Cabinet Door Materials Explained: Choosing the Right Core

Aug 13 2025 Zhe Li 0 comments

When ordering fully customised cabinets, we usually focus on layout and design. But the materials used for cabinet doors and carcasses actually have the biggest impact on how long your cabinets last.

Let's look at common cabinet base materials — from MDF to natural solid wood — so you can pick the right one for your home.

Common Cabinet Base Materials

MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard)

Made by compressing wood fibers under heat and pressure.
Pros: Soft, Good for creating various door designs and cost-effective.
Cons: Not moisture-resistant, can swell when wet, poorer insulation.
Used for: Cabinet doors with various finishes and shapes.Mostly made from melamine and 2-pack base materials

Particle Board

Made from wood particles glued and pressed.(Commonly found on the market)
Pros: More moisture-resistant than MDF, better insulation; Affordable and good value for money.
Cons: Harder to shape, poor screw holding, needs skilled workers.
Used for: Cabinet carcasses and frames.Base material for melamine-faced door pan

Moisture-Resistant Particle Board

Treated particle board for damp areas.
Pros: resists moisture.Low cost
Cons: Limited colours/styles, less premium feel.
Used for: Kitchen cabinets and humid zones.

Plywood

Layers of veneer glued and pressed.
Pros: Very Highly waterproof, strong, stable.
Cons: Harder to shape; Mid-to-high price; slightly lower environmental rating compared to particle board.
Used for: Mid to high-end cabinets.

Italian Structural Solid Wood Board （LSB）

Thin wood veneers are glued in special directions and pressed.Similar to OSB (Oriented Strand Board) in manufacturing process, but uses different raw materials.
Pros: Strong, stable, eco-friendly, zero formaldehyde.
Cons: Pricey due to complex processes.
Used for: High-end custom cabinet doors.

Natural Solid Wood

Thick, natural wood panels like European spruce.
Pros: Beautiful wood grain, strong, moisture resistant; More environmentally friendly
Cons: Expensive, limited supply; Prone to fading
Used for: Premium cabinetry

Different materials suit different budgets and needs. MDF and particle board are affordable and practical. Plywood offers better quality. Italian structural wood and natural solid wood fit high-end projects valuing durability and appearance. Knowing these basics helps you make smart choices for cabinets that last and look great.