Most of the modern furniture is made from MDF and chipboard. However, many do not even know what they are and how they differ. We will tell you about the main differences between wood-based panels in a short and simple way.
How To Distinguish MDF From Chipboard?
First, let’s figure out how these names are deciphered. MDF – fine wood fraction, and chipboard – laminated chipboard. Both are made from wood waste, but the properties of these materials are different. Chipboard is made from larger chips. Therefore, in order to distinguish it from MDF, it is enough to look at the cut and pay attention to the structure. If you can clearly see sawdust there, you have chipboard in front of you.
Chipboard Production? How To Define Quality?
For chipboard production, sawdust and shavings are pressed and impregnated with formaldehyde resins for gluing, and the resulting board is usually laminated with melamine film. The letter “L” at the beginning of the abbreviation indicates that the chipboard is laminated. The film not only protects the board from moisture and other external influences, but also prevents the release of formaldehyde into the external environment.
There is a safety classification for laminated chipboard based on the concentration of formaldehyde:
- E1 – formaldehyde emission class, which is considered safe for the production of furniture (such a plate is made according to European standards.
- Class E2 – strictly prohibited for use in the production of children’s furniture.
- Class E 0.5 – also complies with European quality standards. However, its use is not always necessary, since the film prevents the evaporation of the harmful compound;
- E 3 – strictly prohibited for use in production.
When buying furniture, be sure to ask the seller for the safety class and ask for certificates.
How Is MDF Made? How To Define Quality?
For the production of MDF wood is crushed, dried and pressed. Lignite, a natural substance found in wood, binds wood particles together instead of resins. There is practically no formaldehyde in MDF, and in terms of chemical safety, the material is as close as possible to natural wood. For protection, a PVC film, veneer or enamel is applied to it.
Which Is Stronger – MDF Or Chipboard?
MDF is denser not only chipboard, but also a solid array. This material is “not afraid” of high humidity, therefore it is suitable for use in the bathroom or kitchen. MDF is a more flexible material, therefore, furniture of complex streamlined shapes is made from it. It also produces deep mills and patterns well due to its fine structure and high density.
Chipboard is less durable than solid wood and MDF. In bathrooms and in the kitchen, it is not recommended to use it, because moisture can seep inside through cuts and detachments on the film. This causes swelling, change in shape and further reduces strength.
What Is Cheaper Than MDF Or Chipboard And Why?
MDF is one and a half to two times more expensive than chipboard and is used for the premium and luxury segments. Economy segment products are always made from laminated chipboard. The final cost of products can be influenced by the finishing material. The most budgetary ones are PVC film and sheet plastics, enamel is somewhat more expensive. The most expensive finish is natural veneer.
Which Material Is Suitable For Which Room?
The advantages of MDF are obvious, but it is an expensive material, so furniture is almost never made entirely of MDF. Manufacturers see no technological sense in spending this way. Often the body is made of laminated chipboard, and the facades are made of MDF.
This allows you to keep quality at a reasonable price. You do not overpay for expensive MDF where it is not needed.
So How Do You Choose The Material For Your Furniture?
Here’s our memo in the form of simple theses:
- Chipboard is perfect for the living room and hallway. Just make sure that the stove is of high quality. Request a certificate confirming the class of the board.
- The combination of chipboard and MDF is suitable for children’s and bedrooms, but the rule is the same: the material must be of a high class, and the product must be well glued, including edges and joints?
For the kitchen and bathroom, it is more correct to choose MDF: in these rooms it is most often exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.