DIY laminate furniture

Laminate is a versatile material made from pressed sawdust with the addition of formaldehyde resin. The plate is formed at high temperatures. The color coating of the chipboard is a melamine film (paper impregnated with resin) coated with a resistant varnish. The material is used for decoration, in the manufacture of decorative elements and furniture.

Chipboard is divided into three types according to the resin content and sawdust quality. The first type is the most environmentally friendly. Sawdust is made specifically for the laminate. It is more expensive than other options. Laminate is great for making furniture at home.

Features of the laminate, its advantages and disadvantages

Before starting work, it is necessary to understand what a chipboard is.

Before buying material, you should ask the seller about its characteristics and ask for a certificate. High-quality laminate is made according to European standards, the amount of resins should not exceed 8 percent of the total composition. Class E1 (F1) is manufactured according to GOST 10632-89 and is suitable for the manufacture of furniture in any room. Class E2 and E3 are not recommended for use in the manufacture of children's furniture (it would be better if the laminate of these brands will not be in the house at all).

Laminate Benefits:

• withstands elevated temperatures and loads;
• has a rich color palette;
• easy to use;
• there are moisture resistant options, the width of the plate in this case should exceed 38 mm (go for countertops on kitchen sets and tables).

ATTENTION! When making long shelves, it should be remembered that over time, the laminate bends, so it is necessary to put props.

The color gamut catalog includes:

1. Solid colors - there are smooth or with patterns in which dust will clog.
2. Coloring imitating wooden saw cuts (cherry, beech, oak).
3. Glossy surface - if the chipboard is less than 22 mm wide, then deep loops are not recommended to be inserted, the surface will crack.
4. Fantasy elements - flowers, patterns, geometric patterns.

REFERENCE! If you decide to purchase furniture from moisture-resistant chipboard, measure the width with a ruler, often manufacturers make a gluing of several sheets and cover it with an edge (gluing will be a multiple of 10 or 16 mm).

Laminate disadvantages:

• in case of moisture, the sawdust gradually swells;
• Class 2 and 3 models have a lot of formaldehyde that are hazardous to health;
• there is no possibility to make carved elements;
• not amenable to milling.

How to make furniture from a laminate with your own hands

For the manufacture of furniture, you must first select a model and make an accurate drawing of the future product. This will facilitate the choice of material and its quantity.

IMPORTANT! It is recommended to buy chipboard from a large supplier that offers plate cutting services (the drawing will help here). It is almost impossible to make a cut accurately at home, since this operation is performed on special machines.

Essential tool

Before starting work, you need to pick up the tool with which the furniture will be made:

1. Drill - necessary for making holes. Under the hinges of the opening doors you need a special furniture drill.
2. Clamps - the tool is a fixation mechanism, it differs in the form of carpentry tasks. It is necessary to fix the parts together.
3. A screwdriver - will facilitate the task of screwing in screws (you can use a screwdriver).
4. Measuring instruments - ruler, level, pencil, tape measure.

IMPORTANT! Before starting work, it is necessary to select the necessary accessories (screws, hinges, guides, eccentrics, legs, handles), as well as purchase fiberboard sheets (for the back wall).

Work stages

It must be remembered that the ends of the chipboard are supplied with an edge. To do this at home with a building hair dryer does not work. The edge is glued on a special machine. This stage of work is advised to be performed by the seller or at the furniture production:

1. Carefully lay out the tools and accessories. Put or hang the drawing in a convenient place. Disassemble parts of the chipboard.
2. It is necessary to mark the places where there will be mounts, hinges, shelves, etc.
3. Make holes for screws and loops.
4. First you need to fasten large parts. For cabinets, these are the walls, bottom and top of the product. Beds have a box and then walls.
5. The sides must be pulled down so that the furniture does not "go". It is better to install the screed over the fiberboard (or back wall).
6. Assemble the internal parts of the product: shelves, drawers (they can be assembled first of all), fasteners (including skids for doors - compartments).
7. Put furniture on a support (legs, base, glides).
8. Set facades. They are installed last. This is necessary so as not to spoil the front part during assembly.

It should be remembered that the laminate is a rather heavy material. Therefore, the side walls of large products are recommended to be made of chipboard with a thickness of 22 mm and above.