MDF panels for the ceiling: the pros and cons

Finishing the ceilings with MDF panels is an inexpensive way to veneer the ceiling surface. Such plating is “famous” for its excellent sound and thermal insulation properties, as well as for its cheapness. Through the use of MDF-panels it is possible to realize different design ideas and create an original, but at the same time cozy atmosphere in your home.

MDF panels are plates for the manufacture of which specialized wood fibers are used. Products are created by pressing small wood chips under the influence of high temperatures and pressure. To improve performance, carbamide resins are added to the raw materials. Due to such an additive, the density of finished products increases (the indicators vary from 600 to 800 kg / m2).

Initially, MDF slabs were used for wall decoration. However, soon manufacturers began to produce not only wall panels, but also ceiling ones.The material quickly gained popularity among consumers due to the ability to hide the defects of the ceiling and keep the property from being flooded by the neighbors above. Today MDF boards are the best alternative to PVC panels.

Ceiling panels MDF - building material, which is widely used when finishing the ceilings in the apartment, cottage, country house. They veneer the surface in any room: corridors, bedrooms, living rooms. Some types of manufactured products are “not afraid” of moisture, which means they can be used in places with high humidity: kitchens or bathrooms.

Expensive panels covered with natural wood veneer are often used:

• in offices;
• in libraries;
• in cultural and leisure centers;
• in medical institutions;
• in the exhibition halls.

The scope of application of such a building material is wide. Thanks to a huge range of panels, everyone will be able to choose products based on their requirements for their design and cost.

When choosing a particular material for interior decoration, it is important to familiarize yourself with its pros and cons. To determine whether to veneer the ceiling surface with MDF panels, it is necessary to study its positive properties. So, the advantages of products include several characteristics.

• Reliability and long service life. Subject to the rules of installation and operation, the material may last for at least 10 years.
• Excellent sound insulation properties. Installed panels will "mute" the noise from the neighbors above.
• Good thermal insulation performance. The material is able to permanently retain the heat in the room and prevent the penetration of cold from the street. This property is especially valuable for owners of private buildings and owners of apartments located on the upper floors.
• Easy installation. To install the panels do not require special skills. All work can be done using the tools at hand. Installation is easy to do by hand, without the services of hired craftsmen.

• Clean finishing activities. To install MDF panels, in most cases, it will not be necessary to dismantle the old coating or level offsurface. Finishing such material refers to the "dry", without dirt and debris.
• No risk the occurrence of mold or insects inside products.
• Easy care. At pollution of the panel it is enough to wipe with a damp sponge or soft rags. Contaminations are easily erased from the surface of the cladding without the use of specialized tools.
• Affordable cost. MDF boards are an inexpensive material that anyone can afford to veneer the ceiling.

In addition to the above advantages, the panels have an attractive appearance. Figured, painted, laminated: the range of materials is diverse, so you can choose a product for any style of interior.

Despite its many advantages, MDF panels are not ideal veneers. Like other building materials, they are not without flaws. Their main disadvantage is poor moisture resistance (except for laminated models). Due to the effects of moisture, the panels can swell, deform and lose their visual appeal. Because of this feature, MDF boards without a specialized moisture resistant coating are not recommended to be installed in rooms with high humidity.For bathrooms and kitchens are allowed to use moisture-resistant products, the main disadvantage of which is the high cost.

The next drawback of the panels is flammability. Materials made from wood chips impregnated with combustible resins are easily flammable. Because of this, minus the products are not suitable for installation in baths and saunas: the risks of their ignition are too high.

Another disadvantage of MDF plates is their "Fear" of mechanical effects. The surface of the material is easily scratched. Due to the high probability of damage to the panels, utmost care must be taken when transporting and installing them. And also it is not recommended to wash ceilings with the use of products containing abrasives.

MDF ceiling panels are available in standard and non-standard sizes. Most often, manufacturers make rectangular or square plates, long slats. Square-shaped products can have sides from 30 to 95 cm. The standard size of the length of ordinary panels is 2.6 meters. Rack models have a length of 2.4 meters.

The next parameter is width. Values ​​can range from 0.15 to 2.5 meters.The width of the slatted panels is from 148 to 300 mm.

Ceiling plates can vary in thickness. The values ​​of this parameter for standard products range from 3 to 30 millimeters. However, some manufacturers produce "super-thick" panels with a thickness of 60 mm.

When choosing the size of the material, it should be noted that large-sized products are suitable for spacious rooms, and for small spaces it is better to choose small tiles of rectangular or square shape. And also the masters do not recommend to purchase too thin panels (up to 10 mm), since they are very fragile. Non-standard thick (40-60 mm), although they have good sound insulation, can “steal” the space, which is why it is undesirable to install them in small rooms with low ceilings.

MDF panels are available in various designs. Classic products are veneered. In their production uses natural wood, which is used as a decorative shell. Externally, these models resemble wooden planks. Ceilings of veneered tiles fit perfectly into the premises, decorated in a classic or retro.

The market can also be found glossy moisture resistant panels. Such products have a special laminated layer that reliably protects the material from moisture. These durable strips can be produced in various colors, as well as imitate stone or wood.

Simple and inexpensive options with a simple design include painted plates. They can be both glossy and matte.

The original and luxurious products that can decorate any interior, include 3D plates. Such materials are distinguished by a refined and presentable appearance. Volumetric figures, various reliefs, obtained by deep milling, will bring elegance to the most simple interiors. Three-dimensional ceiling decoration in conjunction with the decor of the walls will tell not only about the good wealth of their owners, but also about their excellent taste.

On the market, MDF panels for the ceiling are available in a wide range of colors. Painted products can be made in both warm and cold colors. Panels can be:

• red;
• blue;
• pink
• black
• white;
• yellow.

Usually in the building stores offered a wide range of products with a variety of colors. Colors can be combined and create unusual and unique ceilings. The panels can also imitate the texture of any wood: beech, white wood, maple, mahogany, alder, walnut, teak and other species.

A variety of color variations and a rich palette of colors will allow everyone to choose the desired material to create a unique interior in their home. Thanks to the bright, colorful or "low-key" panels, it is possible to change the home beyond recognition. This effect can be achieved using various panel configurations.

Before proceeding to the interior decoration, you need to select the MDF panel. Not only the aesthetics of the room, but also the durability of the repair will depend on the right choice.

1. For children's room it is better to prefer panels for coloring. Thanks to such materials it is possible to realize different design ideas, combine colors or, for example, create a rainbow on the ceiling.
2. If the room has wooden furniture, it is recommended to choose panels that are stylized. under wood.
3. For withrooms or living room suitable veneered matte slats of light colors.
4. For finishing kitchen or bathrooms It is advisable to give preference to laminated waterproof materials.

That is required for the installation of MDF-panels, described in the next video.

MDF panels can be used in various styles of interior. Properly selected in size, texture and color range of products can transform any space. A good way to use wall panels is a minimalist living room. The space is decorated in restrained colors. The ceiling is made of dark panels imitating wood. Products are styled as parquet flooring, making the living room looks unusual. The walls are made in the color of the ceiling, light floor and furniture create a contrast.

The next example is a corner in the bedroom for relaxation.The room is decorated in bright colors that contribute to relaxation. On the walls with a white background there are inserts of MDF panels of the same color range as on the ceiling. Material stylized wood. For a more comfortable reading of books around the perimeter of the room installed lights.