When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the material inside the box matters more than most people realize. Here’s what you need to know about melamine, plywood, and particleboard — and why we use melamine at Affordable Cabinets.
🪵 What Is Melamine?
Melamine is a durable, resin-coated surface that’s fused onto particleboard or MDF core panels. It creates a smooth, clean finish that resists moisture, stains, and scratches.
✅ At Affordable Cabinets, our cabinet boxes are made from ⅝” thick white melamine panels — clean, consistent, and built for everyday use.
📦 What About Plywood?
Plywood is made from multiple thin layers of wood glued together. It’s strong and often used in custom cabinet builds.
Pros:
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Lightweight
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Good screw-holding strength
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Moisture-resistant
Cons:
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More expensive
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Can warp if not sealed properly
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Unfinished interiors unless laminated
📌 Most homeowners don’t need plywood unless building custom, high-end cabinetry.
🧱 What About Particleboard?
Particleboard is made from compressed wood chips and resin. It’s commonly used in budget furniture and some RTA cabinets.
Pros:
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Affordable
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Flat and consistent for laminates
Cons:
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Not water-resistant
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Can swell or sag if exposed to moisture
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Lower screw-holding strength than melamine or plywood
🆚 Quick Comparison
| Material | Water Resistance | Cost | Strength | Finish Look | Used at Affordable Cabinets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melamine | ✅ High | 💲💲 | ✅ Strong | Clean, sealed surface | ✅ Yes |
| Plywood | ✅ Moderate | 💲💲💲 | ✅ Strong | Requires finish layer | ❌ No |
| Particleboard | ❌ Low | 💲 | ❌ Weak | Can look rough | ❌ No |
💡 Our Recommendation
Melamine is the sweet spot for strength, value, and clean appearance — that’s why we use it on every cabinet box we build. No warping, no exposed wood, and no overpaying.
📨 Still Have Questions?
We’ll walk you through the cabinet construction if you’d like — and send photos of our box interiors before you order.
📩 info@affordablecabinets.com
📍 4271 Duluth Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765, USA
