Beautiful, high-quality, and most importantly budget-friendly renovation, this is the dream of every person whose plans include remodeling a house or apartment. The variety of building finishing materials is amazing. And the hardest thing to choose is that you have not yet encountered repair work. In recent years, decorative panels have become especially popular among finishing building materials. And all this thanks to a number of advantages both in selecting a suitable design and ease of installation. Many people independently install moisture-resistant MDF panels on the wall.
The list of advantages includes:
- the ability to cover the panel with finishing materials, such as paint, without the need to first level the sheet with putty;
- Another advantage is resistance to humidity. Moisture-resistant MDF wall panels can even be installed in the bathroom or kitchen. Here about bathroom furniture made from MDF.
But it’s better to take a closer look at all the advantages of sheet MDF panels.
Characteristics of moisture-resistant MDF panels
Essentially, waterproof MDF panels are tightly pressed sawdust. Due to the high pressing temperature, the product has excellent strength, while remaining flexible enough for installation work.
This finishing building material is environmentally friendly due to the use of exclusively natural components in production, even the binder in the manufacture of MDF is urea resins.
Decorative wall panels for interior decoration are produced in several types:
- linings, installation principle - connecting them together. The final design resembles a lathing. It's very aesthetically pleasing;
Linings
- another type of panels is the form of tiles;
Tiles
- Another type is MDF sheets. This type of panel is very convenient due to the ability to place any pattern on the surface.
Sheets
The unique thing about MDF sheets is that they are cut to customer specifications to fit perfectly into your decor. Moisture-resistant sheet MDF panels for walls are convenient because they cover the entire wall, and there is no need to additionally finish it with anything.
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As a result, you get a beautiful appearance without additional seams spoiling the appearance of the room. According to the standards, the produced MDF panel sheet has dimensions: 1200 mm by 2800 mm. Afterwards the sheet is cut according to the dimensions provided by the customer.
The sheet also goes through an additional stage of cladding; it is covered with a special decorative film, chosen at the discretion of the customer, and a laminate.
Laminate
The sheet version of MDF is produced according to a specific order.
The customer can choose what color and shape the final panels will be, and create entire compositional pictures. The decorative film with which the MDF sheet is finished has the additional function of protecting the base of the panel from moisture and other external factors.
When choosing an MDF sheet for a bathroom or kitchen, you should not opt for a wood-imitation design; this type is only suitable for a dry room. Many people often compare MDF panels with chipboard, but during renovations professionals prefer to use moisture-resistant MDF panels for walls. Here you will find out what is better for furniture, MDF or chipboard.
Here are the main differences between these two materials:
- technology for the production of finishing materials. When creating MDF sheets, higher quality materials are used, thereby increasing the service life and improving the external design of the building material;
- The environmental friendliness of MDF guarantees safety, because the production does not use such dangerous resins as phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde;
- high resistance to moisture due to a good protective layer covering the MDF panels;
- the ability to apply finishing material, such as paint, without prior preparation of the surface of the sheets.
And this is not all the possible advantages of MDF panels.
Manufacturers: Korostensky plant
This plant, the largest in Ukraine, operates on the most modern German equipment. Siempelkamp offers high-tech machines of the latest generation. Quality control is mandatory here at every stage of production.
German settings exactly:
- determine the quantity and weight of all components for the future MDF carpet;
- control the temperature during the production of slabs and panels;
- measure the dimensions of the finished product;
- select the color as efficiently as possible;
- carefully laminate the compressed material.
All this together allows the plant, which, by the way, is located in the Zhytomyr region, to produce competitive goods. All indicators of finished products meet European quality standards. This allows you to send MDF for export and continue to increase your turnover.
The Korosten plant specializes not only in the production of MDF, but also produces laminate. The company's products are popular and deserve only high praise. The production line represents products that you can choose for your needs. But if necessary, finished MDF boards can be cut.
The video will tell you about all the stages of the production process of MDF and HDF boards:
Advantages of waterproof MDF boards
It is worth listing the main advantages of MDF panels:
- First of all, moisture resistance. This important characteristic makes it possible to use these panels in rooms with high humidity up to 80%;
- high density of the material provides excellent sound insulation;
- long service life. High-quality coating of the decorative panel allows it to maintain its strength for a long time; the manufacturer guarantees it for 10 years. Just remember under what conditions it is better not to use these decorative panels;
- They do not withstand strong impacts, so they can break if seriously damaged. Also, external influences such as scratching or cutting objects can also ruin the finish. Moisture-resistant MDF boards for walls do not need to be used as a kitchen apron;
- universal MDF panels can be used to decorate any room; only for dry rooms it is better to use non-moisture-resistant decorative panels;
- easy to install and does not require special construction skills. With a minimum kit for installation: adhesive composition, a saw for adjusting the size, silicone sealant to fill possible voids after installation;
- variety of design solutions: colors, shapes;
Different colors
- Remove any dirt or dust with a damp cloth. It is worth refraining from using special chemical cleaning agents so as not to damage the outer finishing layer.
What kind of material is this? Decoding the abbreviation
MDF is an abbreviation that comes from the English language. Literally translated, the name of the material sounds like MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD. The first letters of these words served as the basis for the creation of a familiar colloquial term. Translated into Russian, the name of the material stands for medium-density fiberboard.
Composition and Characteristics
In terms of its structure, MDF is a wood fiber board consisting of crushed sawdust. During the manufacturing process, the raw materials are cleared of sawdust and converted into a powder state. Then the resulting composition is treated with steam and an adhesive base is added: lignin and paraffin.
Among the main advantages of MDF are the following characteristics:
- Resistance to dynamic loads. To break an MDF panel, a force of 15 MPa must be applied. According to mechanical properties. The material is significantly superior to solid wood.
- Environmental Safety. The release of formaldehyde from the panels must meet the requirements:
Test method Release rate into air Purpose of tests Chamber method according to GOST 30255-95 no more than 0.124 mg/m3 air Qualification and control periodic tests Gas analysis method according to GOST 53867-2010 no more than 3.5 mg/m2 per hour Production control - Reliability. The material has increased moisture resistance, is absolutely neutral to temperature changes and direct sunlight.
- Easy to process. With high strength, MDF is easy to process; if desired, you can decorate the panel with decorative cuttings.
- Density. MDF from 600 to 850 kg/cub.m. Fiberboard is also produced in low density (LDF) from 200 to 600 kg/m3 and high density (HDF) over 800 kg/m3 .
It is worth noting that fungus and mold do not appear on the slabs.
Flaws
Of course, like any building material, moisture-resistant MDF panels have several disadvantages:
- fear of severe damage from blows or scratches;
- fire hazard. MDF panels quickly catch fire, so they should not be used to decorate a work area in the kitchen where there is a high risk of fire, for example, near the stove;
- the need to first level the wall on which the MDF sheet will be attached;
- After cutting the required sheet shapes, careful adjustment in size will be required during installation on the wall, and the connecting seams must be hidden behind decorative overlays, as well as pre-treatment with sealant.
And in terms of quality, aesthetics and environmental friendliness, the material has no equal. Therefore, more and more builders are using this finishing building material when renovating premises.
dimensions
Depending on the area of application of MDF, the dimensions of the facing material also change. Here you can derive the following standards:
- Wall panels. The standard length of the wall panel is 2.62 meters, however, some manufacturers produce products with lengths 2.44 and 2.8 m. Width may vary within 100-900 mm. Panels are divided into types depending on width P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5 (100, 125, 150, 175, 250). With panel thickness 3-30 mm. The thickness of veneered MDF can reach 60 mm.
Compliance with quality requirements:Specific resistance during normal coating separation. MPa, not less 0,4 Coating abrasion resistance, rpm, not less 30 Hardness of protective and decorative coating, microns. no more 120 Warping, µm/m, no more 1.5 - Plates . The length of the material is usually about 1.5 meters , width - 100-900 mm . The thickness of MDF boards varies between 6-24 mm .
- Facades . Considering the various options and dimensions of furniture, there are no strictly defined standards. The following parameters can be considered as a basis: thickness 16 mm , height 140-934 and width 296-596 mm .
- Aprons . For the manufacture of decorative aprons, furniture panels are usually used, which have the following characteristics: length - 3,000 , width - 600 and thickness 6-10 mm .
- Countertops . This element must be resistant to dynamic loads, so the following dimensions are used here: length - 1,000 , width - 600 and thickness 28-38 mm .
- Doors . MDF doors are usually made according to the following standard: thickness - 35-45 mm , height - 190-200 cm , width - 70-90 cm . Read more about door and opening dimensions >>>
It is worth noting that the dimensions given may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Table of parameters of polished sheets.
| Manufacturer country | Dimensions (mm) | Sheet thickness (mm) | Density (kg/m³) | Sheet weight (kg) |
| Russia | 2440×2050 | 3 | 840 | 13 |
| Russia | 2440×1830 | 3 | 840 | 12 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 3 | 780 | 15 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 6 | 750 | 26 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 6 | 780 | 27 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 6 | 800 | 26 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 8 | 750 | 35 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 8 | 780 | 36 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 8 | 800 | 35 |
| Russia | 2440×1830 | 10 | 800 | 36 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 10 | 750 | 43 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 10 | 770 | 45 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 10 | 790 | 43 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 12 | 750 | 52 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 12 | 770 | 54 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 12 | 790 | 51 |
| Russia | 2440×1830 | 16 | 800 | 57 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 16 | 750 | 70 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 16 | 770 | 71 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 16 | 790 | 69 |
| Russia | 2440×1830 | 18 | 800 | 64 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 18 | 730 | 76 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 18 | 750 | 78 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 18 | 770 | 75 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 19 | 730 | 80 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 19 | 750 | 83 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 19 | 770 | 79 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 22 | 730 | 93 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 22 | 750 | 96 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 22 | 770 | 92 |
| Russia | 2440×1830 | 24 | 800 | 86 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 25 | 730 | 106 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 25 | 750 | 109 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 25 | 770 | 104 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 28 | 720 | 117 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 28 | 740 | 120 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 28 | 750 | 114 |
| Russia | 2800×2070 | 30 | 720 | 125 |
| Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 30 | 740 | 129 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 30 | 750 | 122 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 38 | 750 | 155 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 40 | 750 | 163 |
| Germany | 2800×2070 | 40 | 740 | 172 |
Table of parameters of laminated sheets.
| Manufacturer country | Dimensions (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Number of laminated sides | Weight, kg) |
| Russia Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 16 | 1 | 74 |
| Russia Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 16 | 2 | 74 |
| Russia Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 19 | 1 | 88 |
| Russia Ukraine | 2800×2070 | 19 | 2 | 88 |
| Germany | 2620×2070 | 10 | 1 | 43 |
| 2620×2070 | 16 | 1 | 69 | |
| 2620×2070 | 18 | 1 | 78 | |
| 2620×2070 | 19 | 1 | 82 | |
| 2620×2070 | 22 | 1 | 95 |
Table of parameters of sheets laminated with paper film.
| Dimensions (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight, kg) |
| 3 | 2440×1830 | 11 |
| 4 | 2440×1830 | 14 |
| 6 | 2440×1830 | 21 |
| 6 | 2800×1830 | 25 |
| 8 | 2800×1830 | 33 |
| 10 | 2440×1830 | 36 |
| 10 | 2800×1830 | 41 |
| 12 | 2800×1830 | 49 |
| 16 | 2440×1830 | 57 |
| 16 | 2800×1830 | 66 |
| 18 | 2440×1830 | 64 |
| 18 | 2800×1830 | 74 |
| 19 | 2800×1830 | 78 |
| 22 | 2800×1830 | 90 |
| 24 | 2440×1830 | 86 |
| 25 | 2800×1830 | 102 |
Types
A wide selection of MDF panels allows you to choose the decor that suits your idea. It is worth highlighting the main types.
Tiled
The different shapes and sizes of the slabs make it possible to translate even the most unexpected design solutions into reality, thereby creating a unique interior.
In the form of slats
Their sizes are also different, which also contributes to the implementation of an unusual idea.
You just need to first install an additional grille on which the panels will be attached.
This is usually a wooden or metal base, depending on your preference.
In the form of slats
Special brackets are attached to the mesh using self-tapping screws. Very effective if you need to decorate a small room.
Leafy
The sheet type of panels is used for covering large rooms. The large size of the sheet allows you to finish the walls of the room in a short time. The main convenience is the ability to attach MDF sheets to glue. The structure and form are chosen by the customer.
There are also different options for processing the surface layer of MDF sheets. You need to know which panels can be used for finishing more humid rooms.
Liminate
Laminated panels - this type of MDF is distinguished by the fact that a special PVC film is applied to the top layer. The design wonderfully imitates wood, stone or metal. The advantage of this type is dust-repellent property in addition to water-repellent.
Veneered
Veneer panels also imitate any wood, thanks to the veneer covering the surface of the sheet.
Veneered
Covered with paint
Panels coated with paint use special dyes in the solution, due to which the panel acquires an unusual and attractive appearance, and in addition also protection from external factors.
When choosing a suitable MDF material for yourself, pay attention to its characteristics and which finishing building material is best for you.
Covered with paint
Production
Wood shavings of fine dispersion go through two main processes, just like all boards based on wood waste: high temperature conditions and repeated pressing. The production process is in many ways similar to the production of chipboard. Small, cleaned chips are thermally treated.
Their gluing is achieved using the natural substance lingin. Most manufacturers modestly point out that there is still a certain amount of impurities present in MDF, but its percentage is negligible to make this material environmentally hazardous.
As for the labor intensity of production, it is as low as possible in factories with modern equipment. For this indicator, MDF production receives the first rating of 5 points.
Where can I install it?
You can decorate any room with MDF panels, you just need to decide on the design. And then look at the various variations in special stores. It is also necessary to pay attention to the additional components needed when installing the sheets.
If you have chosen the sheet version of MDF panels, then you will need the following available materials:
- special decorative moldings that will mask all joints and corners after installing the sheets on the wall. They take the form of long slats of various sizes;
- adhesive composition on which the future panel sheet will be attached;
- A hacksaw will be needed to adjust all the panels to the maximum size.
As for the purpose of the molding, several points need to be highlighted here:
- there are decorations connecting the panels at the junction;
- decorations similar to plinths, most often used when finishing ceilings or walls, they perfectly mask the joints between panels;
- end decorations give the finishing an additional aesthetic appearance;
- decorations used for interior and exterior decoration of corners;
Angular
- starting materials are attached at the initial stage of installation work, only vertically or horizontally;
- universal type decorative materials.
Decorative
When ordering MDF sheet panels, pay attention to the purposes for which this decorative material can be used. All the necessary information is in the building material passport.
For finishing the bathroom and toilet there are special MDF panels with high moisture resistance. Only interior spaces can be decorated with decorative MDF panels.
Preliminary preparation of walls
Before directly installing the panels on the wall, it must be prepared.
The wall must be flat so that the MDF sheet does not deform. Also, the room must dry well, otherwise the sheet placed on the glue will come off over time.
To prepare the wall for installing the panels, you will need the following materials:
- special thin jigsaw for laminate;
- several spatulas, one serrated and the other regular;
- meter;
- sealant for sealing joints and a gun for it;
Sealant and gun for it
- liquid Nails;
Liquid Nails
- to treat the wall you will need a primer;
- panel glue;
- decorative fittings to give an aesthetic appearance to the finished finish.
Once all the necessary tools have been collected, we proceed directly to preparing the wall. The first step is to clean the surface, removing the old layer of finishing.
Surface cleaning
The wall is covered with a layer of primer to smooth out any existing irregularities.
Primer
Before installation, the panels themselves are brought into the room several days before actual installation. In this way, the building material gets used to future operating conditions. As soon as the preparation of the room is completed, the stage of installing MDF sheet panels on the wall begins.
Areas of use
The advantages of fibreboards are used in the production of furniture (tables, sets, sofas, etc.) and during construction work:
- decorating walls and ceilings;
- creating partitions;
- production of interior doors;
- decoration of ceilings;
- formation of the subfloor;
- roof sheathing, etc.
Facades
Kitchen facades made of MDF are popular in Russia and other countries. Thanks to different methods of processing the material, you can choose an individual decor:
- figured;
- bent;
- with convex elements;
- painted;
- with frames.
Kitchen facades made of MDF are popular in Russia.
Frame facades are complemented with inserts, which are used as glass, fabric, MDF with another type of coating.
Apron
To protect the wall in the kitchen from moisture, grease and temperature, you need a material that has:
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- moisture resistance;
- ease of installation;
- easy care.
MDF has all the necessary properties, at the same time it is low in cost and resistant to mold and mildew. There is a large selection of design solutions for the kitchen. When installing the panel, the ends should be covered with aluminum or plastic profiles. The stove must be protected from any mechanical damage.
Tabletop
This MDF element is an inexpensive way to create a beautiful and functional interior. Working with a knife should be carried out on a special board. A large selection of products allows you to make any style: high-tech, art deco, modern, etc.
A large selection of countertops allows you to create a beautiful interior.
Doors
More and more door manufacturers are choosing wood fiber sheets. The advantages include low weight, ease of manufacture (the material does not crumble), impact resistance, resistance to high humidity, does not deform from temperature changes, absorbs sounds, long service life, and a large selection of design options.
Ceiling
Suitable where there are large uneven areas or where communication lines need to be hidden. To attach the panels, a special frame is first installed, as for drywall.
Among the advantages of the canvas are good sound insulation, are not subject to rotting, ease of maintenance, and long service life.
Windowsill
An MDF window sill can be made of any color and texture, the surface can be matte or glossy. The material should be selected with a thickness of at least 22 mm. The negative side of the product is that it is afraid of mechanical damage.
An MDF window sill is afraid of mechanical damage.
Wall panels
Thanks to its simple installation, it has become popular to use pressed lining for wall decoration. In addition, manufacturers offer a large selection of panels to suit any interior.
In case of mechanical damage, you can easily replace the damaged element with a new one. MDF additionally insulates the room from noise and temperature changes.
Installation
There are several options for mounting MDF panels:
- on a specially installed frame;
On the frame
- on glue.
On glue
It is the second method that is more popular; it is less time consuming. The only important nuance is landing on a perfectly flat wall, so you will have to prepare everything in advance.
The entire process of gluing panels is divided into several steps:
- exact knowledge of the meters in the room where the panels are planned to be glued. This will help minimize waste;
- preliminary adjustment of all parts of the decor. This will make it easier for you to decide and place all the pieces in the right places for later gluing;
- the next step is to attach the starting molding in the right places;
- Now you can glue the panels according to the order. Here's how to glue MDF to a wall. The glue layer must be thin and uniform to avoid defects. It is applied in thin strips evenly spaced from each other;
- All joints and junctions of MDF for the ceiling must be hidden behind pre-prepared panels.
Another option is to use lathing, thereby leveling the walls for subsequent fastening of the panels using self-tapping screws.
For more information about installing MDF panels, watch the video:
MDF weight
The external dimensions and thickness of the panel play a key role. Weight according to dimensions is given in the tables above. Let's see how the weight of an MDF panel measuring 2,800*2,050 mm (the maximum value on the market) will change, depending on the thickness of the product:
- 3 mm – 16 kg.
- 6 mm – 31 kg.
- 12 mm – 60 kg.
- 22 mm – 106 kg.
- 28 mm – 142 kg.
It is worth noting that the weight of the decorated panels will vary slightly upward.
