Are you confused about choosing the right material for your interior or furniture project? There are many types of wood panels on the market that look similar, but actually have different characteristics and functions. One material that is often relied upon by craftsmen and designers is melamine plywood. It has an elegant appearance, is durable, and is easy to maintain.
But did you know that there is more than one type of melamine plywood? Each type has a different texture, thickness, and level of durability, which can significantly affect the final result of your project. So, before you make a choice, let’s get to know the different types of melamine plywood that are suitable for your project needs so that the results are strong, neat, and look professional!
What is Melamine Plywood?
Simply put, melamine plywood is plywood coated with decorative melamine resin paper on its surface. This coating makes it look more elegant and resistant to scratches, stains, and light moisture. Due to its neat appearance and easy maintenance, melamine plywood is often used for cabinets, work tables, kitchen sets, and interior walls.
Types of Melamine Plywood
There are many variants of melamine plywood with different characteristics. Each type of melamine plywood has its own advantages and functions, ranging from appearance and durability to price. Here is an explanation of each type!
1. Doff Melamine Plywood
Doff melamine plywood has a non-glossy surface and feels soft to the touch. This type is perfect for warm and natural interior designs. Since it does not reflect light, doff also gives a calm and elegant impression.
What are its advantages? Its surface does not easily show dirt and is resistant to small scratches, making it suitable for high-activity areas such as workspaces or living rooms. However, its appearance is less “impressive” than glossy plywood, and its surface is slightly more difficult to clean from oil or liquid stains.
2. Glossy / High Gloss Melamine Plywood
Unlike doff, glossy types have a shiny surface that reflects light. They are often used for modern kitchen sets, dressing tables, and wardrobes because of their luxurious and clean appearance. In addition, the shiny surface makes stains or dust easy to clean with just a damp cloth.
However, this beauty comes with consequences, namely that the glossy surface is more easily scratched and prone to leaving fingerprints. In addition, the high light reflection sometimes makes it less suitable for areas with a soft atmosphere.
3. Single Face and Double Face Melamine Plywood
Apart from the level of gloss, melamine plywood is also distinguished by the number of sides that are coated. Single-face melamine plywood has only one side coated with melamine, while the back side is left plain. This type is more economical and suitable for use where the back side is not visible, such as the inside of cabinets or closed wall panels.
In contrast, double-face plywood has a melamine coating on both sides, providing a neat appearance from all angles. The advantages are, of course, in terms of aesthetics and even durability, but in terms of price, double-face is usually more expensive than single-face.
4. Melamine Plywood Based on Thickness
Melamine plywood is available in various thicknesses, ranging from 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, to 18 mm. The thicker the plywood, the stronger its resistance to heavy loads. For bookshelves, work tables, or cabinet structures, plywood with a thickness of 12-18 mm is highly recommended. Meanwhile, for decorative panels or wall coverings, a thickness of 3-6 mm is sufficient.
However, the thicker the plywood, the heavier and more expensive it will be. Therefore, it is important to adjust the thickness to the project requirements so that the result is both efficient and sturdy.
5. Melamine Plywood Based on Core/Base Material
Melamine plywood can also be distinguished based on its core or base material. Some are made of solid wood, mixed with lightweight wood, to premium versions such as HMR (High Moisture Resistance) which is resistant to water and moisture. The type with an HMR core is very suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements that are prone to water vapor.
The advantages are, of course, its resistance to moisture and strong adhesion between the melamine layer and the wood core. However, the price tends to be higher than standard plywood, and it is slightly heavier due to the high density of the material.
Tips for Choosing Melamine Plywood
Before buying, consider the following:
1. Check the area of use
For humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, choose a type with a moisture-resistant core and use additional sealant.
2. Calculate the load and size
If it has to support loads such as bookshelves and tables, choose a higher thickness.
3. Consider the finish
Will the surface be frequently touched or exposed to dirt? Glossy finishes are easier to clean, while matte finishes are more tolerant of marks.
4. Exposed sides
If the back side is also visible, choose double-sided plywood for a uniform appearance.
Compare prices and brand reputation
Sometimes the difference between types of melamine plywood is determined by the quality of the melamine and core, not just the brand name.
Now you know the various types of melamine plywood, along with their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Each type has a specific function that you can tailor to your project needs, whether you want an elegant, minimalist look or extra durability for the long term.
Want a finish that is not only strong but also looks professional? Hojaya’s melamine plywood is worth considering. With extensive experience and a solid reputation in the wood materials industry, Hojaya offers a variety of high-quality melamine plywood options to support all your project needs.
In summary, don’t just choose any material; select the right melamine plywood and trust Hojaya for quality—your best partner for maximizing and satisfying project outcomes!