MDF panels for the ceiling: the subtleties of choice and installation

MDF panels are one of the options for decorating walls and ceilings, which you can do with your own hands, even without skills. In America, this material appeared in the early twentieth century, in Russia - in the late nineties, and, nevertheless, quickly conquered the construction market.

Special features

MDF panels have many good qualities. They have sound insulation, which is important for multi-storey buildings. Also, such panels hide all the shortcomings of the ceilings. They are made not of wood, but of a wooden-fiber board, well pressed and having one glossy side.

Panels come with or without pictures. Thanks to this, it is possible to choose panels for every taste and make the design of the rooms very diverse.A common variant is panels stylized as natural wood. They are often used in interiors in the style of country, loft or Provence.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other material, this one has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing them, you can easily determine what type of panels to choose for a particular room.

MDF panels have a lot of positive feedback, so they are very much in demand:

  • The ceilings trimmed with MDF panels are soundproofed and also keep warm.
  • Perfectly washed by any means, are not afraid of moisture. In order for the panels to look well-groomed, it is sometimes enough to wipe their surface.
  • They have an affordable price, which is much lower than the cost of wood panels. So this option is definitely suitable for those who want to save money, but do not want to do so at the expense of the quality or attractiveness of the interior.
  • Easy to install, so any person will cope with their installation. Even if one of the slats is damaged, it can be replaced and it will not require a lot of work.
  • After installation do not require any additional processing.
  • This process is clean, and as a result only dust can be formed.
  • Panels perfectly fit into the interior of any room.

This type of skin has several drawbacks that must be taken into account when working with them:

  • Like any tree, MDF does not like moisture, except for waterproof panels. Mold and fungus can occur as a result of moisture exposure to wood. Therefore, they are not recommended for use in bathrooms, saunas. Indeed, due to excess moisture, they can be deformed. If the ceiling is filled with water, it will be unusable and will have to redo the repair completely. For rooms with high humidity actual use of PVC panels.
  • Unlike wood, MDF is easily damaged by piercing objects. But for the ceiling it is not scary.
  • Quickly flammable. Therefore, during its installation, it is imperative to use a corrugation for wiring that will protect the panels from sparks.

Species

Ceiling panels have several varieties. White panels that do not have any finishes are inexpensive. Shiny with a glossy surface will be more expensive. Each species has its own advantages.

Veneered

Such panels are not cheap.In the process of their manufacture, natural wood is used, which is used for the front coating of the material. The appearance of MDF panels is no different from wooden products. The palette of colors, as well as the texture imitates wood. But if you take a good look, the difference is immediately visible.

The sizes of MDF sheets are selected depending on the width and length of the ceiling. Such panels will look great and serve for a long time in the living room or bedroom. But in the bathroom or in the kitchen, they quickly lose their appearance.

Water resistant

Ceiling waterproof panels have a laminated surface. They are covered with a polymer film with waterproof indicators. The technology of their creation is in many ways similar to the manufacture of laminate, so they are considered among the most durable. Such panels are made in the form of artificial coating under a stone or wood. Because of their moisture resistance, many use such panels in kitchens. Compared to veneers, they are much more practical and cheaper.

Painted

One of the cheapest types of MDF are painted panels. They, unlike laminated panels, do not have a protective film. Therefore, they are often used for decoration of living rooms,where it will be easy to care for them. These types of panels are both matte and glossy. Have a large color range. These are yellow, white, blue and others. Panels are perfectly combined with other materials.

Paper coated

Such panels have a paper base on the front side. They are used in dry rooms, because they are very afraid of moisture. For example, on the verandas, in the living room. They are very easy to install, tailored to any ceiling parameters. The panels are very popular due to the low price.

How to choose?

Ceiling decoration - an important stage in the design of the room. After all, he immediately catches the eye. Often the ceiling of MDF panels can be called a work of design art. Therefore, their choice should be approached with all seriousness. There are three types of this material:

  • Rack panels. They are very easy to install. Most often used for ceiling in wooden house.

Full sheets of MDF. They give very great opportunities for creative ideas. The thickness of this sheet starts from five millimeters. They are used mainly for the installation of two-level stretch ceilings.

  • Panels in the form of squares and rectangles most often used for finishing ceilings in office buildings or in stores.
  • 3D effect panels are the most expensive. Choosing them, you need to pay attention to the coating, which is performed by machine. With the help of such panels you can even make a curved ceiling. However, installation is better to entrust experts.

Regardless of which material is chosen, there are a few simple rules that you should adhere to before you finally decide on a purchase:

  • The surface of the panel board must be flat, without flaws, otherwise gaps in the ceiling will be visible.
  • It is necessary to carefully select a drawing so that it is clear and not blurred. If you do not, you can spoil the look of the ceiling.
  • Selected plain panels or with a pattern must necessarily be combined with the rest of the interior.

MDF panels are best suited for finishing the ceiling in a wooden house. They are environmentally friendly, easy to install, and also serve as an excellent addition to the interior.

Installation Tips

Having defined the type of panels, you can proceed to installation work.Be sure to make a list of all that you need to finish the ceiling and make the right calculations so that at the end of the work there is not much waste left. Preparing the ceiling does not take much time. After all, it will be enough for this only to check that its surface is so durable and to remove excess plaster. If the ceiling is painted and in good condition, you can not even touch it.

The next stage is the preparation of tools. The first thing you need is markup materials. These include a level, a student ruler and a simple pencil, as well as a tape measure of more than three meters, so that it is convenient to measure the ceiling.

You also need to choose tools to install the frame under the panel. Be sure to take the scissors for metal, punch to establish the frame, screwdriver for fastening parts, iron profiles or wooden bars for the frame, as well as screws of different lengths. For the construction of the base of the ceiling will need MDF panels, plinth for decoration, as well as all sorts of connectors and plugs

Then you can start marking. To do this, around the perimeter of the room you need to make a line, retreating from the ceiling by 4-10 centimeters, depending on the unevenness of the ceiling.It is necessary to determine with a special device where the wiring is located. After it is necessary to note in pencil where it goes, so that in the process of work not to touch it.

The next step is the drilling of holes in the wall with an interval of 30-40 centimeters. To do this, use a punch. Then attach profiles with screws throughout the room. After that, another profile is fixed right in the middle of the ceiling. To do this, its ends are turned into a side structure.

Only then do the central profiles and the perimeter profiles with the same sequence are connected. If there are not enough solid parts, then the remaining area is filled with scraps using special connectors. All stages of the frame structure must be checked using a level so that there are no problems when finishing the ceiling. All that sticks out of the frame, you need to cut with the help of scissors for metal.

The next step is to mount the rails on the already finished frame. To do this, the extreme slats are attached to the profile with screws with a distance of approximately 30-40 centimeters - one rail will fall on one frame element.If the room is warmed, it is at this stage that the layer of insulation is laid.

After that, you can proceed to the installation of MDF panels, which are fastened by inserting spikes in the grooves that are on the edge of the panel. The first element is attached with a screw or nail with a spike to the corner of the wall. Then all these shortcomings will close the ceiling plinth.

The next panel is installed in the groove in front and is attached to the klyaymer on the reverse side. In this way, the ceiling is covered. But do not forget about the places where there will be lamps or lamps. As soon as the panel is fixed in the right place, you need to bring the wires out. The final step is the installation of ceiling plinths. From all this we can conclude that the installation of ceiling panels is no more difficult than the wall panels.

Beautiful examples

MDF panels can be used in different rooms. In order for such an addition to the interior not to spoil the overall picture, you need to use as an example the ideas of real masters of their craft.

Modern living room

A beautiful living room in a modern style is a celebration of minimalism and restrained tones.The background in this room is contrasting - part of the room is dark, part, on the contrary, is very light. In the dark zone, the ceiling and wall are covered with MDF panels of the same color. The material is stylized as a parquet flooring, which looks very interesting. This background adds to the room of comfort and sets the whole family and guests to rest.

The color of the tree matched and products from textiles. These are not only checkered curtains, but also the same stylish pillows.

Classic interior

The second example is a beautiful living room in a classic style. It is made in bright colors. The floor is the darkest, the walls are coffee, and the ceiling made of MDF panels is very light. Beautiful decoration around the edges reminds us of the old houses, in which the ceilings were decorated with stucco. A backlight allows you to feel comfortable in any part of the room. In the center of the ceiling is a luxurious chandelier, which serves as a real decoration of this room.

Against the background of such a light ceiling, it looks good and the furniture, made a few tones darker. This sofa, and chairs, and shelves, and everything you need for a comfortable stay in the company of loved ones.

Bright seating area

The last example is a room decorated in bright colors that serves as a place to relax or work. Too light colors are known to relax. But the shade of yellowness, which is present here, just the opposite, will charge the person with energy. And the wall, and the ceiling, and the floor are designed in one color, so the room does not seem too colorful. In addition, the stylized wood inserts softens the white background of the wall.

The lack of wide windows next to the reading corner is compensated by good lighting. Around the perimeter of the ceiling are neat chandeliers that give a pleasant light.

MDF panels are a good option for finishing a modern room. It doesn't matter if it is a bedroom, a bathroom or a kitchen - with proper care they will last a long time regardless of where they are used. Consider the manufacturer's recommendations for care, design tips when finishing, and then your interior will be unique and admirable to all the guests who came to your house.

How to mount the panel to the ceiling, see below in the video.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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