All about entrance and interior doors made of MDF and linings

There is no better material for the production of interior doors than natural wood - many people think so. After all, products made from it have a presentable appearance, they are reliable and environmentally friendly - this is why connoisseurs of these criteria without hesitation purchase doors made of solid pine, beech, oak, ash, despite the high cost. Those who want to save money are wondering: is there a material for making door structures that has the same properties as natural wood, but at a lower cost?

MDF is such a material, and in some respects natural wood is even inferior to it. Is it really? Is MDF really that good for interior doors or are manufacturers trying to embellish its properties in order to maintain sales of wood waste? The pros and cons of MDF used for the production of door structures, as well as its features compared to other materials, will be discussed later in this article.

Doors finished with natural mahogany veneer with a frame made of MDF and pine timber

Structure of the material and its properties

Wood fiber has long been used in the production of boards. But traditional chipboards and fiberboards lack strength and resistance to environmental influences. There is a risk of moisture penetration into wood fibers and their premature destruction. In conditions of high humidity and temperature changes, these materials may lose their performance.

MDF and chipboard

The MDF board has a similar structure; it also consists of wood particles and components that hold them together and ensure solidity. But this material has certain differences. In its production, small wood elements are used; the adhesion of the fractions is ensured by urea resin. It contains melamine, which does not allow harmful ingredients to be released during heat treatment.

This structure gives MDF door panels:

• high density, strength;
• resistance to moisture and temperature changes;
• long service life;
• suitability for processing.

MDF boards have a high density

Small fractions and high-quality adhesive composition prevent the penetration of moisture into the structure and premature destruction. The plates can be embossed and bend perfectly without losing their properties. The material has high mechanical strength. The MDF panel on the front door provides reliable protection for the home.

Laminated panels

The manufacturing process of such panels is described above. The pattern of PVC film most often imitates the surface of a tree of one species or another, often an expensive one.

Sometimes it is “real” marble, and sometimes it is malachite or mother-of-pearl. This is an economical option, but very attractive. It's inexpensive, but looks great. The products have the following advantages:

• Large selection of color and design solutions. Perhaps the biggest. The number of patterns can only be limited by the customer’s imagination.
• Increased sound insulation. The film transmits sound poorly.
• High wear resistance. Good quality PVC film is abrasion and puncture resistant.
• Easy to care for. Washing using household chemicals is allowed.

One of the disadvantages is the fact that laminated panels have low resistance to prolonged exposure to moisture and temperature changes. For this reason, they are recommended to be installed inside building entrances.

Advantages of MDF doors

The modern range of entrance and interior doors includes designs made from different materials. Admirers of elite, high-quality products purchase models made from solid wood. Connoisseurs of maximum strength and reliability prefer metal products. If you need to save costs, you can buy structures made of chipboard and plastic. Finishing doors with MDF panels allows you to satisfy all these requirements at the same time.

Structures made from this material are covered with natural veneer, materials that accurately replicate wood, which provides ideal aesthetics. It is impossible to determine with the naked eye that these are MDF doors and not models made of natural wood. Moreover, unlike solid wood doors, these products:

• do not require the creation of an optimal regime;
• do not require regular varnishing;
• have less weight;
• are much cheaper.

MDF doors do not require regular varnishing

The strength of metal doors is not in doubt. But the aesthetic indicators of such structures are not too high. MDF panels for metal doors give them a solid, attractive appearance. The strength and durability of the material provides additional protection for the home from unauthorized access.

These models are more expensive than their chipboard counterparts. However, the costs are fully compensated by the long service life and reliability. Compared to products made from oak, beech, and other wood, interior models and entrance doors made from MDF are much cheaper. This allows you to give the interior and facade a solid look without extra costs.

MDF doors accurately replicate wood

An important advantage of these structures is their environmental safety. Products from leading brands are manufactured in strict compliance with technology and undergo standardization. Interior doors made of MDF can be installed without restrictions in residential buildings and children's institutions.

These products have one more advantage. The material has high heat and sound insulation properties. Even thin MDF panels for the front door guarantee a reduction in heat loss and comfortable silence in the house.

What is MDF?

MDF is a finely dispersed fraction of wood (wood chips) compressed to the required degree of density. MDF is also called fine wood fiber. The material is made by drying wood, followed by treatment with special binders and hot pressing under high pressure.

To create MDF boards, only organic hardening compounds are used, thanks to which natural wood fibers are firmly glued together. These compounds include lignin, a natural substance released from wood when it is heated to high temperatures.

MDF is sold in sheets of different thicknesses and densities; the denser it is, and therefore harder, the more expensive it is.

The use of toxic substances, phenol and synthetic resins is not allowed at all stages of production. Thus, the result is an environmentally friendly material with excellent physical properties, which allows the production of inexpensive, high-quality doors.

MDF material is widely used for the manufacture of interior doors, due to its main advantages: ease of processing, environmental friendliness, preservation of its original shape over time and low cost. The modern market for MDF structures offers customers a wide range of options, which are classified by type of coating, type of construction, internal filling and design.

Door designs

MDF boards are used in the production of various types of doors. The design depends on the purpose; it can be solid or paneled. There are three main elements in any door:

• frame,
• sheathing,
• internal filling.

This material can be used as cladding, decor, or internal filler.

In an interior door made of MDF, this material serves as a cladding. For such purposes, thin sheets are used. Their strength is quite sufficient to ensure reliability and high-quality insulation of the room. The frame of such models is created from pine bars. Door leaves can be monolithic or paneled with glass inserts.

Door trim with MDF board

MDF panels are often installed on metal entrance doors. The material simultaneously performs a decorative and practical function. High aesthetic indicators turn the panel into a worthy decoration. Covering with laminated film and veneer provides an exact imitation of a respectable solid wood door.

MDF panels on a metal entrance door

In addition, MDF panels for metal doors are a guarantee of comfort. They muffle sound, provide thermal protection, and prevent the appearance of icing in winter, which creates inconvenience and the risk of damage to the metal by rust.

Entrance doors made of MDF with internal filling made of the same material have high strength and durability. These models are heavy and reasonably priced. But they guarantee reliable, durable protection, not only from burglars, but also from cold and noise.

Entrance door with internal filling made of MDF

Paneled

The frame of paneled interior doors is located along the perimeter of the door leaf. It is possible to use horizontal or vertical solid wood inserts in the middle of the structure. These elements significantly increase the strength of the product. MDF boards are installed on top of the frame to make the canvas even. Internal voids are closed using panels made of glass or MDF.

This type of canvas has a very original appearance and is a completely collapsible structure.

Types of MDF door claddings

It is not the slab itself that provides decent aesthetic performance for doors. They depend on coatings that are fixed directly to the panel. The production uses MDF panels for doors, lined with:

• natural and artificial veneer;
• laminate;
• polyvinyl chloride film.

Veneer is a thin layer removed from natural wood. The shade and texture pattern are completely preserved. It is impossible to understand that these are MDF doors and not a solid product. Structures with such a coating are expensive. But if you want to create a presentable interior, they will be the optimal solution.

Natural wood veneer

A cheaper option is a model with artificial veneer. In terms of aesthetic indicators, it is identical to natural covering, since the upper part of the cladding is also a cut of natural wood. It is distinguished by its smaller thickness, the presence of a resin base and adhesive compositions. MDF panels for metal doors, lined with veneer, must be coated with a protective varnish that prevents destruction of the wood layer.

Artificial veneer

Door finishing with MDF panels lined with laminate is widely used. This material imitates wood with high quality, but is cheaper than veneer. Such models can be found in the middle, budget price category. The facing material includes two layers. Aesthetic indicators are provided by a paper coating on which a wood grain pattern is digitally printed. It is reliably protected from damage by a polymer film. Melamine has the greatest strength and durability. Doors with laminate covered with this material are more expensive.

Laminated MDF panels

The most economical option is cladding with polyvinyl chloride film. This material, despite its low price, has many significant advantages. PVC film: provides MDF panels with reliable protection from climatic and mechanical influences; guarantees ease of maintenance; Available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to make an excellent choice.

PVC film provides MDF panels

Veneered panels

Such MDF panels completely create the impression of solid wood, both in color and structure. The door gets a noble, rich look. At the same time, its weight and cost will not be prohibitive. And not just an impression. In terms of their physical properties, veneer panels are no worse than wooden ones.

If the linings are produced in accordance with the technology, they last a very long time. Veneered MDF is used for cladding metal doors to apartments of the highest and premium classes. The advantages of the material include:

• Environmental friendliness. Only natural components and materials are used in production.
• Complete external resemblance to wood.
• Resistance to humidity, mold, temperature changes and microorganisms after treatment with special compounds.

The disadvantages include the following:

• This type of coating is resistant to chemicals and strong mechanical influences.
• Prolonged exposure to moisture leads to swelling and swelling of the decorative layer with all the ensuing “charms”.
• Regular updating of the varnish coating is required. It’s not easy to do beautifully, and it costs some money.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun is undesirable. Veneer may become deformed and lose its luster. Products decorated with veneer are not installed as entrances to cottages and private houses.

MDF doors for painting

Sometimes, even in a wide range of interior doors, it is difficult to find an option that exactly matches the specifics of the interior. This does not mean that you need to purchase the model that is most suitable for decoration. In this case, you can buy MDF interior doors for painting. Enamels fit perfectly on this material. The color range of dyes is extensive; it is possible to give the door the desired tone that exactly matches the overall design.

Paintable MDF interior doors are in high demand. These designs have several advantages:

• they can be painted in any color, decorated with artistic painting;
• the enamel coating has excellent aesthetic characteristics and does not require complex maintenance;
• painting guarantees the panels reliable protection and durability;
• purchasing and decorating does not require large expenditures, saving costs.

MDF doors can be painted in any color

The cost of such models is an order of magnitude lower than structures decorated with veneer or laminate. The price of paint is also quite affordable for every consumer. The painting process does not require qualifications; any owner can handle it. Fans of original designs can choose MDF interior doors for painting. They provide the opportunity to implement any creative ideas in decoration. The door will become the highlight of the interior, a guarantee of its uniqueness.

Paintable MDF doors will embody any creative ideas

Features of the material

To figure it out, let’s first decipher the abbreviation. MDF is a material made from wood chips, which are pressed into sheets of the required size. Also, for a strong connection of the formation, urea resins are used, which serve as an adhesive.

MDF is highly environmentally friendly because melamine is added to the resins. This reduces the likelihood of toxic emissions when heated.

You should avoid unscrupulous manufacturers who use other adhesives that may be unsafe and of poor quality. Fortunately, such doors are rather exceptions to the rule. Ideally, doors made of MDF are a very high-tech material that successfully replaces doors made of solid wood.

MDF entrance doors

The main material for entrance doors now is metal. In our turbulent times, every owner considers it necessary to reliably protect his home. The main disadvantage of metal structures is a certain impersonality and low aesthetic values.

Using MDF panels for metal doors eliminates this problem. Coverings with veneer and laminated wood-like film give a solid, respectable appearance. It is difficult to understand that these are MDF doors, and not structures made of beech, oak, or cherry. These models can decorate a presentable cottage and become a worthy “business card” of a modern apartment.

An MDF front door will become a worthy “business card”

MDF panels for the front door are not only an attractive decor, but also an element that increases comfort, safety, and extends service life. These coatings:

• protect the home from external noise;
• prevent the penetration of cold;
• will increase the degree of resistance to burglary;
• protect the metal from moisture and corrosion.

MDF panels will protect the apartment from external noise

The use of MDF panels for the front door of a private house is especially relevant. During frosts, frost and ice form on metal surfaces. This significantly complicates operation and increases the risk of rust on the metal and its premature destruction. An MDF panel on the front door will prevent such phenomena, make the use of the structure comfortable, and increase its service life.

Advantages and disadvantages of MDF

The demand for MDF panels is ensured by their unique qualities, among which the main ones are:

• Aesthetic appeal and a large selection of stylistic solutions. It is important that the pattern, texture and color of the lining are matched to the existing interior. There is a possibility of making to order. Either during the manufacturing process of the door, or in size for an already installed one.

• High strength. A dense MDF board is very difficult to damage mechanically, for example, by kicking it. In this indicator, they are not inferior to solid wood. The exception is linings painted in the usual way (not powder).

• High heat and sound insulation properties, ensured by low thermal conductivity and sufficient thickness of the pressed wood layer.
• Preventing access to metal by moisture, ultraviolet radiation and mitigating temperature effects. Due to this, the service life of the metal structure increases - it does not rust.
• Highly environmentally friendly, not inferior to natural wood.

MDF overlays are suitable for any metal doors. With the possible exception of doors directly facing the street. For these, powder coating is often used.

The disadvantages of MDF products include the following:

• Inexpensive finishing material does not allow them to be classified in the highest price category. Usually this is a middle-class door - the most popular product in our country.
• The installation process is significantly complicated by the additional weight of the lining. During work, questions arise that require professional knowledge and skills to resolve. In this regard, it is recommended to install them with the assistance of specialists.
• Installation on an existing door often requires replacing all hardware and sometimes even the locks. This causes financial and purely technical difficulties.

Interior models from MDF

Interior doors made of MDF now make up the bulk of the range in this category. Many consumers appreciated the obvious advantages of these designs:

• light weight that does not require a reinforced base;
• high resistance to external influences and durability;
• easy care;
• impeccable aesthetic indicators;
• affordable price.

An important role in the formation of high demand is played by an extensive assortment, which provides excellent opportunities for choosing a model. You can purchase a door with solid skin, with an original insert, paneled, embossed, etc. Unlike their wooden counterparts, these structures are lightweight and can even be mounted in frame walls made of plasterboard. At the same time, they have maximum attractiveness.

Interior doors made of MDF are lightweight

Finishing the doors with MDF panels guarantees long-term operation. High or low humidity, high or low temperatures do not have a negative effect on the structure. It is easy to care for such models. Contamination from polyvinyl chloride, painted surfaces can be removed using detergents.

Manufacturers produce various types of designs, allowing consumers to make a choice, taking into account the specifics of the interior and personal preferences. You can purchase swing, sliding, folding models. The material is used not only in creating traditional structures with a frame made of wooden blocks. MDF panels are installed on metal doors with an aluminum base. These are lightweight, durable sliding structures that fit perfectly into a modern interior.

Sliding doors fit perfectly into a modern interior

Basic criteria for choosing a door

Structures with MDF coatings can be found in different price categories. This allows most consumers to choose the best option. When purchasing a model, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• panel thickness;
• type of filling;
• type of cladding;
• popularity of the manufacturer.

For interior products, strength is not the most important indicator. But the MDF panel on the front door must have a substantial thickness. The resistance of the structure to burglary and reliability depend on this parameter.

The quality of sound insulation depends on the type of filler. If the door must prevent the penetration of sounds from the outside, preference should be given to a product with cellular filling, a model consisting entirely of MDF.

The quality of sound insulation depends on the type of filler

The cladding directly affects the cost of the door. Consumers who want to install a presentable structure should choose products covered with veneer. If you need to save costs, you can buy a model that can be painted or coated with PVC.

MDF door covered with veneer

When choosing a design, preference should be given to products from well-known manufacturers. Low-quality MDF panels for doors, manufactured in violation of technology, may contain harmful components and release them into the atmosphere.

Minuses

— Due to the structural features of MDF, doors have a very heavy weight, from 40 to 60 kg, depending on the size. The box and hinges are constantly under heavy load, so they should be given attention. But if the fastening of the box to the wall is done correctly and the canvas hangs on at least three hinges, then there is no reason to worry. — Due to the large weight of MDF interior doors, it is highly not recommended to install them in openings in plasterboard partitions; there is a high probability of microcracks appearing on the wall or damaging the design of the door block or partition. — Since the MDF material tends to deform slightly over time, the groove for the glass in the panel can expand by 1-2 mm, which leads to the glass rattling when the door is closed. But this defect can be eliminated using silicone or acrylic sealant. — The PVC film on door leaves of this type is not wrapped around the part, as in drawer interior doors, but one film is placed on top of only one plane. This inevitably results in an unwanted junction between the film and the edge at the ends. — In the depths of milled patterns and grooves for glass in MDF doors, the film fits well thanks to membrane-vacuum pressing technology. But during operation, when the canvas is exposed to high temperatures (sunlight or a heating radiator), the PVC film can peel off deep in the groove. This phenomenon occurs due to the property of PVC film to shrink under the influence of temperature.

Photo gallery - MDF doors