The building materials market now has a huge number of slabs of various modifications. To sort this out somehow, let's try to understand the essence of the issue. Which is better - MDF or particleboard? It is impossible to answer unequivocally. In fact, this is one and the same plate made of wood chips and fibers. The difference may be in the processing, binders and finish.
MDF owes its name to the English phrase
Medium Density Fiberboard. It first appeared in America, so the first letters were American. If you make an accurate translation, then MDF is a medium-density fiberboard. In its manufacture, wood fibers are added to the composition of the mass from which it is produced, in addition to shavings. Particleboard is entirely composed of pressed chips. But each material has its own application in various areas of our life.
The basis for MDF and particleboard are fibers and shavings of various types of wood. Wood waste is being processed . This determines the low cost of the material. To get a quality product, the chips go through several stages of processing. After grinding, it goes to steam treatment. Various glue components are added here. For the formation of MDF using natural resin as a bonding composition, then all this mass goes under a hot press. Here a plate is formed, which is subsequently subjected to grinding. If necessary, it goes through the following processing steps. MDF is available in several types. The ennobled plate can be painted or laminated with a film for any shade. The store sells veneered plates in imitation of precious wood. The cost differs from the applied processing option.
It is difficult to say which is better - MDF or particleboard, because each material has good characteristics. True, it was not possible to escape from the shortcomings either. MDF, due to its use in furniture manufacturing, has become popular. Not only facades, but also countertops made of this material are firmly established in our kitchen. The ease of processing allows you to give the door any shape and pattern of panels, which greatly simplifies the manufacture of various furniture sets. This material has been widely used in floor coverings; it is often used in construction when installing partitions or roof insulation.
Particleboard, in fact, is the same material, only with cheaper filling. This technology makes woodworking virtually waste-free. The chips are pressed into a slab and processed. To understand which is better - MDF or particleboard, will allow the use of different materials in the same conditions. Different value groups are represented in stores. The grade of material chosen affects the price.
Laminated chipboard, the price of which is much lower, represents a serious competitor in the production of not only furniture, but also floor coverings. Films have a smooth or rough surface, so you can’t tell right away. But you need to choose the right material.
Particleboard can be superhard, hard, medium density and soft. When buying, pay attention to the direction and size of the chips. The multilayer plate has several layers with different directions of the location of the chips.
If you have not yet made the final choice and cannot determine which is better - MDF or particleboard, then proceed from the requirements that are important at the moment. The countertop in the kitchen should be made of solid material, because you will cook food on it. And the cabinet door does not carry such a load, the appearance is more important for it, because it decorates your kitchen. When choosing between MDF and particleboard, consider the resistance of the material to moisture. The durability of your furniture set may depend on this.