How solid wood, plywood, fiberboard and particleboard compare as cabinet materials for boxes, doors and shelves.
Cabinets are built from several materials, and each does a different job. Solid wood is used for frames and many doors. Plywood is made of thin layers glued in alternating directions, which makes it stable and strong. Medium density fiberboard, or MDF, is made of wood fibers pressed with resin, and gives a very smooth surface for paint. Particleboard is made from chips and is the least expensive but handles moisture poorly.
Quality cabinets often use more than one material, choosing each where it performs best. Plywood is common for boxes, solid wood for frames and stile-and-rail doors and MDF for painted panels that must stay flat. Nashville has humid summers, so moisture performance matters. We explain what each cabinet uses and ask the same question of any proposal you compare.
Beautiful and repairable, but it moves with humidity and can crack or warp.
Strong, stable and holds screws well. Good for boxes and shelves.
Very smooth and stable. Excellent for painted panels, but heavy and sensitive to water.
Economical, but swells if it gets wet and holds screws less well.
Plywood and solid wood hold hardware better than fiberboard.
Ask which material is used for boxes, shelves, doors and drawers.
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Cabinet Layout and Quantity CalculatorEnter your measurements to see base and wall cabinet counts, counter area, vanity widths, closet sections, bookcase bays and pantry shelves.Try it 
Should I Refresh or Replace My Cabinets? CheckerPick your cabinet type, condition and the signs you see to learn whether a tune-up, paint, refacing or replacement may fit.Try it 
Cabinet Budget PlannerPick a kitchen, bath, built-in or repair project, set the size and add allowances to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it For most cabinet boxes, yes. It resists moisture and holds screws better.
No. It is excellent for painted panels, but should be kept away from standing water.
Not always. Large flat panels can move, so many makers use veneer or MDF centers.
Comparison guideFramed vs FramelessHow face frame cabinets and frameless cabinets differ in look, storage, strength and installation.Learn more 
Comparison guideInset vs OverlayHow inset doors, full overlay doors and partial overlay doors differ in look, cost of labor and storage.Learn more 
Comparison guideDoor FinishesHow thermofoil, laminate, painted and natural wood doors compare in look, wear, repair and cleaning.Learn more 
Comparison guidePainted vs StainedHow painted and stained cabinets differ in look, upkeep, wood choice and repair.Learn more Call us and describe your room. We will visit, talk through options and give you a clear written estimate.
