Moisture-resistant MDF panels: advantages and disadvantages

When operating the shower room, it becomes clear that it is a rather complicated room. This may also be closely related to the fact that the humidity in the shower room is always increased, moreover, there is a large level of condensate and a large amplitude of temperature fluctuations.

Considering all the above, we can conclude that it is necessary to choose finishing materials with enhanced characteristics. Also, the product in question should not only withstand the effects of negative factors, but also be easy to install.

Stop your choice on ceramic tiles., as it corresponds to all above described characteristics. But she also has one significant disadvantage - too much cost.But thanks to modern technologies, there is another option on the market that also meets all the requirements, but at the same time also differs in an affordable price. This material is moisture resistant MDF panels.

They are attributed to the materials of the new generation, so they can be a worthy alternative to tile. They have both advantages and, of course, disadvantages.

Thanks to this, it will be possible to draw the right conclusions, securing a saving of money, nerves and time.

The main disadvantage of high-quality materials for the finishing of shower cabins is their high cost. But, as mentioned earlier, a way out was found during the creation of MDF panels. The panels are really effective for bathrooms: they are affordable, durable, durable, practical, comfortable and easy to install.

The material is primarily processed in a special way to the formation of small crumbs. He then by dry pressing under the influence of high temperature and pressureacquires the desired shape.

It should be noted that the domestic market is characterized by stable demand for MDF panels.

They have a number of significant advantages:

• ease and simplicity of installation, which is quite possible to carry out with your own hands (removal of old coatings and alignment is not required, installation can be done with the help of available tools without the use of professional equipment, while there is practically no dirt, dust, waste);
• versatility (suitable for finishing not only the walls, but also the ceiling);
• durability (if properly used, finish from MDF last more than 10 years);
• strength;
• resistance to moisture;

• antiseptic properties (panels treated with substances that protect against the formation of mold and fungi);
• simple care (you can clean the dirt from the surface with a wet sponge);
• affordable price;
• ease of cutting;
• Various mounting options are possible;
• are excellent heat insulators;
• the raw materials from which the panels are made are ecologically clean;
• presented a fairly wide range.

In addition to all of the above, the considered finishing material can be combined with any other finishing materials. For example, many combine MDF panels with a coating of stone or tiles - this is one of the most attractive in appearance options. It is also possible to combine different finishes.

The resistance of MDF panels to the effects of high humidity allows their use also in bathrooms with a large area.

Despite the large number of positive sides, negative aspects are also characteristic of MDF panels. However, you should not be afraid of this: this applies to all other finishing materials, just each of them has its minuses. To avoid negative manifestations will help the correct approach to the installation and operation of such panels.

By cons of MDF-panels usually include:

• low impact resistance;
• it is easy to damage the surface, such as scratches;
• unreliability in terms of fire safety.

So, MDF panels have high performance, despite the presence of certain disadvantages. But you need to maintain a serious attitude towards them, because with the wrong approach, they can really cause some problems. At the same time, exaggeration of drawbacks is useless - the right approach will ensure deliverance from them, moreover, they may not appear at all.

In general, all indicators of the material of individual recommendations do not require.

The first variety that I would like to consider is the tile version. The name of the species is related to their shape - this is the shape of the tile. But such tiles are made in different sizes (with side lengths from 30 to 98 cm). The advantage of this option is the ability to create an unusual, original and spectacular appearance. Having shown creativity, you can combine different shades or create a special effect by combining textures - all this will only decorate the shower. Tiled MDF panels are also easy to install: use glue to attach them to the walls.

The following view is represented by lath MDF panels. As the name implies, the finishing material consists of battens, which can have different lengths (up to 3.8 m), width (not more than 28 cm) and thickness (from 8 to 14 mm). Due to this diversity, any desires and needs can be satisfied, including with small financial opportunities.

And you can fix them using brackets or screws. The most popular panel in the form of rails when you want to sheathe the premises of a small area.

There is a variety represented by sheet panels. They are made in the form of rather large elements (1.25 * 2.5 m). This type is usually used to create an interesting interior in a room with a large area. Their ease and speed in installation distinguishes - it is enough to fix with glue. Moldings can be used to conceal joints. The structure of the sheet panels can also be different, so it can easily fit into the interior of any style. But it should be said that in general, such a finishing material is a great option to trim the front surface.

There is also a variation such as laminated panels. The composition of their surface distinguishes them from other types: a special PVC film is applied to it. The design is also really good: this finishing material can imitate the look of wood, stone or even metal. In addition, in addition to the aesthetic characteristics, it has the ability to repel dust and moisture.

You can select the material with the surface, trimmed with veneer and having the ability to acquire shades of trees. This type is called veneered panels.

Due to the special effective coloring matter surfaces are provided with additional protection.

Stopping the choice on this or that waterproof finishing material, it is necessary also to not forget to get to it necessary accessories - moldings. They are used for decoration and decoration of corners and joints. There are different types of moldings: ceiling, end, starting, connecting and others. The choice of a particular variety is determined by the layout of the room and the chosen method of finishing.

Installation of MDF panels is quite simple: no special skills or abilities will be required, it is easy to do everything yourself. However, there are several nuances that need to be taken into account when attaching panels to walls. Thus, the installation of some varieties is carried out on the batten, so that the entire installation process becomes much easier. In addition, the surface of the walls should be smooth: in this case it will be possible to fix the panels without spending much time on its alignment. But the presence of flaws will necessitate their correction, which will require a primer or plaster. Plasterboard blocks may also be suitable for alignment, from which you can make a neat partition. As soon as all the preparatory work is completed, measurement of the area of ​​the room is carried out.

After that, you can fix the MDF panel. To do this, use glue, screws, nails, specialized brackets, clips and stuff. At the same time fix each panel, starting from its corners. Thanks to this approach, they can be easily removed if desired. As for the crates, as mentioned earlier, it can be wooden or metal.Choose one or another material is based on the characteristics of the selected species.

It should be borne in mind that the horizontal location will create a visual effect of the expansion of the area, and the vertical will make the ceiling higher.

Also during installation it is recommended to use insulation as a free space filler: it additionally insulates the room and additionally protects the surface from negative impacts.

In addition, if a batten is used when installing MDF panels, it will be possible to add additional communications and install built-in lights.

So, I would like to say that the wall MDF panels have both advantages and disadvantages. However, ease of installation leads to a conclusion in favor of their positive sides.

For details on the installation of MDF panels, see the following video.