Melamine-Faced Plywood: Reasons Why It Might Be the Best Material for Your Decor Needs
- Agnes Gianni
- May 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 17
When it comes to wood projects, choosing the right material might be an overwhelming task. From solid wood to MDF board, 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 of 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 application of a protective melamine finish to its surface creates Melamine-Faced Plywood (MFP), making it instantly appealing for numerous decor 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.
Read more about MDF Board or Particle Board: Find One That Suits You Best!
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 Melamine-Faced Plywood 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 Melamine-Faced Plywood 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 to the layers of wood sheets.
Prone to Water Damage: While it is no longer debatable 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 weakened over time.
Installation Tips: The Secret to a Flawless Finish
Successfully integrating Melamine-Faced Plywood (MFP) into your project requires attention to specific installation techniques that go beyond standard woodworking. Because MFP is a composite material with a hard, brittle surface layer, failure to follow best practices during fabrication can result in chipping, moisture damage, and an unsatisfactory appearance. Here are some tips you can use while installing the board.
Precision Cutting is Essential
Chipping and tearing of the melamine surface are the most common pitfalls when working with Melamine-Faced Plywood, potentially ruining the board before assembly even begins. Achieving clean, professional cuts is non-negotiable for furniture that looks factory-made and fits together accurately. This process demands specialized tools and attention to the direction of the cut relative to the material's laminate layer.
Use the Right Blade: Always use a new, sharp carbide-tipped blade with a high tooth count (e.g., 60-80 teeth) designed for fine cuts on laminated materials.
Scoring Technique: Before the main cut, score the melamine surface with a utility knife to create a shallow groove. This helps prevent the top layer from tearing.
Cutting Direction: If using a circular saw, cut with the melamine face up. If using a table saw, cut with the melamine face down.
Mastering the Edge Banding
Edge banding is the functional and aesthetic final step that transitions Melamine-Faced Plywood from a raw board into a durable component. Beyond hiding the unattractive plywood or substrate core, proper edge sealing is vital for preventing moisture from penetrating and swelling the material. Flawless application ensures water resistance and provides the clean, seamless look expected in high-end cabinetry.
Sealing is Key: Always seal all exposed edges of the plywood substrate to prevent moisture ingress, which can cause swelling and delamination.
Material Match: Choose edge banding that perfectly matches the color and texture of the MFP face.
Application: Apply edge banding with a quality adhesive (or use pre-glued tape with an iron/hot-air edger) and trim the excess carefully using a dedicated trimmer or a sharp chisel/utility knife.
Choosing the Correct Hardware
The final strength and integrity of the assembled piece depend heavily on the correct selection and application of hardware. Since the Melamine-Faced Plywood: Reasons Why It Might Be the Best Material for Your Decor Needs substrate is often less forgiving than solid wood, using the right connectors prevents splitting, ensures stability, and maintains the pristine appearance of the surface. Careful placement and tensioning are necessary to avoid damaging the finished melamine layer.
Pre-Drill Pilot Holes: Always pre-drill pilot holes for screws and fasteners to prevent splitting the plywood substrate, especially near the edges.
Cam Locks/Minifix: These are ideal connectors for MFP furniture as they provide strong, concealed joints and allow for easy flat-pack assembly/disassembly.
Avoid Over-Tightening: Over-tightening screws can cause the melamine surface to crack or bulge (commonly called "starring"). Stop immediately once the screw is seated.
Thus, those are the advantages and disadvantages of Melamine-Faced Plywood board. 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). Contact us to get to know more about the size, types, and MDF board price that is suitable for all your projects!
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