Compare chipboard and MDF

Among the representatives of the male half of our editorial staff, one dispute somehow happened, and the debaters tried to find out what was better and how chipboard differed from MDF. This topic seemed interesting, so we decided to conduct a comparative analysis of these popular materials. It turned out that they are identical at first glance, they have a number of differences, and quite significant ones.

Composition and method of production

The popularity of natural wood is returning, but not all European are ready to buy furniture, doors and other interior design elements made of solid wood. This is elementary expensive, but why pay more and “reinvent the wheel” if it was invented long before us. In this case, we are talking about wood-based materials, presented in a wide range, and among them, on a special account, chipboard and MDF — similar on the outside and different on the inside. To understand what the similarities are, and where the differences begin, the study of the composition and method of manufacture will help.

Definition and composition of chipboard

By definition, chipboard (chipboard) is a chipboard made by cold and hot pressing. As the main ingredient in the production, sawdust / wood shavings of coniferous and hardwoods are used (there is not much difference, as a rule). At the first stage of production, wood waste is dried and crushed in a cycle plant. To connect wood fibers and give them strength characteristics, formaldehyde resins are introduced into the composition, after which the mixture is subjected to cold and then hot pressing.

At the output, we see a durable material with a coarse fiber structure, ready for rough work. The slabs are cut into sheets of the desired size, but the material is not yet ready for finishing surfaces and making furniture. Aesthetic properties of chipboard are due to the top layer, according to the composition of which chipboard is divided into the following types:

1. draft without the top layer of cladding;

2. laminated, covered with paper impregnated with a melamine film of different colors and textures, they also use a special waterproof varnish, protected from scratches and other mechanical damage;

3. veneered with fine wood veneer.

Chipboard is used depending on the type of material and the importance of the work performed. If we are talking about the production of furniture for the kitchen, where there is high humidity and temperature changes, then there is no better chipboard. For the production of furniture for other rooms, you can use a more affordable analogue — laminated chipboard. As a facing layer in its production, paper is used, planted on glue. When performing secondary work on the construction site, roughing plates are used, which are also ideal for packing goods.

What is MDF and how is it made?

If earlier you heard about wood-based materials only “out of the corner of your ear”, you are unlikely to be able to immediately distinguish between chipboard and MDF, since they have some external properties. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the production of both subjects, wood waste is used — shavings and sawdust. The first difference is that in the manufacture of medium-density fiberboard (fine fraction), not whole sawdust and shavings are used, but waste of any wood, crushed to the state of small fibers.

Small particles of wood subsequently pass through the process of cleaning with hot steam under pressure, then, while still wet, they are re-ground using a device called a grinder. At the final stage, the crushed waste is mixed with special resins. The mixture is then hot pressed. The result is a fairly durable, externally attractive material used for the production of high-quality furniture. It is also suitable for other purposes, but due to the high price in secondary works, chipboard is more often used.

Comparing the strength of materials

To understand which of the materials we tested is stronger, just look at the cut of chipboard and MDF. Chipboards are made from sawdust and shavings of different sizes, and oriented in different directions, and this can be seen with the naked eye. Accordingly, the strength of the material can differ significantly, and this indicator in chipboard of various types lies in the range of 350-650 kg per 1 cubic meter. meter. Due to this variation, the strength of products, like other characteristics, can also vary greatly.

MDF, for its part, is made from small particles of wood, so its density over the entire surface is almost the same, and the strength of the boards does not differ, respectively. It lies in the range of 720-870 kg per 1 cu. m., and the difference with chipboard, as you can see, is quite serious.

Conclusion! Fibreboard is more durable, and studies conducted by our experts have shown that MDF is superior in strength to some types of wood.

What material to choose in terms of ecology

One of the trends of our time is a healthy lifestyle, so we try to eat healthy food and surround ourselves with environmentally friendly items. What do the MDF and chipboard we test represent from the point of view of ecology, and which of these materials is better to use when arranging a children’s room, for example.

Let’s start the comparison traditionally with chipboard, and this material, produced by European woodworking companies, meets one single standard. We are talking about GOST 10632-2014, which does not give a complete picture of the environmental friendliness of the material, while in the EU countries there is a division into two types: E1 and E2, and it is unlikely that you will be advised E2 chipboard for arranging a children’s room or premises in a kindergarten . Do not forget also that harmful formaldehyde resins are added to the composition of the chipboard, which cannot be said about the second test subject.

In the manufacture of MDF boards, resin is also used, but less harmful urea. It contains formaldehyde, and no one hides this, but in much smaller quantities. It is also worth noting the main difference in the production process, and, unlike chipboard, MDF boards are modified with melanin, which helps to reduce the amount of harmful fumes.

Conclusion! Based on the foregoing, it can be noted that from the point of view of environmental friendliness, MDF is more acceptable, so we can recommend it for a children’s room.

What material can be recommended for bathroom and kitchen?

Despite the «outstanding» properties of wood, it has one drawback — in the absence of additional protection, it is afraid of moisture. We tried to find out which of our materials is better resistant to high humidity, and which is not recommended for use in the bathroom.

We can definitely say that rough chipboard does not resist moisture, but laminated chipboards are not afraid of high humidity, which makes them in demand when used in «extreme» conditions. There is one thing but: you need to worry about the integrity of the cladding, since if the film is damaged, water, having seeped into the plate, will quickly destroy it. On the other hand, MDF has a high density, and does not even need additional protection, so the conclusion suggests itself.

Conclusion! The water resistance of MDF is higher than even in the case of laminated chipboard, so it is recommended to use it in rooms with high humidity.

Which is easier to handle

I would not like to praise MDF again, but this material has a lot of positive properties. It is also easier to process, and again because of the better composition. We remember that chipboard contains sawdust and chips of different sizes, located in different directions, which means that it is not suitable for precise processing, which cannot be said about MDF. Its structure is homogeneous, so where accuracy and correct geometry are needed, this material will be just right — it is equally easy to cut and mill.

With regard to the decorative finishes of the tested materials, I would again like to give credit to MDF, which is completely ready for applying a facing coating of any thickness. I would like to say the same about chipboard, but it does not work. Firstly, particle boards have a high roughness, so for facing with a thin film or paper, they need to be sanded, and this is extra time and money.

Conclusion! MDF is easily processed and faced, and therefore is in demand in the production of luxury furniture with a predominance of carved elements and moldings. In addition, chipboard does not hold, in practice, fasteners.

Low price, and what else wins chipboard

In search of characteristics by which chipboard outperforms a competitor, we finally. We have reached the cost of materials, and according to this main indicator for many, particle boards are considered out of competition. If you compare them with MDF, then the difference in price can reach 50%, and this is the best explanation for the fact that chipboard is one of the most sought-after materials. However, you should not forget that money decides a lot, but not everything, and you need to save wisely. I would like to say about one more advantage — despite the fact that both materials support combustion, chipboard is preferable in this regard.

A few useful hacks

1. Tip 1. To better hold chipboard fasteners, it is enough to use universal glue or larger diameter screws.

2. Tip 2. To reduce the cost of work, you can combine chipboard and MDF, and the construction will be much cheaper, where chipboards were used as a frame, and MDF for cladding.