Plywood vs. MDF vs. Particleboard
Most cabinet boxes are built from one of three sheet materials. Here is how they compare.
Plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer glued with the grain crossing. It is strong, holds screws well and handles moisture better than the other two, which makes it a good choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinet boxes.
MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is made from fine wood fibres and resin. It is very smooth, flat and stable, with no grain or knots, so it takes paint and lacquer beautifully and is a standard choice for painted doors. It is heavier than plywood and weaker if it gets wet, so edges and surfaces need to be sealed. Moisture-resistant grades are made for damp areas.
Particleboard is made from wood chips and resin. It is the most affordable, but it is also the weakest. It can sag under heavy loads, chip at the edges and swell if water gets in.
Melamine is a different kind of surface: a durable, easy-to-clean resin-impregnated paper laminate bonded to a core of particleboard or MDF, widely used for cabinet interiors and boxes.
In short: plywood for strength and moisture resistance, MDF for a flawless painted surface, and particleboard when budget is the main concern. The best cabinet often uses more than one material, each where it works best.
Not sure which suits your project? We can walk you through it when you plan a custom kitchen or bathroom vanity.
How we use it: Our cabinet boxes are often built from birch veneer-grade plywood. An array of melamines and other materials is available at client request.