What is the difference between mdf and chipboard, what to look for when choosing
In furniture production, MDF and chipboard are considered the most popular materials. Their characteristics are largely similar, but there are some differences. It is not surprising that when buying these materials, many people think about how chipboard differs from MDF, which is better. To answer this question, it is necessary to understand in more detail the qualities and method of production of each of these materials.
Manufacturing features
MDF is an abbreviation that refers to the fine fraction of wood. This material is for the manufacture of which sawdust of a fine fraction is used (almost Usually it is logging waste. The raw material is crushed, steamed, thoroughly dried and glued. SoHow is MDF different from chipboard?
Chipboard - chipboard, for the production of which sawdust of different fractions is used. They are mixed with synthetic or and pressed at high temperatures. A large number of resins negatively affects the environmental friendliness of the material. The advantage is that it is close to the density of natural solid wood.
How does MDF differ from chipboard in appearance
Many believe that these two building materials are similar not only in production, but also in appearance. This is not true.
The finely dispersed fraction of a tree has the following characteristics:
the surface of the plate is flat, smooth;
when studying the cut, one can note the uniformity and fine-grained structure of the material.
Chipboard also has pronounced characteristics:
the surface is uneven, slightly rough;
at the saw cut, you can see pieces of chips and looseness of the material.
Differences in use in furniture production
For those who are going to use these materials to assemble cabinets, beds or decorative interior elements, it will be useful to knowWhat is the difference between MDF and chipboard in furniture.
The finely dispersed fraction is easy to cut and process. Screws can be screwed in without much difficulty. Ideal in cases where curly cutting is required - the cut is perfectly even and neat. At the same time, the material is heavy and has a different color on both sides (one side is white).
More capricious in processing. Saw cuts often turn out to be sloppy, “torn”. When screwing in screws, chips and cracks can appear. The advantage is that the weight of the material is light and the sides have the same color.
Furniture makers are also familiar with another material - chipboard. This board, in fact, is the same as the chipboard, only slightly improved. The surface of the plates is covered with a special facing film. This cover is made from paper and melamine resin.
The film is literally pressed into the surface of the plate and gives the finished products increased strength and protection from moisture. The only drawback of this material is the high cost.
How to choose
Based on the characteristics of all these building materials, one can ask a quite reasonable question:How is MDF different from chipboard?and for what purposes it is worth buying each material.
The finely dispersed fraction of wood is suitable for the manufacture of:
interior door panels, platbands and boxes;
decorative overlays on entrance doors and platbands;
interior partitions;
cabinet furniture (even for rooms with a high level of importance).
Chipboard will be an excellent solution for:
assembly of cabinet furniture;
finishing works;
interior partitions;
floors.
At the same time, vulnerability to a high indicator of humidity is considered a significant drawback. Laminated chipboard will be able to cope with this task.
So, the difference in the materials used and production methods affects the performance of the boards. That is why the same product made of chipboard and fine fraction will look different and require special care. When choosing a particular material for a particular purpose, you need to take into account all thatHow is MDF different from chipboard?: weight, processing method, interaction with moisture.