MDF panels for the bathroom: varieties and tips for choosing

When renovating any room, the first question that arises before every owner is what finishing materials to choose? As for the bathroom, we must not forget that the operating conditions there are specific, so the finish must cope well with the effects of moisture, as well as be resistant to the appearance of mold and mildew. Based on this, MDF panels can be a great option.

Of course, every person dreams of making high-quality repairs in an apartment. However, good materials are often expensive. As for the bathroom, many opt for MDF panels. This finishing material has an affordable price, while it is strong enough and able to serve for a long time. It is easy to install and easy to mount. The panels are made from wood that has undergone certain stages of processing, respectively, they are environmentally friendly.

Outwardly, these products look very attractive, they have the shape of a rectangle. No gaps appear at the edges when installed.

These materials are very easy to handle. They have excellent thermal insulation properties. It should also be noted that the range of models is wide enough, you can choose them for every taste. They are perfectly combined with other materials for decoration, look good both next to the stone and with tiles.In terms of size, this material is very comfortable. The panels can be used in a bathroom of any size. They look equally impressive in both small and large rooms.

However, there are disadvantages in MDF panels. This is completely normal, since materials that have absolutely no flaws at all simply do not exist. In addition, with careful operation, some of the troubles can be avoided. A low level of shock resistance and susceptibility to mechanical stress can be noted, 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 performance characteristics are quite high. As for the disadvantages, you need to try to mitigate the risk of their manifestation as much as possible. This means that you must not use force, scratch the material with hard brushes, or keep open flames near it.

MDF panels are divided into several types. These are tiled, slatted, sheet, painted, laminated and veneered products. Let's consider their characteristics and differences.

• Tiled panels got their name from the shape. Sizes vary and sometimes vary, ranging from 30 to 98 centimeters. The appearance of the bathroom when using such products is effective and original. There can be many design options. Creative people try to combine both the colors of the tiles and their textures, as a result, they get unique rooms. Such panels are fixed with special glue, so it is not difficult to cope with the installation even for an unprepared user.

• Next, 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 an option for every taste. The only caveat 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 when decorating small rooms.

• Sheet MDF panels have quite impressive dimensions 1.25 * 2.5 meters, therefore they are most often used in large rooms. The interior turns out to be quite interesting. The panels are attached with glue, without causing difficulties in this process. The joints are closed with moldings. Such products can have a variety of structures, which allows them to be used in any interior. Users note that the design looks very stylish. In general, sheet panels are considered to be 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 varied, as is the color scheme. It should also be noted that such surfaces repel moisture and dust, which is very important in a bathroom.

• Veneered MDF panels can take on shades of wood. Their surface is sheathed with veneer.

• Painted panels are also in demand among the population. They come in a variety of colors and are highly shiny. In addition, the dye composition provides additional protection to the material.

Regardless of what kind of material will be acquired in the end, the consumer should not forget about the purchase of components. In most cases, moldings play this role. It is with their help that you can block joints or decorate corners.

Waterproof MDF panels are easy to install in the bathroom. In this case, performers can not be hired, but work independently, which ultimately will help to significantly save the budget.However, you should still pay attention to the nuances so that the new renovation meets expectations as much as possible.

In this situation, first of all, the wall is primed, after which it is plastered. You can also use drywall blocks to help create a new flat surface. Further measurements are taken, panels are purchased. It should be noted that the finishing materials must be left in the bathroom for several days in order to adapt to the temperature and humidity conditions.

As for the lathing, it is relevant not only when it is necessary to hide surface defects and fix the slabs. It is very convenient to hide communications under it, for example, wiring for lighting. Installation should start 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 the repair and can afford to periodically update the situation.

If the decision is made to stick the panels directly on the wall, it must be borne in mind that it should be as smooth as possible. There are special solutions with which products are securely fixed to the surface. However, one cannot ignore the fact that the dismantling process causes certain difficulties.

The panels are laid on the adhesive with a layer of no more than 5 millimeters. This method improves moisture resistance, and the space of the room is slightly saved. Wall panels are glued starting from the bottom corner. The distance between them is left no more than 1.5 millimeters.... You can decorate the gaps with moldings.

Next, see the video review of moisture-resistant MDF wall panels.