Most cabinet boxes are made from one of two sheet materials: plywood or particle board. Both are usually covered in melamine, so they look the same from the outside; the difference shows up where water, screws and weight are involved. VanStro kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities use ¾" plywood boxes.
How the two are made
- Plywood is thin layers of wood veneer glued together, with the grain of each layer turned against the next.
- Particle board is wood chips and sawdust pressed together with resin into a flat sheet.
- MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is wood fibre pressed into a dense, smooth sheet. It is mostly used for doors, not boxes. VanStro doors are ¾" MDF wrapped in PVC thermofoil.
Where the difference matters
| Plywood | Particle board | |
|---|---|---|
| Edges near water | Layers hold their shape better when an edge gets wet | Chips can swell if water reaches an unsealed edge |
| Screws and hinges | Layered grain holds screws well, including when a hinge is re-screwed | Screw holes can loosen if they are tightened repeatedly |
| Weight | Lighter than particle board of the same thickness | Heavier |
| Cost | Costs more | Costs less |
Which parts of a cabinet to check
- The box (sides, bottom, back). This carries the countertop and the sink, and it is where water from a leak or a wet floor sits.
- Shelves. Long shelves carry dishes and can sag over time.
- Drawer boxes. They take the most daily wear.
- The sink base and vanity. These see the most water in any kitchen or bathroom.
What VanStro uses
- Box: ¾" plywood with melamine on both sides.
- Shelves: ¾" cabinet-grade plywood with finished front edges.
- Drawer boxes: ⅝" plywood with a melamine finish.
- Doors: ¾" MDF Shaker doors wrapped in PVC thermofoil with a matte soft-touch finish.
- Bathroom vanities are built the same way as the kitchen cabinets.
Caring for any cabinet box
Wipe up standing water instead of letting it air-dry, especially along door edges and the toe kick. Apply cleaner to the cloth, not directly onto the cabinet, so it does not pool in seams. See cabinet care for details.