Expert: Jamie Yocono - 9/26/2010

Question
I am in the process of having new customised bedroom cabinetry done.  The builder has suggested melamine while I was thinking about using MDF.  Which is the better choice? I live in the tropics.

Answer
Hi Brenda,

Hi,

I think there is a little bit of confusion about the materials MDF and melamine.

Melamine is generally thought to be the exterior of a panel. It is a plastic-like surface, very thin, and is available in a variety of colors. So when you refer to a sheet good as being a melamine panel, you're referring to the exterior of it. The core can be made of anything.

MDF is another sheet good, meaning medium density fiberboard. It is a dense, stable material quite suitable for building furniture.

So - you can buy a melamine sheet with a MDF core, or a particle board core, or a plywood core. So when you say you want melamine and your builder wants MDF, that doesn't mean you both can't have your way. You can both be satisfied - buy melamine sheets with an MDF core.  

This would be a very nice product to use when building cabinets. If you were just using plain MDF, you would need to cover it with something - be it paint, plastic laminate, veneer, or whatever. You wouldn't want to use plain MDF, it would be ugly and unsealed. So a melamine top would be perfect.

Hope this clears up your confusion. Write back is you have other questions, or if you need more help.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com