Chipboard, Melamine and MDF:
Still One of the Smartest Choices for Modern Kitchens
And no, it’s not just a “cheap option”
We hear it often: “Isn’t chipboard just the budget stuff?” Or “Shouldn’t we go for something more high-end, like real wood?”
Here’s the thing, we’re all for beautiful kitchens that feel tailored and solid. But we also believe in using the right materials for the right purpose. And sometimes, that means materials like chipboard with melamine or MDF are actually the smartest, most premium-feeling choice for your space.
What exactly is chipboard and melamine?
Chipboard is made by pressing wood chips together with resin, it’s dense, stable, and super reliable.
Melamine is a tough, plastic-like layer that’s bonded onto the board. Think of it like a skin, available in literally hundreds of finishes, from textured oaks to soft-touch blacks to raw concrete effects.
Put together, melamine-faced chipboard is what we use in a large portion of our cabinetry. Not because it’s “cheap”, but because it works. Really well.
And MDF? Where does that fit in?
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a bit smoother and heavier. It’s great for painted finishes and doors with detail, think shaker grooves, fluting, curves, or anything we want to spray in a custom colour.
We use MDF a lot when you want that sleek, painted look. It paints beautifully, doesn’t chip like solid wood, and gives a crisp, high-end finish.
Why we choose chipboard with melamine, not settle for it
At DB Studio, material choice isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about:
- What holds up well over time
- What gives the cleanest finish
- What fits the function of the space
And melamine chipboard ticks all three.
It’s incredibly stable
Unlike natural wood, it doesn’t move, warp or expand with moisture or heat, perfect for kitchens.
It looks amazing
Modern melamine finishes are in a different league. Textured grains. Matt black. Anti-fingerprint. Soft greys. It’s not just “white melamine” anymore.
It’s easy to clean
Wipe it with a cloth and you’re done. No resealing, no sanding, no drama.
It installs cleanly
Because the panels are pre-finished, there’s no messy painting on site, just a crisp, professional fit from day one.
Where MDF works better
We often pair chipboard carcasses with MDF doors, especially when:
- You want a sprayed or painted look
- You want routed details or shaker-style doors
- You’re going for something more classic or soft-edged
It’s not about which one is “better”, it’s about what makes sense for the look and feel you’re after.
Smart kitchens use a mix
Some of the most expensive kitchens we’ve built use chipboard + melamine for the cabinet bodies and MDF for the fronts. Why? Because it performs. It feels solid. It looks stunning. And it keeps the budget where it matters, in the quality of the build and the details you actually see and touch.
It's not about cheap. It’s about clever.
We’ll always guide you toward materials that work hard, look great, and fit your lifestyle. Sometimes that’s melamine chipboard. Sometimes it’s MDF. Sometimes it’s a combo of both.