MDF or chipboard - which is better?

The first thing we pay attention to when buying furniture is its price and appearance. However, before you pay money to the cashier, it is advisable to find out what it is made of. After all, each material has its own technical specification, and some of them have a limited field of application. In furniture production, for a wide range of customers, MDF and chipboard are often used, which constantly causes controversy, which is better. The long-term presence on the market of these materials suggests that they are both needed. It is important only to know where and how to apply them.

Comparison of panel production technology:

  1. Particleboard.
  2. Raising the discussion on what is best for furniture, MDF or chipboard, you need to remember what they are. The very name of chipboard (chipboard) speaks of its internal content. Wood particles, the main part of which is taken by chips, are bound by means of a special substance by the method of hot pressing into one whole. Due to the release of formaldehyde into the environment, the EAF is not safe. For this reason, not all of its classes are used in the production of furniture for children .

    Choosing panels and thinking that it is stronger than chipboard or MDF, it is necessary to know that chipboard is divided into grades and classes, including density. With the use of such techniques as lamination of the surface, its quality indicators have changed for the better, and with them the attitude of consumers. The variety of laminate types extends the choice of cabinet furniture from chipboard. Plates can not be milled.

  3. MDF.

MDF boards have a finer fraction of wood. The technological process here is more refined, especially for the appearance of wood fibers, which gives strength to the sheets. When they are made, the method of dry pressing is used, as well as other binders that make the building material environmentally friendly.

One side of MDF is also covered with a laminate. The front part of the plates can be decorated with PVC film, plastic or paint. In any case, it will always be smooth. Thinking about what to choose in the high humidity zone of particleboard or MDF, we take into account the huge advantage of the latter in this area, from which we conclude what kind of cuisine will be better.

Pros and cons of MDF and chipboard

Such a wonderful material as MDF is not without its minuses. He is very sensitive to various types of mechanical damage. A blow with a heavy object can leave a dent on its surface. Another disadvantage is the rapid ignition near an open fire. This property must be taken into account when placing pieces of furniture in the same kitchen. Due to the finely dispersed structure, MDF is more ductile. If necessary, cut the curly elements, it is suitable, as well as possible.

What furniture is better, from chipboard or MDF, can be judged from the feedback of the masters working with these materials. The disadvantage of chipboard is the fact that because of its loose structure the screw or nail in it is kept very poorly. And there can be no question of re-twisting into the same place. The main fastening elements are the corners. MDF, although it is more dense, but the drag coefficient for pulling out fasteners is also not high.

If you take into account the cost of materials, designs made only from MDF, will cost much more. To beat the price policy, many act very wisely. Without thinking about what is best for kitchen MDF or chipboard, they order the main part of the furniture case (which is hidden inside) from the chipboard, and the front part of the MDF, including the interior doors. The service life of both types of panels is not very large. Therefore, what furniture is better for home, we decide.