Cabinet Material Choices
A structural board consisting of a number of thin layers of wood glued together under pressure, with the grain of one layer at right angles to the grain of the adjoining layer. This alternation of grain is called cross-graining.
Cross-graining has several benefits
- reduces the tendency of wood to split when nailed at the edge
- reduces expansion and shrinkage
- improves stability
- it makes the sheet very hard
Wood polymer composite is a product made with a composition of natural fiber and polymer. Natural fibres can be any wood fiber(in powder form usually) or agriculture waste (rice husk, wheat straw etc). WPCs combine the best features of wood and plastics therefore it is gaining popularity in applications such as furniture, door frames, decorative profiles etc. They are available in a broad range of finishes and appearances. WPC is also a safe, environmentally sustainable and long lasting material.
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres in a defibrator. It is then combined with wax and a resin binder under high temperature and pressure to form panels. MDF being an inexpensive and durable material, it is used widely in making storage cabinets and shelves.
Chipboard is a stiff sheet material formed by gluing together wood particles with an adhesive under heat and pressure. They are generally veneered or coated and used for various uses. Chipboard is available in a number of densities-normal, medium and high-density. High density chipboard is used as carcass for kitchen cabinets.
