When it comes to wood projects, choosing the right material might be an overwhelming task. From solid wood to MDF, there are tons of materials to choose from, each with unique advantages and setbacks. As more materials are becoming affordable, there remains great competition among companies to provide products with better quality.
One might have or might not have heard of the material known as plywood. This engineered wood product is made from sheets of wood that are glued and pressed together to produce a flat sheet. This material has risen in popularity thanks to its competitive price and easy care. The additional protective and beautiful melamine finish makes it all the more appealing for many people’s DIY projects.
If you’re considering the Melamine-Faced Plywood (MFP) as the next material for your projects, here are some things to consider whether or not it’s right for you.
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Great Advantages, Great Use
Durability: It is widely accepted that cabinets and furniture made from melamine-coated materials tend to be more durable than others. Melamine protects the baseboards from heavy activity, stubborn stains, and even moisture and liquids. This is because melamine has a tougher, more waterproof outer layer that makes it easier to clean.
Affordable: Melamine-faced boards are normally set at a cheaper price on the market compared to solid wood materials. However, a lower price does not equate to reducing the quality of the product. On the contrary, high-quality MFP boards are easily attainable at a reasonable price.
Uniform Finish and Unlimited Customization: The smoothness of the melamine-layered surface allows for various colors, patterns, and textures to be imbued into the finished product. As a result, you will be able to achieve a uniform finish with your project and limitless creativity to be explored.
Some Setbacks That Might Affect Your Projects
Inconsistent Quality: Unfortunately, the MFP’s quality relies heavily on the quality of base materials used. If the wood fibers used to make the sheets are low in quality, there is a chance that the MFP board produced will be easily damaged and less durable.
Installation Difficulty: In some cases, fibreboards coated with melamine paper tend to be more difficult to install nails and screws. As MFP boards are sheets of wood glued together, being careless with screw and nail installation might result in the melamine paper peeling off or damage in the layers of wood sheets.
Prone to Water Damage: While it is no longer deniable that melamine paper adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and water splashes, there is a chance that water might penetrate the unprotected sides of the board and damage the base. With longer use and frequent contact with moisture and liquids, the plywood underneath may be affected and weaken over time.
Thus, those are the advantages and disadvantages that the Melamine-Faced Plywood board can offer. By understanding its unique characteristics, you may be able to figure out a way to care for and apply the material appropriately in your projects. Doing so will allow you to extend its use for a longer time.
If you are looking for a variety of melamine-faced boards similar to the MFP, check out the catalog from PT Sumatera Prima Fibreboard (www.spf.co.id).
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