MFC and laminated boards
Melamine-faced chipboard is common in cabinet carcasses. It is stable and economical, but edges and fixing points need appropriate handling; damaged or over-tightened fixings cannot simply be treated like solid timber.
MDF and painted fronts
MDF is widely used for smooth or profiled doors. Painted and wrapped finishes need protection from chips, scratches and excessive local pressure during fitting and adjustment.
Timber and timber-effect finishes
Real timber can move with humidity; timber-effect laminates are more dimensionally stable but still depend on the board beneath. Matching grain direction and protecting visible edges matter to the final appearance.
Worktop materials
Laminate, compact laminate, timber, composite and stone products have different cutting and support requirements. Some worktop operations require specialist fabrication and should not be improvised on site.