01 Board by part
Board by part
| Part | Board | Thickness | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carcass sides, top, bottom | Melamine (ready finish) or MDF (to paint or laminate) | 18mm (15mm for light wall units) | Stiff, holds screws and hinges, flat faces |
| Shelves | Melamine or MDF | 18mm; 15mm for short spans | Thicker shelves sag less under jars and pots |
| Backs | MDF or hardboard | 5–6mm MDF or 2mm hardboard | Light, keeps the box square |
| Doors, painted or sprayed | MDF | 18mm | Smooth face takes paint evenly |
| Doors, ready finish | Melamine | 18mm | White, Black, American White Ash or Jungle Teak, no painting |
| Sink unit and wet areas | Waterproof HMR board, or PVC eco board | HMR 15 or 18mm; eco board 12–18mm | Made for moisture; PVC does not soak up water the way wood fibre does |
02 The boards compared
The boards compared
| Board | With water | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF | Swells if it stays wet | Smooth, takes paint | Dry carcasses, painted doors |
| Melamine | Faced both sides; cut edges need edge banding | Ready finish, four colours | Carcasses, shelves, doors in dry areas |
| Waterproof HMR board | High moisture resistant | Plain, to laminate or paint | Kitchens, bathrooms, sink units |
| PVC eco board (high density) | Does not soak up water | Plain white | Under-sink units, very wet areas |
| Plywood | Better than MDF, but not for standing water | Wood face | Heavy-duty frames and shelves |
03 Counter tips
Counter tips
- Seal every cut edge of MDF and melamine with edge banding; most swelling starts at an open edge.
- Use the cheaper board where it will do. Not every part needs HMR or eco board; we will tell you where plain MDF is fine.
- Order all the melamine for one kitchen together, so the colour matches across the job.
- We sell full 8ft × 4ft sheets only; your carpenter cuts the parts.
How to order
- WhatsApp the board, thickness, quantity and delivery location to +94 70 373 7515, or call 011 436 8919.
- We confirm stock and send today's price, including delivery.
- Collect from 110/A, Colombo Road, Piliyandala, or we deliver on our own lorries (island-wide depending on order size).
04 Pantry board questions
Pantry board questions
Is MDF good for kitchen cupboards?
Yes, for dry parts such as carcasses and painted doors. Keep it away from the sink: use waterproof HMR board or PVC eco board there.
Is melamine board waterproof?
The melamine faces resist splashes, but the core is wood fibre, so cut edges must be sealed with edge banding and the board should not sit in water.
MDF or plywood for kitchen cupboards?
MDF gives a smoother finish for painted doors; plywood is stronger for heavy shelves and frames. Many carpenters use both.
What thickness for pantry shelves?
18mm for most shelves; 15mm only for short spans with light loads.
Which board should go under the sink?
Waterproof HMR board (15 or 18mm) or high-density PVC eco board.