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Do-it-yourself MDF wall panels installation: mounting options for MDF wall panels on glue and frame. fastening mdf panels fastening mdf panels to the wall

To date, the easiest and fastest way to make the walls of your home beautiful and even is to finish with MDF panels. This solution is, of course, not suitable for all rooms, but for corridors, stairwells, closets and hallways, this material will be almost ideal. We will talk about it in this article, in which, together with the website, we will consider how the installation of MDF panels is carried out in a frame and frameless way with our own hands.

There are two ways to fix MDF panels on the walls - the so-called glue and frame. Both of these methods are good and are used depending on the circumstances. If the decoration of the walls with MDF panels provides for the hiding of any communications, then the frame method of fastening the MDF is used. If we are talking about finishing even walls, then the adhesive method is used.

Wall decoration with mdf panels photo

Installation of MDF panels: frame installation method

The very name of this method speaks for itself - for its implementation, you will need to build a frame, which in some way resembles the design that is used for. The difference lies only in the position of the carriers - if they are installed vertically to fasten drywall sheets, then MDF provides for a horizontal arrangement of profiles. In this regard, there are also features of the construction of such a frame.

In principle, at the first stage, everything happens in a similar way - the plane of the future frame is beaten off, then guide profiles are attached along the perimeter of the wall, on the floor, ceiling and adjacent walls. This is where the differences begin. In a given plane, the vertical cd bearing profiles are installed not after 600mm, but after 3000mm, which is the standard length of the carrier profile.

Installation of MDF panels: frame method

This is done in order to subsequently install horizontal cd bearing profiles between them, the pitch of which is 500 mm. They are connected to vertical profiles using crab cd connectors, and fixed to the wall with the same U-shaped brackets.

Mounting the frame is the main work in the process of installing MDF panels. Mounting itself is an easier process that almost everyone can handle. MDF panels are attached to the frame using clamps (special clips). The clamper itself is inserted into the groove located at the end of the panel before being attached to the frame, thus ensuring their secure fixation to the frame. The kleimers are designed so that they do not interfere with inserting the next panel into the groove.

Do-it-yourself installation of mdf panels photo

Do-it-yourself installation of panels on glue: installation features

Mounting MDF panels on walls with glue is much easier - the entire installation process is greatly facilitated by the absence of a metal or wooden frame, the construction of which takes a lot of time.

Installation of mdf wall panels photo

Before proceeding with the direct fastening of the panels, first we will deal with the glue that is used for these purposes. Or what kind of glue is not suitable here - you need a composition that has certain qualities.

• Firstly, the glue must be plastic even after hardening - the fact is that MDF panels made from pressed cardboard are highly susceptible to deformation depending on the temperature and humidity in the room. Therefore, an adhesive is needed that can quench these very thermal expansions.
• Secondly, the adhesive used for MDF panels should help them to fasten even in places where the walls are slightly curved. That is, the texture of the glue should make it possible to spread it both with a thin layer and with a thick one - in a word, it should be thick enough. Under these requirements, the so-called "", which are successfully used to solve the question of how to mount MDF panels, are the best fit for almost all masters.

Liquid nails for mounting mdf panels photo

The installation of panels with glue itself looks quite simple - its technology is almost completely described on a tube with Liquid Nails glue. It is not recommended to break it. To begin with, the walls glued with panels must be cleaned of dust and dirt - in principle, if you are going to seriously engage in self-repair, then the priming process, which is performed to clean the walls from dust and dirt, and at the same time to improve the adhesion of materials, should be included in your habit. Priming always, everything and everywhere.

Primer walls before mounting MDF panels photo

After the primer has dried, proceed to the direct gluing of the panels. In the meantime, it dries, you can do other preparations - for example, cut several dozen panels to size.

The glue is applied directly to the panel itself in a dotted manner and in a checkerboard pattern - the glue drops should be large. After the adhesive has been applied, the panel is pressed against the wall, firmly tapped and torn off. This is required by the gluing technology - it is necessary to tear off the panel so that the glue is weathered and the panel does not peel off the wall under its own weight. To speed up the process and make the installation of MDF panels with your own hands faster, you can immediately, one after another, smear up to a dozen panels, attach them to the wall and tear them off. While the glue is weathered, it is allowed to smoke - after five minutes, the panels can be hooked onto the wall again and slammed down.

How to glue mdf panels on the wall photo

It is easy to glue the panels - it is much more difficult to cut them evenly and with high quality. In this regard, special attention must be paid to slopes and similar obstacles that get in the way of mounting MDF panels. It should be understood that the appearance of the room depends entirely on the even trimming of the panels.

Installing mdf panels on walls

Well, in conclusion, let's dwell on the main nuances of installation, which are typical for both methods of fastening MDF panels.

• First, there are the corners. It should be understood that it will not work to bend the MDF panels, so they are simply cut as close to the corner as possible, after which the cut edges are safely covered with a special corner that can be used for both external and internal corners.
• Secondly, this is a frame - the lowest horizontal profile should lie on the floor. In this way, you will ensure a secure fastening of the skirting boards.
• Thirdly, in order to avoid distortion in the future, the first panel must be installed in accordance with the vertical level and firmly fixed with self-tapping screws in places where they will subsequently overlap (at the bottom with a plinth, at the top of the ceiling, in the corner with a decorative overlay). It is advisable to check the position of the panels with a level in the future - you should not control everything in a row, but you need to apply it to every fifth panel.

That's basically it. This is how MDF panels are installed. This process is not complicated and not simple, as, in general, any finishing work, in which your attitude to the little things plays an important role, which together affect the overall picture of the repair. Simply put, there are no trifles in this matter.

Wall decoration with natural materials, such as solid wood panels, gives nobility and style to the interior, but it is expensive and impractical. An excellent solution in this case is to choose a material that combines the decorative look of natural wood and the durability and strength of artificial binders. MDF panels have gained well-deserved popularity among builders; they are used to decorate both living rooms and commercial and public premises. They are easy to attach to the wall, and they look neat and stylish.

Advantages and disadvantages of MDF wall panels

MDF is obtained from wood fibers processed at high pressure and temperature, pressed into a board.

Binders and useful additives give MDF special properties and advantages that are indispensable for wall cladding:

Material disadvantages:

• low elasticity;
• in conditions of high humidity, dampness penetrates through the raw ends of the plate, which deforms and destroys the MDF structure;
• fire hazard.

How to fix MDF to the wall

Several types of MDF are produced, which are suitable for use in various operating conditions:

• all-pressed products have a smooth front surface, medium density, furniture is made from these sheets;
• laminated panels are covered with a protective film on top, they are distinguished by increased strength and decorative effects;
• Moisture-resistant boards are more expensive than conventional boards, they are denser and can be used in wet areas: bathrooms and kitchens.

After evaluating the features of each type, you can make the best choice for creating a durable finishing coating. Before starting repairs, you need to make a drawing of the room with the layout of the sheets and calculate the consumption of materials and fasteners.

To make it more convenient to work, make a drawing of the room and calculate the amount of consumables

For a correct calculation, it is necessary to subtract the area of ​​window and door openings from the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe walls. To the result should be added 10% for possible trimming.

There are several ways to attach MDF panels to the wall, each of them has its own technological features, after studying which you can choose the most suitable option.

Fastening to a wooden frame

This method has many advantages:

• the frame hides defects and differences in the height of the base, does not require careful preparation of the walls;
• space is formed for laying communications and wiring;
• insulation can be placed under the panels;
• simplifies the replacement of a separate MDF board.

There are also disadvantages:

• the space of the room is reduced, which is especially important for small rooms;
• fixing hanging elements of decor and furniture will require long anchors and mortgages.

The surface under the finish in damp rooms can accumulate condensation and become a favorable environment for the development of mold and mildew that are harmful to health. To solve this problem, it is necessary to treat the surface of the wall with a fungicidal antifungal impregnation, and to reduce the possibility of fire, with a flame retardant. For the crate, a bar measuring 30x30 mm is suitable.

MDF panels - a modern and environmentally friendly material

In addition to the MDF panels themselves, you will need the following list of tools and materials for work:

• level, plumb line, ruler and pencil;
• stepladder, wooden bars for crates;
• drill, puncher, screwdriver;
• dowels or self-tapping screws, you can use kleimers, carnations with a reduced hat;
• flame retardant and fungicidal impregnation;
• liquid nails for fixing corner trim elements;
• brush, spatula, bars, hacksaw with a large tooth or saw.

Preparatory work:

The frame is ready, now you can mount the MDF panels:

For thin slabs, you can make a secure fastening to the battens with glue. Liquid nails are perfect for this purpose.

On the metal profile

This method uses a special aluminum or galvanized metal profile. Such a frame is more expensive, but it is devoid of the disadvantages of wood and will last much longer. This method is optimal for finishing rooms with high humidity.

The following materials and tools should be prepared:

• profile guides and support bars, suspensions, small self-tapping screws "seeds" for connecting profiles to each other;
• screwdriver and self-tapping screws, puncher and dowels;
• ruler and level, marker;
• stairs, skirting boards and corners;
• nozzle for puncher chisel;
• kleimers, one box of 100 pieces is enough;
• plaster and putty.

Base preparation:

1. For this method, it is not necessary to level or carefully prepare the wall, it is enough to remove the old tile or wallpaper and walk with a fire-retardant compound so that mold and fungus do not grow under the finish in conditions of increased dampness.
2. Mark the wall, place the planks in 45-50 cm increments. Mark the lines on the floor, walls and ceiling. Before installation, you can stick foil foam for thermal insulation.
   Properly installed crate will allow it to last for a long time, and MDF panels will not warp over time
3. Attach straight hangers, which are subsequently bent to strengthen the frame structure and set the finishing plane at the desired distance from the main wall.
   Hang hangers on the wall
4. Fix the guide rails to the ceiling, floor and side walls with dowels. Insert the bearing main strips into the suspensions and guides, fasten the structure with small self-tapping screws, called “seeds” by the craftsmen. It is convenient to use a screwdriver with a magnetic nozzle for this work. Fastening is carried out in increments of 15-25 cm.
   Fix the rails on the floor, ceiling, walls
5. Check the level of the correct position of the slats, lay the necessary communications. Remove the wiring into the corrugated pipe and fill the gaps with insulation, bend the protruding edges of the hangers outward.
   Fill gaps between profiles with insulation

Stages of installation of MDF panels:

Without frame

If the base is even and has no defects, then fastening can be carried out without installing the frame.

This method has its advantages:

• work time is significantly reduced;
• the precious centimeters of the room do not decrease, the wall protrudes by only 10 mm.

For fastening you will need:

• adhesive composition liquid nails, mounting gun;
• a hacksaw with a small tooth, a brush;
• ladder for working at height;
• universal corners made of fiberboard, plinth, insulation;
• fire-retardant impregnation, primer.

Stages of preparatory work:

After the walls have completely dried, we proceed to the installation of MDF boards:

Video: mounting MDF panels on the wall

Competent installation of MDF panels is not difficult at all, they do not require special care, and the walls look like they are finished with natural exotic wood or leather, granite. Practical and inexpensive cladding will give the interior a gloss and neat fresh look.

When decorating the interior of a house or apartment, a logical question often arises: how to fix MDF panels to the wall? It seems to many that only professionals can perform this procedure. This is a misconception. After all, all the work can be done by hand. Naturally, you will have to make some efforts, as well as follow a number of rules that will make the end result impressive.

MDF wall panels are an excellent decorative material that can transform any interior. The material is produced by hot pressing a fine wood fraction, which is pre-cleaned of all dirt.

The production technology is very simple. The prepared substance is mixed with a small amount of natural resins. The mixture is spread in the right amount and pressed. The result is a fiberboard sheet or board (depending on thickness). Such a product is characterized by good density and complete environmental friendliness.

MDF panels - eco-friendly, dense decorative material

Panel fastening methods: advantages and disadvantages

Fastening MDF panels to the wall is carried out in two main ways: laying on the crate and cladding with glue. Each of the methods has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Frame mounting

This event consists in the fact that guides are installed on the wall, which serve as the basis for fixing the MDF. The material for the construction can be a wooden beam or a metal profile.

This method has many advantages:

1. The crate allows you to correct significant defects in the base. That is, the surface does not have to be leveled and leveled, which significantly reduces preparation time.
2. A space is formed that can be used for laying communication systems.
3. In addition to communication, free space is used for laying insulation, the thickness of the layer of which directly depends on the size of the stacked racks, and also on whether metal suspensions are used or not.
4. Additional sound insulation is created. This is especially important in new buildings, where inter-apartment partitions have poor sound insulation.
5. The ability to quickly replace MDF panels if they have been damaged.

But we must not forget about the disadvantages that this option has:

• The area of ​​the room is reduced. Moreover, the losses will directly depend on the curvature of the walls. The fact is that with significant deviations, it is necessary to install guides at a great distance from the surface.
• Hanging decorative elements and pieces of furniture is carried out on long anchors. If the weight of the elements is significant, then it is necessary to arrange mortgages in advance, otherwise the structure will not withstand the load.

On a note! It should be borne in mind that when installing the frame in a bathroom or shower room, there is a high probability of the appearance of fungus and mold.

The frame method of mounting MDF panels implies a reduction in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room

Landing on glue

This method is effective when the surface does not have significant flaws. Panels are fixed directly to the surface. The binding material is glue, which is selected depending on the manufacturer. Sometimes laying is performed using mounting foam.

This option has the following positive aspects:

1. If the surface is initially free of defects, then the installation time is reduced to a minimum.
2. Unlike the frame method, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room is not subject to a decrease.
3. Less likely to damage the panel, because screws or cloves are not used for fasteners. In rare cases, only the first element is fixed through screws.

Although there are disadvantages:

• In the presence of serious damage to the surface, large curvature - you have to carry out a long preparation.
• The impossibility of restoration. Indeed, if one fragment is damaged, then the entire coating will have to be removed, which will completely become unusable.
• There is a high probability of error. Any skew during installation, which will be missed due to negligence, will cause the result to not be as intended.

Thus, knowing all the advantages and disadvantages, you can choose the option that will be optimal for a particular case.

When mounting panels on glue, there is a high probability of error, so work must be done very carefully

On a note! When choosing a fastening method, the total costs are calculated. For example, in small areas, in order to achieve the desired result, it is more profitable to putty the wall (compared to the construction of a metal frame). But if the work area is significant, then the lattice system pays for itself.

Wall mounting technology

The technology of each of the methods differs significantly. It should be considered in more detail how to fix the MDF panels in each individual case.

Mounting MDF panels on the walls is done in two ways

Sticking material

The time it takes to complete this procedure can vary greatly. Everything will depend on the general condition of the surface. The general preparation procedure is as follows:

• The walls are cleared of everything unnecessary. Everything that sticks out or protrudes is subjected to dismantling. The old decorative layer is removed completely. You need to know that it is impossible to stick the material with high quality on surfaces on which there is a layer of whitewash, wallpaper or untreated areas of paint.
• The plaster is checked. It should hold well and show no signs of shedding. Any defects indicate that the wall will have to be re-plastered.
• After preliminary preparation, a lot of dust and dirt remains. Everything is removed with a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner.
• The surface is primed.

General requirements for preparing walls before installing panels

Installation is carried out as follows:

1. Glue is being prepared. "Liquid nails", which are sold in tubes, are great. They are applied using a special gun. For independent work, the simplest tool is suitable, the cost of which is usually equal to the price of one tube of glue.
2. It is important to consider that the panels are brought into the room in advance and unpacked. They need time to mature. This will help the material adapt to temperature and humidity.
3. Marking is done on the walls. The lines make it easier to navigate.
4. The first element is laid on a flat base. Glue is applied in waves to the wrong side.
5. The fragment is applied to the surface and slightly pressed. The correctness of the installation is checked by the level, which is measured in several planes.
6. It is necessary to wait until the glue grabs well. Sometimes, for example, with a horizontal scheme, the panels can be fixed to the dowels. This is done in the place where the plinth will be installed.
7. When the first element grabs, the second fragment is smeared with glue, inserted into the groove and pressed to the surface. Further, you can not expect gluing, but completely veneer the surface.
8. To hide transitions, joints and corners, MDF linings are used, which are also glued.

Additional elements that hide joints and transitions are also put on glue.

On a note! Mounting on mounting foam is carried out according to a similar scenario. But it must be borne in mind that a material with a low shrinkage coefficient is used for work. This method allows you to install panels on walls that have significant irregularities.

Wireframe creation

How to properly fix MDF wall panels to the crate? It is worth noting that the frame construction technology resembles work with plasterboard slabs, but is more simple.

Ready-made wooden crate for laying MDF

Installation is carried out according to the following instructions:

1. It is preferable to use a wooden beam as guides. The optimal size is 30 * 50 mm. A metal frame and suspensions are used when the defects are so large that it is necessary to install the profile at a large distance (more than 10 cm).
2. The beam is laid in the required plane. It depends on the scheme by which the panels will be fixed. That is, the MDF element and the profile (stand) must be perpendicular to each other.
3. Reiki are attached to the wall with dowels. The timber is leveled by lining OSB or sawn boards. It is necessary to strictly align the profile so that it is in the same plane.
4. The panels are fastened with clamps, which resemble staples. This element has a hole for self-tapping screws, through which it is fixed with a wooden stand.
5. The first fragment is fixed directly, strictly along the edge. The screw is completely recessed. Then the overlays will hide this defect.
6. Attach the rest of the products.

Alignment of timber for wooden lathing under MDF panels

Thus, everyone chooses for the walls the option that is more preferable in terms of installation, a combination of advantages and disadvantages.

MDF is a common, cost-effective and versatile material. It is often used as decoration inside a building. Having picked up a product, it is not necessary to seek help from specialists. It is not difficult to do the installation work with your own hands. You just need to figure out how to fix the MDF panels to the wall yourself?

Organization of finishing works

Wall cladding requires proper preparation, which includes:

1. Calculate the amount of material required. An easy way to find out the volume for the purchase of MDF panels is to use an online calculator. It is necessary to add about ten percent to the received data in reserve. With simple architectural wall structures, the calculation can be done independently.
2. Tool selection. For wall cladding with MDF panels, you first need to stock up: a level for construction work, a tape measure, a pencil and a hammer. In the process, you will need: an electric jigsaw, a puncher, a fine-toothed hacksaw and a special stapler.
3. Surface preparation. Previously, the entire area is thoroughly impregnated with a primer, which protects against fungal attacks and mold. If MDF sheets are attached with glue, then, first of all, the wall is cleaned of unnecessary paint and remnants of the old finish.

Important! Cover the surface with primer liquid should be plentiful. Sometimes two layers are used. After processing, it is necessary to allow the walls to dry completely.

Mounting options for MDF panels

Basically, do-it-yourself wall cladding with MDF panels has several mounting methods:

• on a frame base made of wood or metal;
• with the help of glue.

Wooden base for fixing the panels

It is not difficult to build a wooden structure on which MDF boards will be fixed. Such a frame device is placed in rooms with low humidity. The crate is fastened, as a rule, with self-tapping screws or dowels.

Attention! Before work, a wooden product must be treated with an antiseptic intended for such material.

In order to build a base for wood panels, you must:

1. Measure the place to secure the starting bar. To do this, find the most convex point on the wall and level all other slats from it. A wooden support is placed relative to the length of the MDF boards, always perpendicular.
2. Using a drill, mark holes for self-tapping screws on a plank of wood. The distance between the holes should be 50 centimeters.
3. Make marks for the dowels according to the holes on the rail. To do this, the bar is horizontally attached to the finishing surface and leveled with a building level.
4. Punch holes in the places marked on the wall with a puncher and set the plastic dowels.
5. Attach the main rail with self-tapping screws, screwing them into the plastic sockets. In the process of joining, level the bar along the entire length with a level. If necessary, wooden pegs are placed under the bar in places with deviations. Correctly exposed rail is screwed to the wall until it stops.
6. Fix subsequent planks in the same way over the entire surface, based on the first fixed support. The distance between the crossbars should not exceed 50 centimeters. Laths that cling to an adjacent wall must be a continuation of the horizontal line of each already fixed wooden strip.
7. Using plumb lines, evenly install vertical supports in the corners. With such strips it is necessary to circle all the boundaries of window and door openings.

A wooden slatted frame for self-cladding walls with MDF panels is considered the easiest way to mount on an uneven surface.

Metal profile crate

The metal frame is mounted in the same way as the wooden one. To install it, you will need a special profile - narrow (guide) and wide - as well as fasteners for attachment. The metal crate is fastened with self-tapping screws.

Profile bonding

First, a wide profile is placed in the openings and in the corners. Narrow posts connect it on the floor and ceiling. A distance of 60 centimeters is set between the horizontal bars.

All elements of such a crate are fastened together with short self-tapping screws.

Advice! Before facing the surface, the space in the crate can be filled with insulation.

A metal frame is built in large rooms, because such a base for sheathing significantly reduces the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

Lathing from metal profiles

Fixing panels with adhesive

This installation option is very simple and fast. First of all, you should choose the right glue. The structure of the adhesive mass should be thick and elastic.

Mounting MDF panels on the wall can be done by hand, following these steps:

• clean the surface;
• impregnate with a primer, leaving to dry completely;
• apply glue on the MDF board with abundant drops;
• attach the sheathing product to the wall and press well for a strong grip for 5 minutes;

All work with adhesive must be done carefully and accurately.

Installation of MDF panels

When planning to make independent wall cladding with MDF panels, you should designate in advance all the wiring remaining behind the wood material, as well as fix the plan for placing the lathing rails so that, decorating the finished wall over time, you do not have to guess where you need to use a nail or screw.

Important! Before use, MDF panels must be removed from the package and left for a day in the room in order to subsequently avoid deformation from temperature changes.

In order to qualitatively decorate the room, you need to know how to properly attach the MDF panels to the wall:

1. Measure the desired length of the panel and cut with an electric jigsaw.
2. Attach the first product to the wall, starting from any corner, and, holding, screw it to the crate. Self-tapping screws are screwed into each lath of the crate at a distance of 1 centimeter from the edge of the panel.
3. Install the kleimer on the MDF sheet from the side of the groove. The protruding part of the clamp must fit into the groove of the next panel in each row. Such a plate for fastening is fixed with nails on each lath of the crate.
4. Step by step, cut each MDF plank and connect with a frame-based clamper until the entire wall is filled to the next corner.
5. Measure the width on the wall for the last panel. If the size does not match the product, then the MDF fabric is cut to the proper dimensions and only that half of the bar on which there is a spike is installed.
6. Insert the last plank adjacent to the corner, nailing the side that connects to the batten of the adjoining wall.

To hide all the joints at the corners and between the canvas, special, decoratively designed strips and corners are used. Such parts are fastened with liquid nails.

According to this principle, you can perform independent installation of MDF sheets over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. After finishing the finishing work, you should install the upper and lower skirting boards.

Conclusion

MDF products for wall decoration do not contain harmful substances. With the help of such a finish, you can keep warm in the house. The products are characterized by good sound insulation and high strength. The upholstery requires only wet cleaning.

To date, fabrics of various colors with a variety of textures are being produced. Having chosen the material, it is not necessary to seek help for installation from professionals. Guided by step-by-step descriptions of work, you can qualitatively install MDF panels on the wall with your own hands.

How to fix the MDF panels to the wall, and on what basis, - the decision must be made taking into account the features of the wall geometry, the size of the room, the presence of communications and constant heating. Despite the huge popularity, MDF wallboards are quite picky about operating conditions, so you should not fix it in the first way that comes to hand, so as not to re-lay the finish a second time.

Dimensions of MDF - panels

Often, consultants of trading companies present MDF boards as a lightweight version of particle boards, especially if you decipher the English abbreviation. Accordingly, it is recommended to fix them in the same way as in the case of using chipboard. In fact, MDF panels are significantly different in structure and production method from particle board, which allows you to fix the material at a lower cost and faster.

There are only three main differences:

• Thin MDF boards are made from recycled cellulose fiber, which contains virtually no polysaccharides - a staple food for bacteria, fungus and rodents. Chipboard uses ordinary chips filled with phenol-formaldehyde resin, so it is fixed with special tongues;
• Boards are made by pressing wood-fiber pulp with the addition of hydrogen peroxide. At a temperature of 250 ° C, lignin and part of the cellulose are welded with the remains of caramelized polysaccharides into a dense fiber mass. In thick slabs, the MDF core is additionally impregnated with polymer resin, which makes it possible to fasten without the risk of delamination of the material;
• The bending strength of the panel is only slightly inferior to plywood with greater plasticity and resistance to moisture. Most brands of MDF can be mounted on walls even in rooms with low ventilation.

The difference, at first glance, is insignificant, but it is the strength and elasticity of the cellulose fiber base of the MDF panel that makes it possible to fasten the cladding plates using end locks.

Even with a strong temperature difference, the MDF panel shows an expansion level much less than that of plastic or ordinary wooden lining, so the material can be fastened with smaller gaps, which is especially important for medium and large thickness boards.

What sizes are the most popular

For wall cladding, three size groups are used:

• Thin slabs, size group 5-9 mm thick, 153, 198, 200.325 and 2070 mm wide;
• Medium MDF panels, thickness 10-18 mm, width 2070 mm;
• Oversized slabs, thickness 19-38 mm, width 2070 mm.

There are no restrictions on external dimensions, and the maximum thickness of the plates is limited by the pressing capabilities to 40 mm. Two-layer MDF panels with a maximum thickness of up to 60 mm are also produced, used for the manufacture of reusable formwork and roofing filing. But the quality of the outer surface of such plates is quite low, so they are not used for wall decoration.

Installation of MDF panels

Pressed cellulose fibers retain heat and absorb noise much better than plastic or wood. In addition, the MDF panel has a certain anisotropy of properties, it can be cut and processed in almost any order. Mounting the panels is easy and quite within the power of even a novice tiler.

For domestic purposes, panels can be mounted in three ways:

• Lay the plates on the glue;
• Mount the cladding on a wooden or metal frame;
• Installation of MDF panels by hanging.

The latter case is used as an exceptional way of cladding walls in a house made of timber or logs. It is necessary to fix the MDF boards on the ceiling suspension profile with a small gap between the floor and the bottom edge of the board. The cladding is suspended on the profile, and as the walls shrink, the MDF sags along with the timber material.

It is clear that for a wooden house it will be more preferable to use narrow slabs, 190-200 mm wide, while it is better to fix MDF in a vertical direction. If it is not known exactly about the planned amount of shrinkage of the wall, then it is best to fix the decorative finish with a gap increased by 2-3 cm. Firstly, this ensures that the floor will not tear the slabs off the walls in case of excessive shrinkage, and secondly, the slots will provide a normal level of ventilation and airflow between the panels and the wall.

Mounting on a metal frame

Installation of panels on a supporting frame made of galvanized profiles is recognized by experts as the most rational and reliable way to fasten any pulp and fiber materials. Even heavy plates with a density of up to 1.5-1.8 g / cm 3 can be attached to the metal frame without any problems. The metal will not lead to condensation or blocking of the walls as a result of pipe breaks, water leakage in the apartment on the floor above or roof breakage.

The assembly of the frame begins with the installation of the starting profile and side rails. MDF panels are lightweight, so it is enough to install a number of vertical profiles No. 50 in increments of 40-50 cm. Using a galvanized U-profile makes it possible to fix MDF to the walls of a room about two to three times faster than in any other way.

Two or three drops of silicone applied to the profile will even out the load on the wall and avoid the slamming of the cladding in strong winds if there is a ventilation gap behind the decorative MDF lamellas.

Mounting on a wooden frame

The easiest way is to mount MDF panels on a wooden frame. There are two options for wall cladding using cellulose fiber panels. It all depends on the size of the room and the condition of the walls.

If a small reduction in space due to the crate is not critical, the wooden slat frame is sewn onto the walls using metal hanger holders. For small and small rooms, most often it is necessary to partially cut and knock down a layer of plaster in order to level the surface along a vertical plumb line, to make it as even as possible.

In any case, the starting bar is initially laid on the floor and under the ceiling. With the help of a long building level, the installation points of the suspensions are marked on the wall and the minimum required overhang of the side lobes of the fasteners is determined.

In the event that it is planned to install horizontal MDF lamellas, the bearing strips are mounted vertically. For the installation of full-size panels with a width of more than 200 mm, the walls are sewn up in both directions. Each wooden plank of the crate is aligned with the starting guides and fixed with suspension petals using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.

For relatively even and dry brick, concrete or block walls, the batten can be fixed directly to the wall using dowels. In this case, the work is added, since each plank before fastening has to be adjusted for a long time with the help of washers in order to maintain a single vertical plane. But on the other hand, you can save 3-4 cm of internal space, which can be very useful, for example, when decorating the walls of a small bathroom or corridor.

Glue installation

Using a sheathing or supporting frame always eats up an additional 3-7 cm of space on each wall. The use of a frame system is considered a good solution, but it is not at all necessary to fence the frame jungle if the walls of the room for future MDF paneling turn out to be even, without serious defects and deviations from the vertical.

In this case, it is enough to clean the walls, prime them with an acrylic primer and apply a thin layer of insulating putty. The lime underlayer will help to further level the walls and improve the applicability of the MDF boards to the supporting surface.

Laying panels on the walls with glue is carried out in two versions:

• Each MDF is glued to the wall with one lamella, from ceiling to floor, with fixation along the end edge using self-tapping screws and plastic plugs;
• The material is laid on the wall in horizontal stripes from corner to corner after assembly and gluing of corner and edge parts.

If the lamellas are glued directly to the wall, then the end joints are not glued or treated with sealing materials. Most often, with the help of glue, rather large panels are laid on the walls, 40-60 cm wide. This method is more advantageous from a technological point of view, since the load from the rather large weight of the MDF panel is distributed not over several clamps or brackets, but over the entire surface of the plate and walls. What does it give? Greater reliability, if the upper row of MDF lamellas breaks, the middle and lower rows will hold the entire structure.

Before fixing the MDF panels to the wall, the reverse side is covered with small portions of glue. It can be dots, spirals, short stripes. The main thing is that the adhesive material is evenly distributed over the surface of the wall.

As an adhesive, it is best to use automotive sealant, polyurethane adhesives and home-made adhesive masses based on a mixture of acetone and foam. Acrylic and polyvinyl acetate adhesives hold MDF panels rather weakly.

For your information! The MDF sticker on the sealant provides the ability to cut and remove the panel from the wall if necessary without damaging the surface. Tougher alkyd, polystyrene and acrylic adhesives can tear off some of the wrong side.

Fastening MDF - panels to the wall

The process of installing cellulose fiber panels is relatively simple and straightforward even for a beginner. If a horizontal laying method is used, then the bottom panel or lamella is installed first, directly resting on the starting bar of the frame. It must be laid on glue, aligned with the building level and fixed with a stapler or self-tapping screw.

Before laying the next panel on the wall, it is necessary to install the corner or edge elements of the cladding, fix them on the wall, and only then proceed with laying the next parts of the MDF.

How to fasten MDF panels to a bar or profile is selected individually in each case, based on the fastening conditions and the dimensions of the material. Relatively thin, 6-9 mm lamellae are snapped into place with tongue-and-groove locks, after which the free end is sewn to the beam with staples with self-tapping screws. If it is supposed to be possible to periodically remove the MDF lining from the wall to revise the communications or wiring laid behind the decorative finish, then the panels are placed on the clamps.

Thick plates are mounted directly on the walls with glue and dowels, sealing the joints with acrylic putty and further gluing wallpaper or PVC film.

A difficult option, how to mount MDF on walls with insulation

MDF boards are much simpler and easier to handle than heavy drywall, plywood or plastic, while the strength of the panels is enough to build two and even three-layer cladding options from a fiber composite with insulation as an intermediate layer.

For example, cold exterior walls made of profiles, siding or concrete blocks are hemmed from the inside with MDF boards of HDF class, with a density of 800-1800 kg / m 3. The thickness of the plates is 25-40 mm. The laid panels are sewn together at the joints with oblique self-tapping screws and staplers, the seam itself is rubbed with polymer mastic.

The material is treated with impregnation, which provides good vapor transmission with high resistance to surface condensate. Plates are attached to the outer walls "on the cold" - with the help of steel dowels and joiner's screws. From the inside of the slab sheathing, wooden or trimmed slats are sewn.

A steam membrane is pulled over the laid thermal insulation and clogged with horizontal slats with a section of 20x20 mm. At the last stage, light decorative MDF panels of the LDF class with the texture of wood, natural stone or veneered are sewn onto the lathing.

Due to the low density of LDF, 200-600 kg/m 3, MDF panels perfectly pass steam, which is removed through the ventilation gap and the ceiling ventilation joint. In this way, walls are sheathed in summer kitchens, balconies, verandas, any rooms with frame-type walls.

Features of finishing MDF - panels

Most professional finishers prefer to work with MDF as there is no dust or dirt like drywall, installation is faster and there are far fewer problems.

The assembly and installation of MDF on walls is in many ways similar to laying laminate floors, with the only difference being that there are more options for choosing schemes for decorating the room and a much more complex arrangement of corner and sloped wall sectors.

slopes

The scheme for arranging door or window slopes is no different from drywall options. If the lamellas were laid vertically on the walls, then to design a window or doorway, it is enough to cut out a panel of the required height and width and stick it on the slope plane with mounting foam or sealant.

If the walls in the protection room are horizontal panels, then the slopes will have to be collected from segments on self-tapping screws and plastic plugs.

corners and cracks

Slots and gaps are always formed between the laid additional elements and the main part of the cladding. They have to be eliminated with the help of special decorative corner plates and decorative skirting boards.

All auxiliary decor is glued to Titanium or Mounting Moment for MDF, a small amount of glue is applied to the edge along the gap, after which a corner strip is installed on the joint. To prevent the decor from moving away, the corner is temporarily fixed with tape.

Sockets and switches

Every room has at least a couple of outlets and one switch. In order not to dismantle them during the installation of MDF, proceed as follows: measure the coordinates of the location of the outlet on the wall, after which a hole of the appropriate shape and size is cut out with an annular drill or a jigsaw. When installing the MDF panel, the size and position of the hole is specified and cut with a sharp knife.

It remains to install the panel, fix it on the wall, and close the remaining gap with a decorative frame.

Conclusion

The details of the process, how to fix the MDF panels to the wall, must be thought out and planned in advance, before the start of work on the decorative finishing of the room. The process itself is not particularly difficult, but in any room there are many problem areas where the fastener method has to be almost invented on its own. In this case, it is better to draw the details and the fixing method on the diagram so that you don’t have to rack your brains and waste time in the process.