Chipboard - what is this material? Review, pros and cons

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In the decoration, construction and manufacture of furniture, wood-like materials are widely used today, which combine quality, durability and affordable cost. The chipboard is very popular, which stands for laminated chipboard. In this article, we will tell you about this material, briefly describe its advantages. Also previously considered The difference between MDF and chipboard.

Chipboard - what is it and how is it decoded?

Laminated chipboard is made from shavings and pressed sawdust, for the bonding of which formaldehyde resins are used. Despite the use of formaldehyde, this material is environmentally friendly, which allows it to be used in the decoration of residential premises. In the production of such chipboards, modern manufacturing equipment is used, which allows for the durability, strength and environmental friendliness of such a material.

The most widespread today is the multilayer chipboard, which consists of three layers with large fractions in the center. This variety is resistant to moisture and does not fade in the sun. This multilayer MDF construction allows you to provide the necessary strength and durability.

Particleboard lamination is performed on paper that is impregnated with melamine resin. Due to the presence of such a lamination, this material can imitate the appearance of an expensive natural massif of various types of wood.

Laminated chipboard classes

To date, there are several classes of MDF, depending on its formaldehyde content. Deciphering a laminated chipboard, depending on its environmental class, is not particularly difficult.

• E1. It is the cleanest eco-friendly material that contains a minimum of formaldehyde. It can be used for decoration of premises and furniture.
• E2. This variety is used for finishing utility rooms.
• E3. In accordance with modern standards and GOST standards, chipboard of class E3 is forbidden to use inside residential buildings. The proportion of harmful formaldehyde resins can reach 30%.

Depending on the cladding of the slab, it is customary to divide into:

• Draft MDF, that is, not having a decorative facial coating.
• Veneered with a thin layer of natural wood.
• Laminated with paper and plastic.

Also on sale, you can find standard, moisture-proof and fireproof chipboard. Moisture-resistant material has a corresponding treatment with a paraffin emulsion, which helps protect wood fibers from swelling under the influence of moisture.

Note that moisture-resistant chipboard has a high cost, so it is not economically feasible to use it for furniture and decoration with natural moisture indicators.

The refractory type of chipboard is able to withstand an open flame for 5 minutes, while it can be used in rooms with a high temperature. Such refractory chipboard is manufactured using special technology that slightly increases its cost. In construction, decoration and furniture, such a refractory material is practically not used due to its high cost.

Advantages and disadvantages of this material

The distribution of wood-like materials is explained by excellent operational characteristics. If we talk about the advantages of using chipboard, we can note the following:

• Excellent durability of MDF.
• Resistant to moisture.
• Attractive appearance.
• Affordable cost.
• Possibility of choosing a laminated particleboard with a different texture and appearance.
• Universality of application.

Among the shortcomings, only mediocre environmental friendliness of materials with class E2 and E3, as well as the need use in rooms with high humidity of the corresponding expensive moisture-proof variety Chipboard.

Choosing laminated MDF for furniture

Today on sale you can find various options for chipboard, which differ in their operational characteristics, plate sizes and appearance. You can choose standard plates with a thickness of 10-38 millimeters and sheet sizes of 280 by 207 centimeters. Their processing and cutting is not difficult, which subsequently allows you to independently make furniture and interior items from such wood-like material.

The use of chipboard in finishing work or for the manufacture of furniture can significantly reduce the cost of a homeowner. Subject to the correct selection of this material, the repairs performed and the furniture elements will last for a long time. Unlike conventional chipboard, such laminated boards do not swell from moisture and do not fade in the sun.

Conclusion

Chipboard is an inexpensive, practical and versatile wood-like material to use, which is characterized by excellent performance. With the right choice, such plates will be distinguished by durability, strength and environmental friendliness. Remember only that it is necessary to choose the right kind of MDF used, depending on the indicators of humidity in the room.

Video: chipboard - decoding, difference from chipboard and MDF