MDF panels for the kitchen: finishing with wall panels in interior design

But what to do if the consumer wants to save on finishing materials? In this case, a relatively new material will come to the rescue - MDF wall panels. These panels are not inferior to their counterparts, although their price is several times lower.

MDF panels have an aesthetic appearance, a long service life , and their cost is quite affordable - this is what attracts people to use this type of finishing material.

Another advantage of MDF panels is the ability to be widely used for finishing any – both residential and non-residential – premises with different operating conditions .

What are MDF panels

Using MDF you can transform your kitchen
MDF panels are medium-density boards made from small sawdust, usually obtained from the bark of logs. The bark is crushed into chips, which are then ground into shavings that resemble felt in texture. The sawdust mass is combined with a special binder, lignin.

The hardening process occurs at high pressure and temperatures above 2000 ºС. Thanks to the very small size of sawdust, the slabs are even and smooth, and their appearance resembles natural wood.

The final touch is to sand the panels, making them smooth and uniform. After this, they can be painted, veneered or laminated.

MDF is an environmentally friendly material. In its production, only natural ingredients are used. They do not contain phenol or formaldehyde, therefore they are absolutely safe for humans.

Variety of MDF boards

Characteristics

Environmental friendliness. The material is not inferior to wood in this parameter. It is made from wood fibers. It does not contain synthetic additives or glue with harmful impurities.
Moisture resistance. The slabs have a dense structure that does not allow moisture to pass through. During production, the material goes through several stages. Pressing under high pressure and temperature ensures high density. Therefore, the material is resistant to high humidity.
High mechanical strength. The material is difficult to damage: scratch, make a dent. All material is produced under high pressure. It has a high density, and it is also coated with films or varnishes, which increase its resistance to mechanical damage.
Heat resistance. The slabs are not damaged by changes in temperature and humidity. Materials suitable for installation in the kitchen are covered with film or varnish, depending on the model. This protective layer prevents moisture and elevated temperatures from penetrating into the inner layers.
The variety of types presented in stores makes it possible to create a beautiful interior. There are models suitable for floors, walls, and aprons. Different colors and textures, shades, patterns - all this contributes to the selection of materials for different interiors.

It is as environmentally friendly as wood

Advantages and disadvantages of MDF as a finishing material

It is not without reason that MDF boards have gained popularity in the building materials market. They have many advantages compared to others:

Versatility. MDF finishing is widely used in the interior of walls, ceilings, and in furniture production.
Aesthetics. MDF panels come in glossy, matte, film-coated, or veneered. Manufacturers can paint them in any color or apply any pattern at the request of the customer.
High strength. Due to its dense structure, this material is not afraid of impacts. The fasteners connecting the MDF boards do not become loose over time.
Moisture resistance. MDF is not afraid of moisture and does not swell. You can wet clean the kitchen without fear of ruining the finish.
Easy to install. The panels are lightweight, so even one person can install them.
Lifetime. If properly cared for, MDF panels will last longer than their chipboard and even wood counterparts.
Heat and sound insulation. A room lined with MDF boards becomes noticeably warmer and quieter. Often an additional layer of insulation is installed under the frame of the sheathing to which the panels are attached.
Plastic. Unlike many other building materials, MDF bends relatively easily. You can use non-standard design solutions in the kitchen interior - semicircular or convex elements on the walls.
Cheapness. MDF is a relatively inexpensive material; people of any income can afford it.
Ease of processing. When cutting or drilling, no chips or cracks are formed, the edges and holes are smooth.

Production of MDF panels
MDF has its disadvantages:

Poor scratch resistance. Despite its density and strength, the surface of the panels is not damaged by sharp objects.
Unfinished ends. They easily absorb moisture, so they should be carefully processed and condensation should not be allowed to accumulate at the joints.
Flammability. Care should be taken when installing MDF panels, for example, near a stove or where they are exposed to high temperatures. The surface may become deformed over time.

To protect yourself from fire, be sure to use high-quality insulation when installing wiring next to MDF panels. It is advisable not to install sockets and switches on walls finished with MDF.

Criterias of choice

It is recommended to buy MDF products for the kitchen from well-known manufacturers who value their reputation and have quality certificates. When purchasing them, you should ask for documents that will confirm compliance with the formaldehyde emission class E1 and the originality of the plates.

This is necessary because it is very easy to run into low-quality , insufficiently dense material with high formaldehyde emissions. Before purchasing a product, you should take measurements to know what size slabs are needed.

For a long, corner and U-shaped kitchen you will need at least two sheets. Some stores will help you cut the material to individual sizes. If there is no such service, then you will have to adjust the product yourself.

You should choose wall panels taking into account the interior of the kitchen and the design of the furniture. In this case, you can focus on the texture and color of kitchen furniture, countertops, facades and curtains. For the kitchen, it is best to buy slabs 4 mm wide. They are resistant to wear and moisture, and will not interfere with the installation of kitchen furniture.

When choosing MDF wall panels, you should keep in mind that their dark color will make the space more comfortable, intimate, and with light aprons the room will seem larger. It should be taken into account that on dark surfaces, water stains, grease stains and dust are very noticeable.

When choosing aprons for the kitchen with photo printing, a good solution would be vegetables and fruits, views of big cities, and bright flowers . Too colorful designs can overload the kitchen interior. If the renovation of the room is made of colorful wallpaper, or there are multi-colored curtains on the windows, then it is better to refuse slabs with photo printing. In this case, it is better to choose products with imitation wood.

How to choose wall panels for the kitchen

The use of wall panels in kitchen decoration
When choosing panels, the overall style of the house, the size of the kitchen, and lighting are taken into account. In small rooms it is better to use light-colored materials to visually increase the area. One or two elements in a contrasting color will highlight the stylish design.

The set plays an important role; if you choose colors that do not combine with each other, dissonance will arise.

Practicality is more important than beauty. The kitchen is a place that requires a lot of care. During the cooking process, splashes of water, drops of fat, and dirt appear everywhere. We constantly have to do wet cleaning of the room.

MDF wall panels used for the kitchen will not only provide protection from dirt, but will add a unique style to the interior of the room.

Large kitchens leave room for imagination. Colorful panels or those made in dark colors would be appropriate. Fans of complex designs will love all sorts of patterns or even voluminous photo printing.

Classification

Wood boards are used for production. Depending on the technology used, they acquire different properties and appearance. They can be divided into groups:

Solid pressed – panels are manufactured under pressure. They have a smooth surface on both sides. Such models are covered with a protective layer.
Laminated - after the main production stage, one side is coated with film. It protects the surface from damage and gives it a glossy or matte shine.
Moisture-resistant sheets are a universal material. It hides the imperfections of the walls - all their unevenness, and is not damaged by moisture. Externally, the sheets resemble plastic; they feel smooth and even to the touch.

The boards have a dense structure that does not allow moisture to pass through

According to the method of decorating the front surface:

Glossy panels. The material is often used in the production of furniture facades. The MDF surface is protected with a dense layer of polyester or primer. The primer has enhanced properties and qualities: it forms a mirror-glossy surface that is resistant to scratches and other damage.
Veneered – have the texture of natural wood. For imitation, a thin layer of natural wood veneer is used, which is applied after the final stage of manufacturing the boards.
Painted panels – after manufacturing, the surfaces are covered with paint of different colors. It smooths out irregularities and gives them a beautiful look. The material is painted with damage-resistant paint of any shades and tones.
Panels with 3D effect. This is a chance to create a custom design. Decorative MDF panels with 3D effect - know-how in the construction market. This method consists of applying imitation waves, geometric shapes, carvings, and relief to the finishing material by painting it in various colors. Decorating a room with such material helps solve the most complex design ideas.

They have a dense structure that does not allow moisture to pass through

By form:

Lining or slatted - rectangular shaped slats are made. They can be made in different widths. To fasten them together, locks are created along the length of each panel. This material can be used for walls and ceilings. The lining has two types: small panels up to 1 meter in length and structures whose length reaches 2 meters.
MDF sheet panels - used for finishing walls and ceilings. Available in large sheet sizes. If you use them during installation, the picture will be seamless. They may have a design on the front side.
Tile - imitate tiles. Installation takes place according to the rack and pinion principle - groove, hook. The material is used for covering surfaces located close to the worktop.

The material is resistant to high humidity

The thickness of the slabs can be different:

the thinnest. The material has a thickness of 5 to 9 mm. It has low weight and low strength. Most often used to decorate the ceiling in the kitchen. Such models are easily damaged, so they cannot be used for cladding walls or aprons;
average thickness from 10 to 18 mm - used for cladding walls in the kitchen and in the manufacture of furniture. This is a strong material, but during installation it takes up useful space;
the largest thickness is from 19 to 38 mm. They are used for cladding walls and floors. They are effective in private homes when you need to solve two problems: make the walls beautiful, smooth, and insulate the room. They are used in apartments as flooring, as well as facing end walls.

The material is difficult to damage: scratch, make a dent

MDF coated with plastic is considered resistant to surface damage, environmentally friendly – with natural veneer veneer, and spectacular – with photo printing.

Wall panels can also be divided according to texture - smooth or textured. Smooth models visually increase the space. They are used when covering the walls of kitchens that have a small area. But relief models look more impressive. They show less visible damage that is inevitable during operation. They are easier to care for.

What are the options for covering a kitchen with MDF boards?

Standard MDF panels for the kitchen are divided into 3 types:

Rack and pinion. In the form of slats of different sizes, which are fastened together with grooves. They are mounted on the wall horizontally or vertically, depending on the desired design. They are often used to decorate the area around the dining table using matte panels. This gives the dining area a warm and cozy feeling.
Sheets. They are usually used to decorate the area between the kitchen unit and the countertop. Laminated options are often used; they are stronger and easier to maintain.
Panels in the form of tiles. They come in square or rectangular shapes. Suitable for finishing walls or ceilings, they look quite impressive, especially if decorated to look like wood.

In a room with a low ceiling, vertical laying of slatted slabs will look beneficial; it will help elongate the room in height. If the kitchen is cramped, then you should use different textures, for example, lay out the ceiling with rectangular light tiles, one wall with horizontal slats of a dark shade, and lay out the floor with figured ceramic tiles.

A single style can ruin the entire interior. Don't overdo it with MDF panels. Some designers suggest completely covering the walls and ceiling, but this can make the room feel cramped and dark.

Let's sum it up

A kitchen wall panel made of MDF is an excellent material that allows you to finish it without huge costs and the walls will look neat and stylish. This material is available in a very wide range of colors, and can also imitate the structure of various types of wood.

Selecting a texture

It is an extremely economical finishing material, as it allows you to very quickly change the kitchen interior. Gives it a completely new look and at the same time is distinguished by enviable durability.

And our portal is ready to help you with this by providing photo and video materials (

Panel color

There are several options for adding color to MDF boards:

coloring;
pasting with film;
veneering

Painting the panels improves their moisture resistance and wear resistance. You can choose almost any color; manufacturers offer a wide range of shades. The color is fixed with a layer of varnish.

To create an additional effect, you can choose metallic, shanzhan, or pearlescent colors.

Most often, buyers choose panels of calm colors: black, white, gray, brown, wenge, cherry, oak.

Panels covered with film are usually installed as an apron. A glossy apron looks very elegant and refreshes the interior, and it is also easy to maintain. Just wipe it with a damp cloth and it will shine like new.

Veneered boards are popular due to their noble wood-like appearance. The most popular veneers are oak, beech, ash, and pine, but there are rare options, for example, Karelian birch.

Wall decoration

Various design techniques are used in the interior. Different materials are used to place accents, and decoration is done with materials of different textures.

If the kitchen work area is where the action happens, it can be decorated in bright colors and have bold accents. The dining area is the part of the room where people eat. It should be comfortable and cozy. Juicy colors are not allowed here. As a rule, this wall is completely decorated with material. And if recently wallpaper was used as a material, now it is MDF panels. This cladding is much more profitable than tiles and other finishing options:

high quality material. The walls are protected; they are not damaged by scratches or rubbed off. Kitchen renovations will have their original appearance for a long time;
Using different textures and colors you can divide the dining area. Thanks to the variety of colors, it is possible to create a unique interior;
MDF panels can visually expand the space. They are used in rooms with a small area;
the price of such material is lower than tiles, but higher than wallpaper. At the same time, the quality and durability are better than these materials.

Provence style

According to designers, MDF structures are the best option for decorating walls in the kitchen. If this room is spacious, has a rectangular shape, or is combined with the living room, you can use panels to create a partition, visually separating them. These can be panels that resemble clapboards and have a varnish coating.

In rooms with a small area, this material is used to trim the opposite side from the working side. These can be models with either photo printing or regular seamless sheets, cut to fit the available area.

Veneer boards or beautiful patterns should be chosen with a natural shade. It is suitable for the dining area. This material will be more beautiful than ordinary tiles and more practical than wallpaper.

MDF is the best option for decorating walls in the kitchen

How to choose design and decor

Design of a kitchen apron made of MDF panels
In every apartment, the kitchen is perhaps the most visited place. In it, the family traditionally meets at the table. That is why it is necessary to carefully select ideas for its design.

The variety of MDF panels provides an excellent opportunity to create a unique interior that will delight its owners. Options are presented that imitate wood, plaster, and stone. There were even panels with a 3D image effect.

You can choose from a variety of patterns that are applied to the surface of the panels. Translucent lace, frost, patina, embossing - this is not a complete list of options. A special case of creating a pattern is a personalized photo or image, for example, a child’s drawing or a memorable photo.

What is an apron?

An apron is a section of the kitchen wall located between the work surfaces and the lower edge of the wall cabinets. Keeping the surface of the apron clean is a rather labor-intensive task.

There is a stove nearby, which is a source of greasy splashes and soot; food is being processed on the surface of the kitchen table, from where splashes and small fragments of meat fly onto the wall. A halo of splashes is created around the kitchen sink while peeling vegetables and washing dishes.

Of course, a wall under such a load very quickly takes on an untidy appearance, requiring constant efforts to keep it clean. Here it is very important to find a practical facing material that does not get wet in conditions of high humidity, and whose surface is easy to clean. And such a material could well be a slab of finely dispersed wood fractions.

Kitchen design with MDF panels

When choosing a design, it all depends on personal preferences. There are many ideas for decorating walls and ceilings on the Internet and construction magazines.

Basic tips for decorating a room:

do not mix more than three different shades and two textures in one interior;
use a glossy plate for the apron;
decorate the walls below with dark panels approximately 70 cm high, then use light panels;
The ceiling should be laid out with tiles that are not too small, so as not to create the impression of sloppiness.

Decorative stone tiles will serve as an interesting addition to the decoration. With their help, it is easy to design in a warm Florentine or strict Scandinavian style.

If elements of different textures or shades are used, the joints should be hidden under the decorative strip.

Material cost

Of course, the issue of price can be a deciding factor for many. Full-size plates with photo printing, the height of which is sixty centimeters, can cost about two thousand rubles.

The cost of options with imitation stone, wood, brick and tile varies from one thousand rubles to three thousand. Here a lot will depend on the thickness of the sheets (two or four millimeters).

If the installation involves glue, you will need to buy it in a special tube, the average price for it is three hundred rubles. When installing with self-tapping screws, you need to purchase the screws themselves and plugs for their heads.

In general, MDF panels for the kitchen are a good choice if you want to create an interesting design on your own without spending a lot of money. With them, the kitchen will immediately become more comfortable, no matter whether only the work area or an entire wall of the room is decorated with slabs.

How to make cladding yourself

Installation of these slabs is simple if you follow the basic installation steps. There are two installation options to consider:

glue installation;
installation on the lathing.

Glue installation

Cladding with adhesive is chosen for small and medium-sized panels. The walls must be even and smooth.

First you need to cut the MDF board to the required size. Next, the surface is cleaned, degreased and primed.

The metal profile should be secured from below with self-tapping screws to install the first row of slabs.

Next, glue is applied, not to the entire surface, but in strips.

The sheathing starts from the corner. When installing the first panel, you need to level it, then press it firmly against the wall and gently tap it with a mallet to ensure good adhesion.

Then repeat the procedure. Excess glue is removed immediately. The most common adhesive composition is “liquid nails”. After completing the cladding, the fittings are attached.

Lathing

Features of installing slabs on sheathing
Most often the walls are not ideally smooth, then sheathing or frame is used. In this case, the surfaces are first treated with a primer; it is better to choose one with an antifungal effect. The wooden elements of the sheathing are also primed and impregnated with a heat-resistant compound.

The frame slats are attached at a distance of about 0.5 m from each other; the lower and upper ones should not be tightly adjacent to the floor and ceiling. They are secured with self-tapping screws and leveled. The panels are fastened from the corner using “confirmations”.

Small holes are made in the panels into which plastic cups are inserted. Next, the panels are attached to them and the holes are sealed. If the panels are slatted, they can be secured using a locking system.

The final stage is the installation of skirting boards, decorative slats and corners.

Be sure to mask the holes! When using confirmations, the holes should be located in inconspicuous places.

MDF panels are a universal material for interior decoration, ideal for the kitchen. The variety of colors and textures will satisfy the most demanding tastes, and the ease of installation makes up for minor shortcomings. You can update the interior as often as you want, because MDF is quite a budget material.

Subtleties of hanging a headset

When creating a project for your kitchen unit using standard apron sizes, you should take into account that at the location of the hood, an additional apron size is required. The backsplash can reach the top level of the cabinets or be slightly lower.

Installation of the apron can be carried out in various ways. Fastening to the wall using self-tapping screws or gluing.

It is important, during installation, to calculate the location of the screws in such a way as to hide them as much as possible. Some MDF suppliers exclude the possibility of gluing the material with “liquid nails” glue, citing possible damage to the material.

Advice

To protect the end of the apron and the countertop, the place where they touch should be treated with silicone anti-fungal sealant.

Installation of a wall edge (plinth) with silicone flanging is required. It will not only give an aesthetic and finished look to your headset, but will also provide additional protection from the accumulation of crumbs and water.

Our photo gallery:

Interesting solutions in the interior design of a private house and apartment (photo selection)

Thanks to the large assortment, you can beautifully decorate any room, and the variety of textures helps to create truly stylish compositions. Textures like wood or natural stone look impressive. When selecting MDF sheets, consider the functionality of the space and zoning. If the kitchen is made in a classic style, you can focus on brightness and add creativity. A combination of light and dark shades looks good.

A successful combination of a solid wood tabletop and a section of wall in the dining area with wood paneling

In a kitchen combined with a dining room, you can combine the paneling - decorate the lower part in a dark color, add pastel on top or... You can use a wooden plank to emphasize the contrast. Striped trim visually expands the space. A good option is laminated panels imitating natural wood or stone. Veneer boards are similar in structure to wood - they look impressive and beautiful.

Classic solution for kitchen interior - dark bottom and light top

Using MDF panels you can create a unique and extraordinary interior

MDF boards have good qualities compared to ceramic tiles - they are easy to clean and look much more impressive and more expensive. If you choose several shade options, you can zone the space in an interesting way, highlighting the dining and cooking area. Partitions with wall panels look good. Here you should prefer veneered or varnished surfaces. Kitchens made from MDF panels with photo printing, photos of which can be viewed on the Internet for inspiration, look very original.

Decor with wood panels on the walls in the kitchen dining area

Choice by design, colors

Here you need to rely on the personal preferences of the owner and the free space that is available inside the room. Shades that are too dark will not look good in small kitchens.

Aprons made using photo printing are widely used. The main thing is to take a closer look at how the drawing is applied.

Just glued. They may have an attractive appearance, but are short-lived.

Application to acrylic plastic. Additionally, a varnish layer is used to provide protection.

"Hot lining". It is she who is recognized as the most reliable. First, the chosen picture is covered with plastic. Varnish is applied on top, which comes in several layers. Everything is sintered, forming a durable, glossy surface.

You can choose ready-made products, but many prefer to place individual orders.

Ceiling

Ceiling finishing materials are quite fragile and light in weight. If the material is not handled carefully, there is a high risk of dents appearing, which will ruin the appearance.

Ceiling panels are manufactured in a wide range of widths, colors and texture imitation - including wood and marble. The surface can be either matte or glossy. Gloss is acquired through a special varnish coating. There are options on sale with a pattern obtained by applying printing or thermal film. The printing is applied to the panel itself and, unlike thermal film, requires specialized equipment, so its cost will be slightly higher.

The panel ceiling, among others, has special advantages:

allows you to hide uneven ceilings, wiring and small diameter pipes;
if the neighbors are flooded, the panels will simply dry without deformation or damage.
They are not afraid of temperature changes, have no odor and are absolutely safe.

The only caveat: the profiles used for installation will slightly reduce the usual ceiling height.

Features of adhesive installation

The main thing is to choose only reliable, high-quality liquid nails. The main thing is to carefully level the walls, then the results of the work will be better.

When using glue, you don’t have to take a special tool; everything is done simply and quickly.

The steps of the procedure are described as follows:

Applying markings identifying all the places where MDF will be attached.
Coating the underside of the panels with glue. It is advisable to treat the surface in strips, in the vertical and horizontal plane. 30 centimeters is the recommended distance.
Direct gluing of elements to each other.
The sheets need to be held for several minutes for setting to occur correctly.
In the same way, all the parts that make up the future apron are connected.