Cabinet – sheet goods

1. Plywood

Description: Made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together. It is known for its strength and durability.
Types:
- Standard Plywood: Commonly used for cabinet boxes and shelves. Available in various grades (A, B, C, D), with A being the highest quality with fewer defects.
- Hardwood Plywood: Made from hardwood veneers such as oak, maple, or cherry. Used for high-quality finishes and visible parts of cabinets.
- Marine Plywood: Treated for water resistance, used in areas with high moisture levels.
Characteristics: Sturdy, stable, and less prone to warping compared to solid wood. Can be finished or veneered for a smooth surface.
Uses: Cabinet boxes, shelves, drawer fronts, and faces.


2. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

- Description: Engineered wood product made from wood fibers, wax, and resin compressed into dense panels.
- Characteristics: Smooth surface that’s easy to paint. Less likely to warp compared to plywood. Heavy and dense.
- Uses: Cabinet doors, panels, and trim. Ideal for painted finishes due to its smooth surface.

3. Particle Board

- Description: Made from wood chips, sawmill shavings, and sawdust bonded together with resin and pressed into sheets.
- Characteristics: Affordable but less durable than plywood or MDF. Can be prone to moisture damage if not sealed properly.
- Uses: Often used for cabinet boxes and shelves in budget-friendly cabinetry. Usually covered with a laminate or veneer.

4. HDF (High-Density Fiberboard)

- Description: Similar to MDF but denser and more durable.
- Characteristics: Provides a stronger and more impact-resistant surface than MDF. Often used in high-traffic areas.
- Uses: Cabinet doors and high-wear surfaces.


5. Particleboard with Veneer

- Description: Particleboard covered with a thin layer of wood veneer or laminate.
- Characteristics: Combines the affordability of particleboard with the appearance of real wood. Veneer can be stained or finished.
- Uses: Cabinet boxes and shelves where cost savings are desired but a more attractive finish is needed.


6. Laminate Sheets

- Description: Decorative paper or fabric layers impregnated with resin and bonded to a substrate like particleboard or MDF.
- Characteristics: Provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface. Available in various colors and patterns.
- Uses: Cabinet surfaces, countertops, and interiors. Often used for a modern, low-maintenance finish.

7. Melamine

- Description: A type of laminate made by applying a melamine resin to a substrate like particleboard or MDF.
- Characteristics: Available in various colors and finishes, resistant to scratches and stains. Often has a glossy finish.
- Uses: Cabinet boxes, shelves, and drawer components. Common in modern and budget-friendly cabinetry.

8. Plywood with Veneer

- Description: Plywood covered with a thin layer of real wood veneer.
- Characteristics: Provides the strength of plywood with the appearance of solid wood. Veneer can be stained or finished to match other wood elements.
- Uses: Cabinet faces, doors, and high-end cabinetry where both durability and aesthetics are important.

9. Bamboo Panels

- Description: Made from compressed bamboo fibers or strips, laminated together to form panels.
- Characteristics: Eco-friendly, durable, and can be a unique design choice. Usually available in a variety of finishes.
- Uses: Cabinet faces, doors, and accents. Suited for contemporary and eco-friendly designs.

10. Solid Wood Panels

- Description: Made from a single piece or several pieces of solid wood glued together.
- Characteristics: Offers natural wood grain and strength but can be more expensive and prone to expansion and contraction with humidity.
- Uses: High-end cabinetry, custom cabinetry, and visible parts of cabinets where the natural wood appearance is desired.