NBS Source PartnerMelamine Faced Chipboard (MFC)
Excelsior range
Ideal for use in dry environments
Our MFC Chipboard is the perfect budget driven option.
MFC Cubicles and Panels
For budget-driven projects, Excelsior offers MFC cubicles and IPS duct panels.
Our melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) is a cost-effective solution for dry environments, including office washrooms, commercial and retail spaces, and more. This decorative material is available in a range of colours, patterns, and effects to achieve the look required for your washroom.
For those interested in MFC, we explore the options available while working with this material on your washroom project, and alternative options if MFC is deemed unsuitable.
Our Melamine Faced Chipboard Range
Our MFC washroom ranges are advised for dry and light-to-medium use environments with a low risk of vandalism.
Both Excelsior’s T-Line range and the Option range are suitable for MFC, meeting a number of user needs for durable and appealing washrooms.
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From creation to installation... you can rest assured
Excelsior have undertaken the manufacture, supply and installation of bespoke washroom products in all washroom environments since 1978. We have a wide selection of safe, attractive and reliable systems to suit all applications, from Nursery Schools right through to Leisure Centres and Hospitals.
Select Your Range
If you’re interested in melamine faced chipboard for your upcoming washroom renovation or build, we offer two ranges that can be manufactured using this material.
T-Line Range
The T-Line range is an aesthetic solution, providing a minimalistic and sleek appearance which is perfect for modern spaces.
Available using 19mm MFC for doors and partitions, this slimline range is suitable for office spaces, hotel developments, healthcare facilities and more.
Option Range
The Option range delivers on a robust setup with a strong visual presence, all without the price tag, suitable for commercial spaces, higher education facilities, retail and other.
This range allows for a MFC square 2mm PVC edged pilaster frontage with 19mm MFC doors and partitions.
What is MFC?
Melamine faced chipboard is a cost-effective material, made from a wood composite to create the chipboard core. Wood composite involves mixing small machined wood particles with a strong, resin adhesive. Melamine coated decorative paper is then bonded to the 19mm chipboard.
Excelsior’s melamine faced chipboard further features panel edges finished in 2mm PVC.
The Difference Between MFC and HPL
If you’re unsure whether MFC is right for your washroom, there are other comparable materials available, including High Pressure Laminate (HPL).
Whereas melamine faced chipboard is manufactured from melamine coated decorative paper laid on a chipboard core, HPL features laminate bonded to a chipboard or MDF substrate core.
We take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each material below.
Advantages and Disadvantages of HPL
The advantages of High Pressure Laminate include:
- High durability with heat, scratch and impact resistance.
- Low maintenance requirements.
- Moisture and water resistance.
- Stylish and innovative design.
- Versatile applicability.
- Low heat conduction.
The disadvantages of High Pressure Laminate include:
- Low resistance to bacteria and fungus, chemicals and corrosive materials.
- This material is not waterproof.
- Not suitable for extreme heat.
The advantages of HPL make it suitable for schools and education facilities, healthcare environments, plus commercial sectors such as entertainment and retail. However, HPL does have some drawbacks you may want to consider.
Advantages and Disadvantages of MFC
The advantages of melamine faced chipboard include:
- Wide range of style, colours and textures are available, including woodgrain and high gloss finishes.
- Easily manageable, adhering to a number of design and specification requirements.
- Durable and long-lasting in suitable environments.
- Resistance to scratches.
Whilst the drawbacks of melamine faced chipboard involve:
- Potential to warp and discolour when exposed to high heat.
- Low resistance to impact and water/ moisture.
This makes MFC unsuitable for wet and humid environments, or high-traffic environments with a risk of vandalism, such as schools.
Excelsior offers both HPL and MFC material; we further provide Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) cubicles and panels for washrooms requiring the highest level of protection and durability.
Solid Grade Laminate offers high impact resistance and is also waterproof, making it ideal for harsh environments such as schools and leisure centres.
MFC Typical Layout Panel Dimensions
At Excelsior, our cubicles and panels are made-to-measure and manufactured bespoke for your project.
We work closely with architects to determine the washroom specifications and carry them out in line with aesthetic requirements.
As a part of this, our expert team utilises BIM to bring your designs to life with exact measurements and dimensions, ready for efficient manufacture and a smooth installation.
BIM Families to Visualise Designs
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is used to create downloadable, three-dimensional digital models of your washroom infrastructure, including cubicles and IPS panels, plus wash stations and more.
This ensures clients have the opportunity to review and approve the design prior to manufacture. Using BIM further aids the manufacture and installation process by reducing waste and the risk of faulty or inadequate parts.
Melamine Faced Chipboard: Colour Options
A number of colour options, patterns and effects are available with melamine faced chipboard.
This includes Pfleiderer finishes as standard, and Fundermax finishes available at an additional cost. These finishes cover base colours and wood and marble effects.
For more on our finishes for MFC, see our available washroom finishes.
What is the difference between melamine chipboard and MDF?
Melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) and Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) differ in composition and performance.
- MFC is crafted with a synthetic resin-based melamine surface, offering enhanced scratch resistance and strength compared to MDF.
- MDF, made from compressed wood fibres, features an additional laminate layer for improved durability. In contrast, particle board—used as a base material in MFC—is less dense and durable than MDF or melamine.