Becci Goldsmith, Product Manager at MEDITE SMARTPLY answers just that and looks at the benefits using MDF panels in kitchens and bathrooms.
It’s a common misconception amongst consumers and designers alike that medium-density fibreboard (MDF) panels are not suitable for humid and moisture-prone environments. However, this is an outdated idea as modern variations of MDF panels can provide both durability and functionality, even in moisture-prone spaces.
Moisture-resistant MDF panels are ideal for spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms – providing the right material for applications that require that extra layer of durability.
Since both kitchen and bathroom furniture is exposed to humidity and water splashes, the materials used within these spaces must be able to withstand spills and steam without deteriorating, ensuring long-lasting durability for their intended purpose. Moisture-resistant MDF panels can withstand moisture derived from spills and humidity without warping or rotting – maintaining both the functionality and visual appeal of furniture and interiors.
This makes them perfect for a wide range of applications not only limited to kitchens and bathrooms but also laundry rooms, boiler rooms and basements.
Key considerations
When choosing a material for spaces that are guaranteed to experience the effects of moisture in some form, there are two key factors to consider – moisture resistance and material sustainability. In most cases, moisture-resistant MDF panels are ideal for use in humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. MDF panels have outstanding machining qualities and can be used for furniture as well as windows, skirting boards, and architectural mouldings.
Moisture-resistant MDF panels also offer increased durability in moisture-prone areas when compared with regular fibreboards. This allows for a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs.
Furthermore, the sustainability credentials of timber panels cannot be understated. For instance, the EU Green Deal promotes the long-term use of wood-based panels, particularly lowemission products like MDF and OSB, in implementing and supporting sustainable construction practices. Moreover, the use of timber panels in construction can reduce the Whole Life Carbon, in other words the full carbon impact, of the built environment.
The carbon impact of the built environment is made up of both operational carbon from the type of energy or heating systems within the building and the embodied carbon resulting from the manufacture, maintenance and disposal of the construction products that comprise the building or structure. In fact, the use of timber can reduce the embodied emissions in a single building by 20 to 60 percent.
When timber is harvested from sustainably managed forests, timber products also act as a carbon store, locking away carbon for the duration of that product’s life, as well as the life of anyrecycled wood products made from the original product. At the individual building level, carbon storage is approximately 50 percent higher in timber-framed homes than in masonry homes.
MEDITE SMARTPLY creates its MDF panels using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests in Ireland. These wood-based panels feature consistently smooth surfaces and superior quality – meaning furniture and finishings are also of the highest quality. MEDITE SMARTPLY’s MDF timber panels consist of 40% wood chip and 60% by-product.
When choosing a material for kitchen and bathroom applications, users should always take these aspects into consideration, as the final product’s appearance is as crucial as its moisture resistance and durability for many. Another important consideration when choosing a moisture-resistant material is compliance with Building Regulations that govern bathroom and kitchen construction. Many building codes mandate the use of moisture-resistant boards in specific locations within a building, particularly in areas prone to moisture. Therefore, specifiers should view MDF panels as the optimal choice to meet both durability and aesthetic needs while adhering to these regulations.
For example, MEDITE MR LITE is a lightweight, moisture-resistant MDF panel designed for use in humid conditions in accordance with L-MDF.H as defined in EN 622-5. This makes it ideal for kitchen and bathroom furniture, skirting boards, and general interior joinery. It serves as a substitute for softwood in non-stressed applications and can be used in applications where light routing is adequate.
Another option for kitchen and bathroom applications is MEDITE MR PLUS, which provides joiners and fitters with efficient, moisture-resistant, high-quality panels. Designed for humid conditions in accordance with MDF.H as defined in EN 622-5, it is ideal for kitchen and bathroom furniture, general furniture, and general interior joinery. Primed on both surfaces with an opaque UV-cured coating system, it provides a matt low gloss topcoat that is the perfect smooth base for further application of water or solvent-borne paint products by brush, roller or spraying equipment. This enables savings and reductions in the finished coating systems while maintaining superior end-product quality.
MEDITE OPTIMA is also perfect for kitchen and bathroom furniture due to its extra smooth finish, which is ideal for applications where users need added density, enhanced machinability and higher surface quality than is found in standard moisture resistant panels. MEDITE OPTIMA acts as a substitute for softwoods and hardwoods and as a panel product in non-stressed applications. Designed with increased machinability and smoother surface quality, it can also be used for architectural mouldings, window boards, flooring and general interior joinery where a high-quality moisture resistant board is required.
Overall, moisture-resistant MDF panels are the ideal choice for kitchen and bathroom applications alike. With their ability to withstand both moisture and water splashes, without warping or rotting, they are the clear choice for users looking to achieve maximum durability, whilst still being mindful of the sustainability credentials of their chosen material.
