The four main boards at a glance
| Board | Structure | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle board (chipboard) | Wood chips bonded under heat and pressure | Affordable, stable, resists warping | Average moisture resistance and screw-holding | Wardrobes, bookcases, TV walls |
| Multi-layer plywood | Thin veneers cross-laminated | Excellent moisture resistance, strong screw-holding | Higher price; large panels can bow | Kitchens, bathroom cabinets, tatami beds |
| MDF (medium-density fibreboard) | Wood fibres compressed | Very smooth surface, can be moulded | Moisture-sensitive, weaker load-bearing | Decorative doors, headboards |
| Solid wood | Single piece of timber | Beautiful, durable, premium feel | Expensive, warps in humidity, needs care | Worktops, statement pieces |
Board prices vary by brand and grade; always confirm the brand and thickness on the quotation.
Particle board: the value pick
Particle board is the most common board for cabinet bodies because it is affordable and dimensionally stable — it does not easily twist or deform, which keeps doors aligned for years. For dry areas such as wardrobes, bookcases and TV storage walls, it delivers the best storage per dollar. Just make sure the edges are sealed with good banding so humidity cannot creep in.
Multi-layer plywood: the safe pick for Hong Kong humidity
Plywood's cross-laminated veneers give it the best moisture resistance among engineered boards, plus strong screw-holding for hinges and runners. That is why we recommend it for kitchens, bathroom cabinets and any position close to water. The trade-off is a higher price than particle board — but for wet areas it is money well spent.
MDF: great shapes, but not everywhere
MDF has the smoothest surface of all engineered boards and can be routed into elegant profiles, making it ideal for decorative cabinet doors and curved headboards. However, it absorbs moisture and has weaker load-bearing strength, so avoid it in kitchens, bathrooms and any long-span shelving.
Solid wood: beautiful, but not always practical in HK
Solid wood looks and feels premium, but in Hong Kong's high humidity it can warp, crack and needs regular maintenance, and it is significantly more expensive. When a quotation says "solid wood", ask whether it means true solid timber or a solid-wood veneer over engineered board — the price difference is huge.
Board selection by space
| Space | Recommended board | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | Multi-layer plywood | High humidity, heat and daily use |
| Bathroom cabinets | Multi-layer plywood | Constant moisture exposure |
| Wardrobes (bedrooms) | Particle board | Dry area, best value and stability |
| TV walls / bookcases | Particle board | Light loads, cost-effective |
| Tatami beds / window seats | Multi-layer plywood | Under-bed storage near the floor |
| Decorative doors / headboards | MDF | Moulding and smooth finish |
Beyond the board: edge banding, hardware and certification
Board choice is important, but three things decide how long your furniture actually lasts: sealed edge banding (moisture's main entry point), hardware quality (hinges and runners determine ten years of daily use) and certification (E1/E0/ENF formaldehyde grades with test reports). At FameHouse, boards, edge banding, hardware brands and warranty periods are all itemised on the quotation — and our materials programme is designed for Hong Kong's humid climate.
FAQ
Particle board or plywood for custom furniture?
Match it to the location: particle board for dry areas such as wardrobes and bookcases (best value); multi-layer plywood for kitchens and bathroom cabinets (best moisture resistance).
What do E0 and E1 mean?
They are formaldehyde emission grades. E1 is the mandatory standard; E0 is lower. Always ask for the board's test report before signing.
Which board is safest in HK's humidity?
Multi-layer plywood for wet areas; particle board is fine for dry areas if edge banding is properly sealed. Sealed edges matter more than the board itself.
Is MDF always bad?
No — its smooth surface suits decorative doors and headboards, but it is moisture-sensitive and weaker, so keep it away from kitchens and bathrooms.
Solid wood vs plywood?
Solid wood is a single piece of timber — premium but expensive and humidity-sensitive. Plywood is cross-laminated veneers — stable, moisture-resistant and practical for Hong Kong.
How do I know which board a company really uses?
Get the board brand and model in writing, view samples and request test reports. FameHouse lists every board, edge banding and hardware specification on the quote.