, which are often used in cladding work office premises. Whole-pressed sheets are strips of fibrous material, smooth on both sides, that are attached to the frame using special clips (the main method). Sometimes glue is used for installation, but only in cases where the wall in the room is smooth and has no defects.

Laminated

The material differs from solid pressed material by being treated with a special decorative varnish without color, which provides greater moisture resistance, durability and better aesthetic properties. However, even laminated cladding is not intended for use in damp areas or with prolonged contact with moisture. Laminated MDF is also used for cladding and doorways.

Moisture resistant

The resistance to non-standard environments of the bathroom, shower, and kitchen of this type of product is due to its increased strength. Moisture-resistant cladding is the most durable. In addition to moisture-proof properties, the sheets are soundproof and heat-retaining. The coating, often acrylic, is not destroyed by water, so moisture-resistant products can be used when decorating kitchens and bathrooms.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of MDF wall panels?

Medium density fiberboard is chosen because this material easy to install even with your own hands (without a specialist), does not require pre-treatment surfaces. All that is needed is a fastening in the form of a frame on which the sheets are placed. Installation is simple and you can do it yourself. Correct calculation of the size and number of stripes is half the success. The main advantages of the material also include durability and cost-effectiveness. MDF panels for wall decoration have a number of disadvantages:

1. The main disadvantage of fiber boards is the fear of moisture. The presence of a water-repellent coating does not mean that they are intended to come into contact with water.
2. The thickness of MDF is less than a centimeter, and its strength is less than that of drywall.
3. Appearance – this type cladding is intended mainly for work areas, it is rarely used at home, more often for offices, and special water-repellent sheets on a fiber basis are used for kitchens and baths.
4. Minimum Fire safety– fiber boards are highly flammable.

How to choose MDF panels for the kitchen and other rooms

Manufacturers of wall cladding, such as Kronostar, Omis, Rico, have a wide range of products with different designs. They produce material for white brick, ash, wenge, wood chips and other patterns. For example, Kronostar produces fiber sheets different coatings, wood or tile surface, for covering the ceiling and walls of different rooms.

Before making a choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the range of medium-density fiberboards. They are produced with the following types of coatings:

• paper;
• lamination;
• veneered;
• special water-repellent.

Depending on the type and interior of the room, its humidity and lighting, the type of finishing is chosen. For example, cladding with a special water-repellent coating is suitable for bathrooms; the same sheets can be installed in the kitchen. Glossy lining is more often used for office spaces, corridors and living rooms, as it has greater density and better aesthetic properties.

Where to buy and how much do wall panels cost?

You can buy slabs at any hardware store or order by studying catalogs on specialized websites on the Internet. Often, when selling, they provide related services: they measure and cut the material to suit your order. The price of fiber boards is not the highest, ranging from 120 rubles. for 4 m2 up to 1000 rubles and more for the same area. The cost depends on the manufacturer of the material, special coating and decor.

Installation of wall panels

How to attach MDF panels to the wall? Fiberboards are mounted on a frame, usually wooden. The beams of the structure are located at a distance of 40-50 cm. It is important that the sheathing is attached evenly, otherwise the cladding may become wavy. To install the frame correctly, you need to periodically check the structure with a level. Installation of MDF panels is carried out in the following sequence:

1. After processing the walls, the frame or sheathing is installed.
2. The plates themselves are attached, starting from the corner of the room, using self-tapping screws.
3. The first sheet is mounted from the corner, the rest are attached using special staples, which fasten the material together.
4. Each subsequent strip is placed on a bracket and attached to the previous one. It is important to connect them tightly at the joints so that the facing of the room has an even appearance. If necessary, the sheets are cut to the required size.
5. Installation is carried out at a certain distance from the floor. Leave space for the baseboard. Corners are processed using a flexible corner. All components for installation can be purchased from the same manufacturer.

Video: Wall decoration with MDF panels