Plywood, particle board or MDF: which cabinet material suits you?
The difference between plywood, particle board and MDF for kitchens, wardrobes and TV walls, plus melamine, laminate, acrylic and veneer finishes.
When choosing cabinets, many people focus on colour and pattern. But the board behind the finish decides how long a cabinet lasts, especially in a humid kitchen. Here is a short comparison of the three most common boards.
Plywood
Plywood is made of thin wood veneers glued in cross layers. It is strong, holds screws well and handles moisture better, especially grades treated for wet areas.
- Suits: kitchen base units, sink cabinets, bathrooms.
- Pros: strong, more water-tolerant, long-lasting.
- Cons: higher cost, the surface needs a finish.
Particle board (chipboard)
Particle board is made of wood chips pressed with glue. It is flat and economical, and usually comes pre-faced with melamine.
- Suits: wardrobes, shelving, cabinets in dry areas.
- Pros: affordable, flat surface.
- Cons: swells when wet, holds screws less well after repeated fixing.
MDF
MDF (medium density fibreboard) is made of fine wood fibres. Its surface is very smooth, which makes it good for painted doors, fluted panels and curved shapes.
- Suits: spray-painted doors, TV wall panels, fluted panels.
- Pros: smooth, easy to shape and machine.
- Cons: heavy, and standard grades do not tolerate moisture.
Surface finishes
- Melamine: resin-impregnated paper on the board, economical with many options.
- Laminate (HPL): thicker, scratch and heat resistant, suited to kitchens.
- Acrylic: a modern gloss look that needs care against scratches.
- Spray paint: any colour and a smooth look, at a higher cost.
- Wood veneer: a thin layer of real wood, the most natural look.
A quick guide by room
- Kitchen, especially around the sink: choose moisture-tolerant boards with well-sealed edges.
- Wardrobes and bedrooms: melamine-faced particle board is usually enough.
- TV walls and feature panels: MDF makes fluted and curved shapes easier.
Questions to ask your contractor
- Which material is used for the carcass, doors and shelves?
- Which finish, and are all edges sealed (edge banding)?
- Which material is used for the cabinet under the sink?
