In furniture production, the most popular materials are MDF and particleboard. Their characteristics are largely similar, but there are some differences. It is not surprising that many people when buying these materials think about how the 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 a finely divided fraction of a tree. This material is a wood-fiber board, for the manufacture of which fine sawdust is used (almost wood flour). Usually this is logging waste. The raw materials are subjected to grinding, steamed, carefully dried and glued. So how is MDF different from particle board?
Particleboard is a wood-particle board, for the production of which sawdust of different fractions is used. They are mixed with synthetic or formaldehyde resins and pressed at high temperatures. A large number of resins negatively affects the environmental friendliness of the material. The advantage is the density of the slab, which is close to the density of natural solid wood.
What is the difference between MDF and particleboard
Many believe that these two building materials have similarities not only in production, but also in appearance. This is not true.
The finely divided fraction of the tree has the following characteristics:
the surface of the plate is even, smooth;
when studying the slice, homogeneity and fine-grained structure of the material can be noted.
Chipboard also has pronounced characteristics:
the surface is uneven, slightly rough;
in place of the saw you can see pieces of shavings and loose material.
Differences in use in furniture production
Those who are going to use these materials for the assembly of cabinets, beds or decorative elements of the interior will find it useful to know how MDF differs from chipboard in furniture.
The finely divided fraction can be easily cut and processed. Screws can be screwed in without too much difficulty. Ideal in cases where curly cutting is needed - the cut is perfectly smooth and accurate. Moreover, the material has a large weight and has a different color on both sides (one side is white).
Chipboard is more moody in processing. Saws are often obtained sloppy, "torn". When screwing in screws, chips and cracks may appear. The advantage is that the weight of the material is small and the sides have the same color.
What is the difference between chipboard and chipboard and MDF
Furniture makers are familiar with yet another material - chipboard. This slab is essentially the same as a particle board, only slightly improved. The surface of the plates is covered with a special facing film. This coating is made of paper and melamine resin.
The film is literally pressed into the surface of the plate and gives the finished product increased strength and protection against moisture. The only drawback of this material is the high cost.
How to choose the right
Based on the characteristics of all these building materials, one can ask a perfectly reasonable question: how is MDF different from particle board, and for what purpose is it worth buying each material.
The finely divided fraction of the tree is suitable for the manufacture of:
interior door leaves, platbands and baskets;
decorative overlays for entrance doors and platbands;
interior partitions;
cabinet furniture (even for rooms with an increased level of importance).
Chipboard is an excellent solution for:
At the same time, vulnerability to a high humidity indicator is considered a significant drawback. The 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 a finely divided fraction, will look different and will require special care. When choosing one or another material for a specific purpose, one must take into account everything that makes MDF different from particle board : weight, processing method, interaction with moisture.