The choice of furniture is a special process. It is necessary not only to successfully fit it into the interior, but also to take care of the quality: the durability and environmental friendliness of the material, its strength. This statement is especially relevant for kitchen furniture: temperature drops, high humidity … In addition, most families are used to having breakfast and dinner in the kitchen, and women often spend the lion’s share of their free time there.
Natural wood furniture is rightfully considered an ideal option for the kitchen. However, such headsets are quite expensive. Therefore, two types of material are offered as an alternative to them: laminated particle board (chipboard) and medium density fiberboard (MDF). It doesn’t matter if you want to make a custom-made kitchen or buy a ready-made set – you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each material.
Let’s try to figure out which furniture is better for the kitchen – from MDF or chipboard?
Main characteristics
As already mentioned, kitchen furniture is constantly exposed to negative influences: temperature changes, moisture, the use of aggressive detergents for greater hygiene.
In addition, kitchen furniture often comes into contact with food. This means that it should not contain harmful and toxic components.
In addition, kitchen furniture must be durable: a knife that has slipped from a cutting board, a hot frying pan placed on the curbstone out of forgetfulness … There can be many factors.
Well, and of course, do not forget about the cost: there is no point in looking for an analogue to a natural tree if you do not win anything in price. In addition, I want even the most economical option to look beautiful and stylish.
Let’s try to use the table for clarity:
| Parameter | MDF | Chipboard |
| Sustainability | Environmentally friendly material that does not contain harmful impurities. |
Contains a toxic element – formaldehyde. Therefore, laminated chipboard materials are divided into two quality categories: first and second. |
|
Density |
Soft material that requires careful handling. However, the disadvantage is at the same time an advantage: the pliability of the material allows you to give it any shape, which significantly expands the range of kitchen furniture from MDF. |
Harder than MDF, chipboard behaves better in kitchen conditions. However, the complexity of processing significantly narrows the range of such furniture. |
| The cost | Significantly exceeds the analogue in price. | The price is more affordable, but you should not buy the cheapest options: it is possible that laminated chipboard of the second category was used for this furniture. |
| Appearance |
Quite limited to standard layouts. |
The lacquer coating allows you to imitate wood, stone or any abstract matter. |
Thus, we can conclude that each material has both advantages and advantages. The undoubted advantages of MDF include a wide range of models and a guaranteed absence of harmful impurities in the composition. At the same time, laminated chipboard is distinguished by a variety of designs, affordability and durability.
Let’s see what are the features of the operation of kitchen furniture for each of the materials.
Caring for furniture made of MDF and chipboard in the kitchen
Kitchen hygiene is an important element of health.
Products come into contact with kitchen furniture, and therefore care for it must be extremely careful. MDF and laminated chipboard behave differently, so you need to carefully study the features of each material:
- Any active chemicals can damage laminated chipboard lamination. Therefore, when cleaning the kitchen, you should use a regular soap solution. This can make it difficult to remove grease droplets and other stubborn stains.
- When cleaning MDF, you can use any detergent you like. However, harsh abrasives and scouring pads should be avoided to prevent scratching.
Thus, we can conclude that MDF is much easier to clean and allows you to achieve greater hygiene.
Key Point: Kitchen Safety
However, the most important factor when choosing a material for kitchen furniture should be its safety. The kitchen is a place where fire is constantly present, electrical appliances work, water flows.
Therefore, it is impossible to allow furniture soaking and deformation, its heating, etc. As in the previous paragraphs, MDF and chipboard have their own differences.
So, chipboard in no case can be used for surfaces next to the slab.
Exception: you managed to lay high-quality thermal insulation between the side panel of the slab and the furniture – this option is acceptable.
When exposed to constant heating, such furniture emits toxic aldehyde fumes, which are extremely dangerous for the health of people and pets. For the same reason, it is not recommended to put hot dishes on chipboard panels. In addition, lamination may begin to melt, which will not have the best effect on the appearance of the furniture and the aroma in the room.
MDF tolerates high temperatures much better. However, the characteristics of the coating require avoiding prolonged wetting. If the MDF cabinet is used as a kitchen sink stand, you must carefully avoid any leaks and wipe it down after each use.
Final conclusion
Thus, despite the variety of designs and affordable prices, it is better not to buy laminated chipboard furniture for use in the kitchen. An excellent option in other rooms, in the kitchen, due to its toxicity, it becomes simply dangerous.
More expensive, but environmentally friendly MDF is not only much safer, but also easier to use.
