When repairing any room, the first question that arises before each owner is which materials to choose? As for the bathroom, we must not forget that the operating conditions are specific there, so the finish should cope well with the effects of moisture, and also be resistant to the appearance of fungus and mold. Based on this, MDF panels can be a great option.
Advantages and disadvantages
Of course, everyone wants to make a quality repair in the apartment. However, often good materials are expensive. As for the bathroom, many opt for MDF panels. This finishing material It has an affordable price, while it is quite durable and able to last for a long time. It is easy to install, fastening does not cause difficulties. The panels are made of wood that has passed certain stages of processing, respectively, are environmentally friendly.
MDF panels can be called a popular finishing material for bathrooms. They are an excellent analogue to tile. In addition, by its properties, the material is not inferior to ceramics, while having a much lower cost.
Externally, these products look very attractive, they have the shape of a rectangle. When installing at the edges, gaps do not appear.
Such materials are very easy to process. They have excellent thermal insulation. It should also be noted that the range of models is wide enough, they can be chosen for every taste. They combine perfectly with other materials for decoration, look favorable both next to the stone and with tile.As for the sizes, this material is very convenient. Panels can be used in the bathroom of any size. They look equally impressive in both small and large rooms.
However, there are also disadvantages in MDF panels. This is completely normal, since materials that have absolutely no flaws simply do not exist. In addition, with careful use, part of the trouble can be avoided. It can be noted a low level of impact resistance and susceptibility to mechanical stress, as a result of which scratches and abrasions can appear on the surface. Also, MDF is considered a fire hazardous material.
The panels are moisture resistant, their operational characteristics are quite high. As for the minuses, you need to try to mitigate the risk of their manifestation as much as possible. This means that you can’t use force, scratch the material with hard brushes or keep open flame sources near it.
Varieties
MDF panels are divided into several types. These are tile, rack, sheet, painted, laminated and veneered products. Consider their characteristics and differences.
- Tiled Panels got their name thanks to the form. Sizes can be different and sometimes differ, ranging from 30 to 98 centimeters. The appearance of the bathroom when using such products is spectacular and original. Design options can be many. Creative people try to combine both the colors of the tiles and their texture, resulting in unique rooms. Such panels are fixed on a special glue, therefore, to cope with the installation is quite simple even for an untrained user.
- Next should consider rack panels. They are represented by slats up to 3.8 meters long and up to 28 centimeters wide. This means you can choose the option for every taste. The only nuance is that such products are mounted on a crate made of wood or metal using self-tapping screws or special brackets. Most often, such panels are used in the design of small rooms.
- MDF sheet panels they have quite impressive dimensions of 1.25 * 2.5 meters, so they are most often used in large rooms. The interior is quite interesting. The panels are attached to the glue without causing difficulties in this process. Joints are closed with moldings. Such products can have a diverse structure, which allows them to be used in any interior. Users note that the design looks very stylish. In general, sheet panels are considered a very convenient finishing material.
- Laminated Wall Panels differ from other materials in their appearance. The fact is that they are covered with PVC film. Most often, imitation of natural stones or wood is used. The design is quite diverse, as is the color scheme. It should also be noted that such surfaces repel moisture and dust, which is very relevant in a bathroom.
- Veneered MDF panels can acquire shades of wood. Their surface is veneered.
- Painted panels also in demand among the population. They can have different colors and are very shiny. In addition, the coloring composition provides additional protection for the material.
Despite what kind of material will be acquired in the end, consumers should not forget about the purchase of components. In most cases, moldings play this role. It is with their help that you can overlap the joints or decorate the corners.
Types of moldings differ depending on the purpose: products can be angular, connecting, ceiling, etc. It is necessary to carefully calculate the required amount of each of them.
Installation Features
Waterproof MDF panels are mounted in the bathroom without any difficulties. In this case, you can not hire contractors, but carry out the work yourself, which in the end will help to significantly save the budget.However, you should still pay attention to the nuances in order for the new repair to fully meet expectations.
Many materials require lathing. It should be noted that with its presence, installation is greatly simplified. The preparation of the walls is carried out as necessary, and if the surface is even and smooth, you can do without it. However, in the event that defects are present on it, you should get rid of them.
In this situation, the wall is primed first and then plastered. You can also use blocks of drywall, which help create a new flat surface. Further measurements are taken, panels are purchased. It should be noted that finishing materials must stand in the bathroom for several days in order to adapt to the conditions of temperature and humidity.
As for the crate, it is relevant not only if necessary to hide surface defects and fix the plates. It is very convenient to hide communications under it, for example, wiring for lighting. Installation must begin from the corner of the panels. In addition, the smaller the hole, the better the material will feel in the future. Products are removed from the crate much easier than directly from the wall, this must be taken into account by people who enjoy repair and can afford to periodically update the situation.
Glue option
If you decide to stick the panels directly on the wall, please note that It should be as smooth as possible. There are special solutions with which products are firmly fixed to the surface. However, one cannot but take into account that the dismantling process causes certain difficulties.
The panels are laid on the adhesive with a layer of not more than 5 millimeters. This method allows you to improve moisture resistance, and the space of the room is a little saved. Wall panels are glued from the bottom corner. The distance between them is left no more than 1.5 millimeters. You can decorate the gaps with moldings.
Next, watch a video review of moisture-resistant MDF wall panels.
