MDF kitchens. We decide which kitchen is better: plastic or MDF Painted MDF sets

The most popular materials for the manufacture of kitchen sets are chipboard and MDF. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, but there are much more positive reviews about MDF facades. They better tolerate moisture, temperature changes and other destructive factors. The disadvantages are most often mentioned by buyers who saved on the quality of the material. Let's figure out what MDF kitchens are: pros and cons, manufacturing and operation features.

The abbreviation "MDF" stands for "fine wood fraction". This means that the material is made from small sawdust. They are glued together under high pressure using lignin and paraffin, forming plates of a given size. The compositions that are used to produce the material are safe. They do not emit toxic substances during operation and when heated.

The differences between MDF and chipboard are in the size of the wood fraction and adhesives. Chipboard is made using formaldehyde resins. They are also used for the manufacture of cabinet furniture, but in terms of environmental safety, they are inferior to MDF. When the top finish layer is destroyed, particle boards can release harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Original kitchen design from MDF

In the production of kitchen sets, a combination of both types of plates is most often used: the bodies are made of chipboard, and the facades are made of MDF. Chipboard is a looser and cheaper material, and MDF is ideal for making furniture with rounded graceful lines. The main drawback of MDF kitchens is the relatively high price, because. manufacturers have to buy imported materials.

Fronts made of painted MDF with print

Video: which is better - MDF or chipboard

Which panels are suitable for furniture production

Depending on the production technology, there are three types of MDF panels:

Fully pressed. The plates are distinguished by heat and sound insulating properties, they tolerate moisture well. Density is medium.

Laminated. Panels of this type are harder than integrally pressed. They are highly resistant to mechanical damage, moisture and chemicals.

Moisture resistant. This is a dense material that copes well with loads, tolerates moisture, hot condensate well.

For the manufacture of kitchen sets, laminated and moisture-resistant boards are most often used. Whole pressed ones are less suitable for rooms with high humidity and specific temperature conditions characteristic of the kitchen.

Black and white aesthetic

Pros and cons of MDF kitchen sets

Price. Composite material is cheaper than solid wood. The combination with chipboard allows you to further reduce the cost of production. Ready-made sets vary greatly in cost, so everyone can choose furniture that will not hit the family budget.

Positive colors in the design of the kitchen

Presentable appearance. Raw panels look unattractive, so they are processed. Plates can be given any appearance, incl. decorate under natural wood, marble or granite. To do this, use films, plastic, enamel. It turns out spectacular matte and glossy MDF panels for the kitchen.

Good performance. High-quality material is resistant to mechanical stress and is able to serve for many years. Ready-made furniture is easy to clean: to remove dirt, simply wipe the surface with a damp sponge.

It happens that the plates swell, deform, and the edge finish peels off. This usually happens if the manufacturer has saved on the quality of adhesives or finishes. It is difficult to distinguish furniture made from such panels from high-quality ones. The difference becomes apparent only during operation.

The most common troubles faced by buyers of kitchen sets made of low-quality material:

The finish will fade in direct sunlight.
The film peels off. Most often this happens with pieces of furniture located near the stove.
When cleaning, scratches remain on the material.

3 reasons to choose furniture from MDF panels

design potential. Plates are valued for their ease of processing. The material lends itself well to cutting with conventional tools, it can be given any shape. The facades are decorated with patterns made on a milling machine. Panels are a valuable material for making furniture. They are able to serve for many years without losing their original appearance.
Operational characteristics. In many respects, MDF is not inferior, if not superior to natural wood. Furniture with MDF fronts can be dismantled and reassembled without compromising the strength of the joints. Additional advantages - fire safety, antiseptic properties, water resistance.
Aesthetic finish. For external finishing of panels, film, plastic, enamels, veneer, laminate are used. Facades acquire a chic appearance and are suitable for creating respectable interiors in any style.

Advantages of painted kitchens

Kitchens made of painted MDF have their pros and cons. They are exceptionally beautiful. The color scheme can be any, with the most unexpected shades and combinations. In recent years, facades painted with gradient transitions, as well as with a chameleon effect, have gained particular popularity.

Automobile enamels are used for painting plates. They are applied in several layers. This is a complex multi-stage process, but the finished surfaces look aesthetically pleasing, and the color is bright and durable. There are matte and glossy MDF panels for the kitchen. The front side of the plate can be smooth or have a pattern applied by milling. Enamels fit well on any type of surface. Color is uniform.

Corner kitchen made of painted MDF panels

Features of operation and care

The material does not absorb odors, is not afraid of high temperatures and direct sunlight. Kitchens made from painted MDF panels are very easy to care for. They are wiped with sponges dipped in solutions of household chemicals. You need to be careful when choosing funds. Too aggressive substances and abrasives can damage the coatings.

Glossy MDF panels for the kitchen have a significant drawback: when touched, fingerprints remain on them. They have to be constantly wiped down. This is not the most practical option. Another disadvantage: when hitting, scratches and chips can remain on the surfaces of the panels.

Varieties of painted facades

Kitchens with facades made of film MDF

Compared to painted film MDF is cheaper. This is due to the less complex manufacturing technology of the material. PVC film with a thickness of 0.3-0.5 mm is applied using a special vacuum press. The material can be any color, with or without a pattern.

Facades imitating the texture of natural wood are very popular. They are universal and suitable for almost any style of interior - from classic to modern. It is possible to determine that the headset is made of composite material only at a close distance.

Note! Film MDF is not inferior to wood either in terms of performance or environmental safety.

How to care for facades with foil

A kitchen made of film MDF is more practical than a painted one. She's easier to take care of. The film is not afraid of brushes, tolerates household chemicals well, and is resistant to mechanical damage. Although the coating is durable, it is still best not to experiment with abrasives and harsh chemicals. If damaged, it cannot be restored.

Finishing film has its drawbacks. It can peel off under the influence of high temperature or hot steam. Most often, the coating moves away from the plates on the facades located next to the ovens. Wall cabinets installed near the burners also suffer. If there is a kettle or a boiling pot on the stove, hot steam can cause the material to warp.

Film-coated MDF cabinet

Advice. Try to install kitchen furniture with film facades at a distance from the stove and electric kettle. Even a short distance will be enough. In this case, the facades will last for many years without changing their original appearance. Also, a good hood can save the situation.

Island kitchen from film MDF

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

MDF kitchens with plastic - a new trend

The surface of the MDF board can be finished with polymeric materials. Plastic combines all the best qualities of film and enamel. It is durable, does not fade in direct sunlight, tolerates short-term exposure to temperatures up to 160 degrees. Another advantage is the reasonable price.

Plastic sheets that are glued to MDF do not emit any harmful substances, have no smell, and do not cause allergic reactions. It is a hygienic environmentally friendly material that does not change its properties throughout the entire service life.

The technology of applying plastic to the surface of MDF is such that the materials adhere strongly and form an almost unified whole. Thanks to this, the furniture tolerates point impacts well, no chips or scratches remain on it. Facades do not rot, fungi and mold do not multiply on them. The material does not deform from water even with constant direct contact.

As for the color scheme, it is extremely rich. There are about 400 different colors and shades of material. This allows you to achieve incredible combinations and create expressive interiors in any style.

The material reflects light, making the glossy MDF panels for the kitchen look very impressive and do not fade. They are well suited for decorating small rooms, because. visually expand the space, add air and light.

Cons of glossy plastic panels

Spectacular shine can not always be considered a virtue. In bright light, it can irritate the eyes. If you have chosen a kitchen with glossy MDF panels, you should think about adjusting the degree of illumination of the room, hanging curtains or blinds on the windows. Another drawback is stains on work surfaces. They will have to be wiped with a soft cloth after each cooking.

glossy shine

MDF panels with a plastic finish are not suitable for creating frilly furniture - with complex curves and protrusions. The design of such kitchens is not diverse. But buyers who prefer clear, strict lines will be satisfied. It is also impossible to change the smooth texture of the material, to make it embossed.

Advice. Glossy surfaces require careful maintenance. If they are constantly washed, the plastic may become thinner. To avoid this, use professional protective equipment. Such processing is carried out once every six months, this is enough to preserve the appearance of the kitchen.

Video: material manufacturing technology

Design of corner kitchens from MDF panels

MDF panels are used for the manufacture of kitchens of any configuration - linear, island, etc. In many cases, buyers prefer corner models. They fit perfectly into small rooms, while bright colors and glossy sheen visually enlarge the space.

The material is durable and easy to process, therefore, in the manufacture of corner kitchens from MDF, almost any design options are possible - smooth transitions, beveled and curved lines, intricate shapes. Corner sets look spectacular, in which the facades are made of panels of different colors.

Designers recommend choosing kitchens in which the countertop is made from a single piece of MDF with plastic or film. Coatings tolerate moisture, heat well and are easy to clean. If the countertop is solid, then you do not have to clean the gaps between the headset modules. This helps prevent scratches and abrasion of materials.

When choosing a kitchen from MDF, you have to take into account all the pros and cons of the material, the features of care. Designers recommend paying special attention to the shades of facades. The lighter they are, the less noticeable the joints between the sections of the headset. Glossy surfaces give the same effect: they distract attention. But dark saturated colors emphasize the docking points of individual modules. All these nuances can be fundamentally important, so it makes sense to consult with a professional designer before buying.

MDF kitchen furniture allows you to kill several birds with one stone at once - its cost is lower than solid wood furniture, the material is quite durable, and a variety of colors will appeal to picky housewives. Well, in order for your favorite headset to please the eye for more than one year, you need to remember a few simple rules for its maintenance once and for all.

What kills MDF

In shop windows, the shiny surfaces of any, even the cheapest headset, catches the eye. But it often happens that after a couple of years of operation, there is no trace of the former brilliance and beauty. And even if the price of furniture is not too high compared to the analogue from the array, this is still not a reason to treat it carelessly.

There are several ways to ruin MDF headsets:

use cleaning agents containing alkalis, acids, solvents. MDF, although protected by several layers or enamel, PVC film, but this coating, when exposed to certain types of household chemicals, will quickly lose its original appearance;
use abrasive cleaners - the appearance will suffer, on a glossy, shiny surface, scratches will look especially sloppy;

Note!
It is even better to wipe the surface of MDF with a soft cloth, we immediately exclude scrapers and brushes (even with soft bristles) from our arsenal.

MDF is not 100% protected from moisture. If water gets on the headset, but immediately get it wet and wipe the surface dry, then nothing terrible will happen. It is much worse if moisture gets into hard-to-reach places, for example, between the kitchen wall and the back wall of the furniture. Over time, the material will swell, it will be impossible to restore its former shape;
even an accidental impact of medium strength can leave a mark on the surface. If the shape of the MDF kitchen set does not fit perfectly into the kitchen space, then marks will most likely appear on the part that interferes with it in the future.

Friends and Enemies of MDF

Before purchasing a batch of cleaning products, we will determine what suits us and what does not.

Immediately it is necessary to exclude:

any alcohol-based cleaners;

Note!
An exception to this rule is ethyl alcohol, it will not damage the protective coating of the MDF headset.

cleaning old contaminants with steam shows itself well, but in the case of MDF it is better to forget about the steam cleaner. Even if the coating does not suffer externally, in the future, peeling of the film and other problems are possible in this place;

folk remedies such as vegetable oil, toothpaste, soda(The last 2 are abrasives, so we exclude them). You can make a good cleaning agent with your own hands, but special care is required here, about “traditional medicine” a little lower;
all substances containing acids, alkalis, sodium and chlorine. Usually, on the packaging, the manufacturer indicates the scope of the cleaning agent, if there is no MDF furniture in the list, then it is better not to risk it.

As for household chemicals, furniture cleaning products are not bad, their composition is most often neutral, there are no abrasive particles, so the headset will remain intact. If you still have small scratches, polish can help.

The subtleties of caring for MDF

Of course, this material will not become eternal, but at least it is possible to preserve its appearance during the entire period of operation. It is enough to follow the basic rules of care and cleaning, depending on the type of surface finish.

Veneered coating

Due to the gluing of precious wood veneer, outwardly such a set cannot be distinguished from an analogue from an array. The veneer, of course, is protected by a layer of varnish, but since it is glued to MDF, this imposes certain restrictions on the use of furniture, for example, it cannot be placed near heating appliances.

In the question of how to wash an MDF kitchen set with veneer trim, there are not so many options. It is best to limit yourself to just a mild soapy solution and avoid heavy contamination of the surface.

Cleaning the veneered surface should be done in the following order:

first wipe the surface with a damp cloth, this will remove particles of dust, dirt;
then you can use a suitable product, for example, for cleaning (if there is no special composition for MDF at hand). The scheme is the same - we apply it on a rag and gently wipe the headset. The direction of movement is strictly along the veneer fibers, this will reduce the risk of scratches to a minimum.
so that there are no stains on the varnished surface - wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

When choosing a polish, you need to pay attention to its composition. For example, silicone will provide shine and moisture resistance, wax will prevent dust from settling, and oil-based products will help hide small scratches.

film coated MDF

In the question of how to clean a kitchen set made of MDF with a film coating, in addition to the means already listed, those that are designed to work with natural wood should also be discarded. Any polishes, care products containing oils, wax will only worsen the appearance of the film and may even cause a local change in the shade of the film and its swelling.

Of the cleaning products, various liquids based on ethyl alcohol are suitable. Window products containing ethanol show themselves well.

Note!
Alcohols have a negative effect on the film coating.
Therefore, when cleaning the headset, it is not necessary to leave the product on the surface for a long time, they applied it and immediately wiped it dry.

Traditional medicine - effective means for cleaning MDF

Sometimes the question of how to clean the MDF kitchen set from fat turns into real torture. Imagine that there is no suitable cleaning agent at hand, and there are already greasy stains on the headset. Leaving them on can lead to cleaning problems in the future, and the gloss of the finish may suffer.

But there are many folk recipes for fighting fat in the kitchen:

Vinegar mixed with ordinary vodka in a ratio of 1:1 turns into a powerful cleaning agent. Usually it is enough just to wipe the surface and the fat is gone;

another option for a homemade solution is a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar and a small amount of alcohol (as an option, lemon juice can be replaced with finely chopped zest);
in the question of how to clean a glossy MDF kitchen set, it is better to refrain from potent agents. One option is to make a “lighter” version of a standard cleaner. It is enough to mix lemon juice with water and add quite a bit of a strong cleaning agent, there will be no harm to the glossy surface, and a pleasant smell and cleanliness are guaranteed;
ordinary soap solution copes with most contaminants;
Pure lemon juice is fine too. You can walk straight through the fat spots with a slice and wipe the furniture dry after 20-30 minutes;

The design and final price of the future kitchen largely depends on the facades. Therefore, when choosing a new kitchen in the salon, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the doors and only then the frame, filling, fittings, etc.

For those who are planning to buy a new MDF kitchen, we have prepared 10 top tips for choosing it and a small selection of real photos to help you navigate.

A little theory about the material

The abbreviation MDF (MDF) - stands for Medium Density Fiberboard and in translation means "medium density fiberboard". In short, MDF is a material made from pressed sawdust "bonded" with resins.

It is more correct to call MDF kitchens “kitchens with MDF facades”, because its frame, shelves and walls are most often made of laminated chipboard and less often of plywood and MDF;

Why is MDF better than chipboard and wood?

Variety of finishes and design (compared to chipboard). The MDF base can be: painted, enamelled (matte/glossy enamel), covered with plastic film, veneer, patina (pictured below) and can even have a concave/convex shape and milling;

Higher wear, thermal and moisture resistance, tolerance to external influences. Wooden facades can be scratched, dry out, crack over time, and fasteners “loose” faster in chipboard doors;
Cheaper wood.

Why are MDF facades worse than wooden and “chipboard” ones?

MDF is more expensive than chipboard and weighs more, so cases are rarely made from them;
MDF is less noble and durable. The tree wins in environmental friendliness, “holds” fasteners longer and is subject to restoration.

The service life of an MDF kitchen is on average 10 years or more with careful operation.

10 tips for the buyer

The ends are the weakest point of MDF facades and the main indicator of the quality of the kitchen. If its durability is important to you, then choose facades in an aluminum profile or with an ABS edge (1.2-1.5 mm). Premium furniture should be finished with veneer or wood edges, but fronts with melamine edges will be the worst choice.
A set with straight facades, located in one row, will cost 10-15% cheaper than a corner one with rounded facades. An example of a kitchen design with curved facades is shown in the photo below (scroll to the right).

When buying a headset, ask the seller what emission class MDF belongs to, or rather ask for certificates. Remember that E1 class material is more environmentally friendly and of high quality, but E2 class MDF emits formaldehyde (in open form) and is prohibited in the production of children's furniture.
In stores, you will certainly like fronts with a “high gloss” finish, which is achieved in three ways:

painting the MDF board with colored enamels in several layers. Enamelled MDF facades are the most expensive (sometimes more expensive than solid wood kitchens), because. very heat, wear and moisture resistant, durable and amenable to restoration;

coated with acrylic plastics. Minus - susceptibility to scratches, but at the same time they can be restored by polishing;

apply high gloss PVC film. This is the most affordable option, but more prone to deformation from moisture and mechanical stress.

By the way, the most popular glossy MDF kitchens are light shades: white, beige, cream.

Facades made of MDF, lined on all sides with veneer (thin cut 0.2-1 mm thick), outwardly indistinguishable from wood panels, but more affordable. At the same time, they are more thermally and moisture resistant, although their surface still requires careful treatment. This combination can be called one of the best. The photo below is an example of a kitchen with lower facades painted with enamel and upper ones with veneer trim.

In the category of facades "average in price" there are two choices:

laminated MDF products- they cost a little more than film facades, but also higher in quality, more moisture and heat resistance;

MDF products in PVC film- they lose somewhat in terms of performance to the first option, but they cost a little less and provide more opportunities for decor and design. For example, you can choose classic facades with milling. Minus - they are afraid of high temperatures, for example, prolonged exposure to steam from a boiling kettle.

And finally, the cheapest option is MDF facades with a paper-resin film finish (photo below). Such kitchens are gradually losing demand and leaving the market due to very low quality - the coating quickly chipped and swelled from water, but such sets will do just fine with the role of a temporary or country kitchen.

Keep in mind that although MDF is considered a mid-range material, the price of facades largely depends on the specifics of the finish. So, MDF panels with the effect of "metallic", "pearl", "chameleon", etc. are more expensive than facades made of natural wood.
When choosing a headset, check whether the company undertakes to manufacture facades of non-standard sizes or only standard formats are available for layout (most often 30, 45, 60 and 90 cm wide).
And now a little about the manufacturers. High-quality Russian-made facades are offered by well-known brands "Maria", "Kukhonny Dvor", "Zov", Elt and "Atlas-Lux". By the way, most professional designers work with these firms. European-made facades are significantly more expensive, also because of their wide popularity. But we must give them their due - the quality of not only the facades and their coatings, but also their chipboard frames is very high. Pay attention to brand kitchens: Italian Aster Cucine, Scavolini, Pedini, Snaidero, etc. (for lovers), Czech Hanak (decent quality and relatively affordable prices), German ALNO (for those who are looking for facades with photo printing and unusual effects) and Nolte Kuchen (famous for modern-style cuisines).