Which is better to choose a kitchen: plastic or MDF? Let's consider the options

Stylish furniture made from natural MDF furniture board is known for its reliability and high strength. Thanks to the properties of the board, furniture facades can be decorated with milling. A huge number of colors and textures provide fashionable aesthetics to furniture sets. The material has universal characteristics, moderate cost and minimal maintenance, which is why it is popular among buyers.

To protect the surface and obtain different decor options, plastic and special films are used.

How to choose materials?

When choosing furnishings, most people start with design and quality. The appearance of the furniture continues the theme of the interior and pushes other characteristics into second place. The next issue is the durability of materials and fittings, thanks to which the furniture retains its current, fresh decor for many years.

Modern production uses solid wood, plastic, furniture boards made from natural raw materials with various coatings. The quality of furniture products and the price depend on the materials. High cost does not always automatically mean that a headset is better than others. The installation location is of great importance. Kitchen furniture requires completely different priorities in order to maintain an excellent appearance during intensive use:

• Resistant to thermal shocks.
• Reliability of the design.
• Resistant to water and active food ingredients.
• Adaptability to layout.
• Stable under high weight loads.
• Design functionality.
• Easy care.

All consumer requirements are met by MDF furniture board made from pressed crushed wood. Depending on the surface finish, the material has different characteristics and decorative capabilities.

What is the difference between chipboard and MDF: features of production and processing ↑

Budget materials for the kitchen facade are slabs made of wood chips and fibers. Commercial markings: chipboard and MDF. Despite the fact that both types of boards are made from crushed wood, their characteristics and performance differ.

Kitchen: MDF facades with film

The difference in structure is visible to the naked eye

What is a chipboard: characteristics ↑

When choosing which façade is best for the kitchen, buyers, focusing on low cost, give preference to chipboard. Particle board is made from waste from the wood processing industry.

Wood shavings, specially crushed, are filled with an adhesive composition. Among the ingredients are synthetic resins, which melt under high temperatures and glue the chips together. The material filled with resin is pressed under high pressure.

Internal structure of the slab: heterogeneity of particles and cavities

As a result, a fairly strong slab is obtained from a mixture of wood chips and glue. Slabs of different thicknesses are formed depending on the purpose - from 5-6 mm to 5 cm. The finished slabs must be sanded until the surface is completely smooth.

Budget is the main advantage of the material. There are many more disadvantages:

• The internal structure of the slab is heterogeneous.

• It is impossible to form a textured surface, the slabs are only smooth.

• Difficult to process, the material chips easily.

Chipboard with finishing coating

The main disadvantage is the release of formaldehyde compounds into the air. The material does not tolerate moisture well and swells when wet. The surface and edges must be covered with film or laminated - this reduces the risk of harmful substances entering the air.

MDF: how and what facades are made from ↑

MDF facades - what is it? MDF is a board made from wood fibers. Instead of shavings from production waste, finely dispersed wood fibers are used for production. The fibers also bond under pressure when exposed to high temperatures.

MDF board section

The fundamental difference is in the production process. Synthetic resins are not used in the manufacture of MDF boards. When the fiber mass is heated, natural resins are released that glue the particles together. Paraffin or lignin is used as an additional adhesive composition. These substances melt and fix the fibers in the internal structure. This production method allows you to obtain a material that is not a source of evaporation of harmful substances.

Advantages:

• Affordable price.

• Ease of processing.

Bent MDF Kitchen Cabinet Doors

• Possibility of creating bent shapes and fine milling.

Fine processing: framed facades, milling and texture

• Environmentally friendly.

Which material is better for a kitchen facade: advantages and disadvantages of slabs ↑

The answer to the question of which kitchen is better to choose is clear. If you have to choose between budget chipboards and MDF, give preference to MDF. The difference in price is small, but such a facade will last much longer.

Chipboard facades with film

An exception can be made only for laminated chipboards, which are used as inserts in an aluminum profile. It is the edge parts of the slabs that are most vulnerable to water ingress.

MDF options with film

Do not use standard chipboards covered with paper film for installation as a countertop. In the places where the sink is embedded, in a couple of years unesthetic waves will appear, and the top decorative layer will simply peel off from the base.

Chipboard can be used to make cabinet frames, side parts of cabinets, and shelves.

What is MDF?

Composite materials are made from shredded wood fibers that are bonded with wax and resins under high pressure and heat to form uniform sheets of varying thicknesses. MDF or medium density fiberboard has various decorative finishes - monochrome colors, imitation stone patterns, different types of wood. Due to the beauty of their decor and excellent combination of properties, sheets are widely used in the production of cabinet furniture:

• Budget savings and ecology

The main component of MDF is sawdust, shavings of different types of wood, which are crushed to a homogeneous mass. Despite the complexity of the processes, the slabs are noticeably cheaper than natural solids, but at the same time retain their natural origin and meet environmental safety requirements. The uniform rigidity and density of the board is widely used to create cabinet furniture.

• Easy installation

The modular furnishings can be easily arranged in the available space. Products are delivered ready-made or assembled on site. Excellent fittings ensure comfortable operation and long-term use without repair.

• Durable decorative surface

The homogeneous composition of the slabs with high density allows you to create original shapes, three-dimensional patterns, and perforations. The furniture is produced at the factory, so the finishing is done using innovative equipment.

What types of kitchen facades are there?

Among the modern variety, most buyers are lost, not knowing what to choose. Natural wood undoubtedly has a lot of advantages, but is deterred by its exorbitant price. Its analogues, namely fibreboards, are now more in demand and popular than ever.

An option such as MDF or laminated chipboard visually looks no worse, and in terms of strength characteristics it is even better than wood. This is achieved thanks to special pressing and adhesives that firmly connect the wood particles to each other.

What MDF coatings are used for kitchen furniture?

Decorative coatings for composite panels are applied using different technologies and materials:

• Postforming is a relatively new method of cladding kitchen facades from MDF. The slabs are protected by a layer of plastic, which is firmly glued to the base and provides protection from external factors. Plastic is resistant to abrasion and chemical compounds. An important difference between postforming and other lining options is the continuous surface.

• Acrylic is another plastic coating option. This decor is always glossy and bright. Minor damage can be easily removed by simple sanding.

• PVC film is an inexpensive, durable coating with wide design possibilities.
• Softforming is the decoration of a furniture board with a laminating film in several layers together with polymer resins.

Due to the peculiarities of the kitchen atmosphere, temperature fluctuations, and high humidity, the main materials for the kitchen are plastic and film.

MDF in ash or oak VENEER

An alternative to solid wood facades that is easier to maintain. The facades will be indistinguishable from Italian facades made of solid oak or ash, but the price will be cheaper.

Styles: classic, Provence, country, pompous, imperial, with patina, eco, neoclassical, loft

Pros: Appearance, wood pores, large selection of facade options, can be patinated, maintenance is much easier than solid wood, resistant to the sun, does not dry out, resistant to thermal changes, resistant to humidity conditions, large size range, no adhesive seam on the front surfaces

Cons: practically none

MDF film facades

The main advantages of film finishes are affordability and modern aesthetics. The dominance of sales of such furniture is explained by the variety of bright designs with voluminous texture on the facades, which cannot be obtained on other surfaces.

Visually, the finish on the surface of finished furniture is difficult to distinguish, but laminate has some features:

• The technology allows you to reproduce subtle shades of any color, imitate complex textures of different types of wood, metal or stone.
• The film fits tightly to the slab and adds strength to the material.
• The thin coating easily copes with the protection of relief patterns or milling, accurately repeating the shape.

Modern technology has almost completely eliminated problems in thermally unstable environments. Factory production and laboratory quality confirmation eliminates delamination in a home kitchen. The only drawback is fading when exposed to direct sunlight for 3-5 years. Laminated facades fit perfectly into stylish interiors within a moderate budget and stand out.

What paint is suitable for MDF?

How can you paint MDF?

• water-based compositions (water-based). ...
• compositions based on alkyd enamels. ...
• silicone materials. ...
• polyvinyl acetate materials - suitable only if the product is not subject to heavy loads or damage;
• oil-based compositions are moisture resistant;

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Plastic covering MDF

The popular MDF kitchen with a plastic surface has a discreet elegance and offers ideal consumer characteristics:

• Resistant to water and sunlight.
• Hygienic and environmental safety.
• Use of curved complex contours of façade elements.
• Moderate prices.
• Glossy and matte decors.
• Stability in the presence of aggressive substances and detergents.
• Simple sanitary treatment to remove grease and stains.

In addition to its advantages, the plastic plate has minor disadvantages:

• The monochrome gloss shows fingerprints, splashes, and scratches form over time.
• Matte facades are difficult to clean without streaks.
• Low impact resistance.

If you weigh the pros and cons of plastic finishing and its durability, the demand for such furniture for the kitchen becomes clear.

MDF covered with PVC film

This is an inexpensive solution, so it has a certain list of disadvantages. For example, a slightly old-fashioned appearance. This is largely due to the lack of texture in the drawing. But this allows you to save significantly. And if you need a budget kitchen model, then it can be made of this material.

Lamination of the material with PVC film occurs in press equipment. First, glue is applied to the surface. Its qualities influence the final appearance.

Advantages

• good budget option;
• resistance to external influences;
• for care, the use of chemically aggressive agents is allowed;
• large assortment of colors and textures;
• The production of unusual samples is allowed, which does not greatly affect the price.

Flaws

• after a certain period, the color of the material becomes dull;
• if a pattern imitating the structure of wood is used, the set gets a “cheaper” appearance;
• in places of increased load during operation, the film may peel off;
• Since the back side of the façade is white, it runs the risk of turning yellow after a while.

How to choose a kitchen environment?

The fashion for minimalism in the interior does not require lush decorations and bright colors. Natural textures and colors look great on facades with any surface. But the features of the materials add comfort and help balance the space:

• Gloss visually enlarges the room, but the matte effect contributes to coziness. The combination of such decors is universal.
• The edges of doors, tabletops, and drawers are of great importance in the use of furniture. Maximum durability is ensured by postforming with a rounded end.
• Frame structures made of aluminum or MDF are practical, especially in the film version.

The question of choosing between film and plastic is only a matter of design possibilities and a small difference in cost. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to the parameters, stylistic correspondence, design features and modern fittings.

How to properly use plastic facades for the kitchen

1. This material looks best in modern interiors. In classic kitchens, you can use imitation of natural materials, but the effect will not be the same.
2. If you want facades with drawings, then it is better to place the drawings on the upper cabinets, so the kitchen interior will be more interesting.
3. Glossy facades expand the space, while matte ones create coziness, so a combination of these two textures would be an excellent option.
4. The edge located at the ends of the slab will be of great importance. The most reliable option would be postforming - when the ends are made of the rounded edge of plastic.
5. An excellent solution would be to use frame facades. Usually this is either an aluminum profile or an MDF frame. Both options are practical, while the metal will last longer, and the MDF will not darken over time.

Despite the name, plastic is a heterogeneous structure. This is a thin layer of plastic coating, which is attached to the MDF board using a special technology. Film coating is often used for the same purposes.

Facades painted or prepared for painting

First of all, it is better to consider MDF kitchens, since today they are at the peak of popularity. The main advantage of such kitchens is a large selection of colors, if you choose already painted facades. But the list of advantages does not end there:

1. All colors from the palette can be easily combined with each other.
2. Painted MDF is easy to clean without the use of additional products.
3. Possibility to make an individual design - curved or rounded facade.
4. It does not absorb moisture and odors well, which is important for kitchen furniture.
5. Large selection of coatings - matte, glossy or pearlescent.

However, do not forget that MDF for the kitchen also has its disadvantages:

1. After a certain time, colors fade and lose their former attractiveness.
2. A kitchen made of MDF is an expensive pleasure. Such furniture does not fall into budget options.
3. The coating is very easily soiled and fingerprints always remain on it. To make the kitchen look neat, you will need to regularly wipe the facades.
4. The material is not resistant to mechanical damage.
5. The reverse side of the facades is white, and over time it will lose its whiteness.

Beautifully painted facades look great

The color of the kitchen set is the most important thing in kitchen design, since this part unites the entire design idea. There is a large selection of facades on the market. Painted MDF facades for kitchens are more popular than those that are simply prepared for painting. However, if you want to choose the right shade yourself, then it is better to choose the second option.

If you plan to paint MDF facades yourself, then take into account all the nuances during preparation, selection of paint and materials. Advantages of facades prepared for painting:

• Unlimited choice of color palette.
• Choice of any coating - matte or varnished.
• Wide selection of paints and varnishes.
• No additional processing of parts is required.

It is important to consider that the durability of the coating you choose depends on how accurately the painting technology is followed. When choosing paints and varnishes, pay attention to:

• Decorative. This is an important condition for creating a stylish interior.
• Material service life.
• Type of kitchen unit design.
• Coating thickness.

Advice: if you are in doubt about which material to choose for a particular product, it is better to contact a consultant in the store. He will tell you about all the advantages of each coating and how they differ from each other.

Important characteristics of paintwork materials include:

1. Environmental friendliness. Most paints contain harmful and toxic substances that are not suitable for painting home furniture. Give preference to safe ingredients.
2. Drying time. This parameter determines how quickly you will finish painting the facades. However, keep in mind that the time indicated on the jar is usually not accurate. Drying time directly depends on temperature and air humidity.
3. Covering power. This parameter determines how many layers of paint are required for an even coating. Choose paintwork materials that are applied in one layer.

Painted MDF is very popular among housewives

About plastic

MDF material for the kitchen is an excellent solution, especially when there is such a choice. However, it is worth considering kitchens made of plastic to make a final decision. First, pay attention to the positive points:

• Kitchens made of plastic have high wear resistance.
• The coatings are durable, they do not fade or lose color in the sun. Not afraid of moisture and steam.
• Any detergents are used for cleaning, because plastic kitchens are unpretentious.
• Suitable for different budgets. With an MDF base, this is a more expensive option. With chipboard - budget.

• Matte surfaces require special care.
• The plastic facade is easily soiled. Fingerprints remain on the surface.
• The inner sides of the walls are white.
• Sometimes the design in the center of the facade is distorted. This happens due to the fault of production technology.

Plastic facades for the kitchen are made in three main stylistic directions:

1. Classic style. To implement this design idea, simple and uncomplicated shapes, neutral shades and a minimum of details are used.
2. Empire style This style is characterized by various patterns and decorations. The color scheme is light and delicate. The shapes are thin and smooth.
3. High tech. Popular style today. It uses many elements not only made of plastic, but also metal or glass. The choice of colors is organic - black, white or red. Sometimes metallic shades are used.

It is important to take this nuance into account when choosing which is better, MDF or plastic for the kitchen. However, plastic will limit you a little when creating an unusual design.

As you can see, a kitchen made of plastic-MDF will turn out to be almost identical in its characteristics, so making a choice is problematic. When choosing which kitchen is better, plastic or MDF, proceed primarily from your personal preferences or consult a professional designer. An experienced specialist, taking into account all the nuances, will help you decide.

Kitchen made of painted MDF

Painted MDF is one of the popular options among buyers. The main advantage of this type of material for making facades of kitchen units is a wide color palette in accordance with RAL, thanks to which you can choose almost any shade of facades according to the design idea.

Ease of care is another advantage of painted MFD, which is easy to clean and does not absorb dirt and foreign odors.

The disadvantages of enameled MDF include its rather high cost compared to kitchens made of plastic or acrylic. The paint that coats particle boards tends to fade over time, losing its presentable appearance.

Vulnerability to damage, as well as high visibility of fingerprints, can also be considered disadvantages of enameled MDF.

Film, enamel or plastic - which is better?

Along with film finishing, enamel, acrylic or plastic coating is popular. At first glance, it is difficult for an uninformed buyer to determine the material used for the manufacture of furniture facades. How is film different from plastic and enamel? Which is better to choose? To answer these questions, you need to know the main features of these materials.

Plastic MDF facades. Plastic coverings of facades have a bright glossy surface. Such facades are resistant to mechanical damage, do not deform from exposure to moisture or high temperature, and do not fade in the sun. The colors are varied, but the palette is not as wide as that of film . Plastic facades are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms or hallways. The disadvantages include the higher cost compared to film facades, as well as the fact that handprints are clearly visible on the plastic. Restoration, as in the case of film, is impossible.

Acrylic facades. Coating furniture facades with acrylic is a new technology for us. This process is quite complicated, so furniture with acrylic fronts cannot be called cheap. Acrylic has an even smoother and glossier surface than plastic. This can be considered both an advantage and a disadvantage: the excessive shine of furniture, although beautiful, can be very tiring, and fingerprints will also have to be removed. Acrylic is environmentally friendly and does not contain harmful impurities. It is much more resistant to mechanical damage than plastic or film. Bright, rich color does not fade over time and does not fade in the sun. But acrylic facades cannot boast of a variety of shapes : they are only dull and even. If you need furniture of more complex shapes, you will have to make a choice in favor of film or painted facades.