Types of Wood Panels and Their Properties

Wood panels are sheets that are made from various wood-based materials, and are joined together by using an industrial adhesive. These panels are generally flat in appearance, however sometimes they can be curved in shape.

Joined together using different strands, fibres and particles combined with an industrial adhesive using pressure and heat. The most common types produced commercially are plywood, fibreboard and particleboard. However, there are also other types used with different properties for specialised markets and applications.

Generally wooden panels can be grouped into two different types, based on their particular uses and structures. Materials used for industrial applications and structural systems such as buildings, and formwork. The other types are produced for non-structural use and applications such as furniture. 

Our bespoke  panel products are used for a variety of applications, from bespoke furniture to healthcare equipment and everyday household fittings. Our main materials consist of Plywood panels, MDF panels, Melamine panels and Laminate panels. Each come with individual unique properties:

1. Plywood Panels

Plywood panels are made by gluing together individual layers of thick veneer (a form of thin sheet wood). Plywood can be made from both forms of hardwood and softwood with many different types of adhesives.

Due to its strength and durability, plywood panels can be used for a variety of different purposes including roofing, flooring, hoarding as well as walling. As plywood is such a versatile material, it is available in different forms such as exterior, marine and fire-rated plywood.

Plywood panels can be used for a range of furniture applications. Birch plywood is becoming increasingly popular for furniture manufacture due to its strength and durability.

2. MDF Panels

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) panels are formed by combining resin and wax with either wood or other cellulosic fibres (fibres structured from a starch-like carbohydrate) under a heat source to form the MDF panel structure. 

MDF panels are often the most common choice for products that require high machinability and can be available in exterior grade and zero added formaldehyde. In addition to this, MDF panels are lightweight, moisture resistant and fire-rated, and are frequently used in construction for furniture, cabinets, doors and moulding.

3. Melamine Panels

Melamine or otherwise referred to as a low-pressure laminate is formed when this paper is applied at 300-500 Pounds per Square Inch (pressure) on a substrate board. Moreover, melamine is the glue that is used to saturate layers of paper to transform into a firm plastic surface through thermal fusion processes. 

Melamine or otherwise referred to as thermally fused laminate, is a decorative surface option for both MDF panels as well as particleboard panels. Melamine panels do not require sanding and finishing like most solid wood products require. 

Melamine panels come in a range of different textures and thicknesses. And can be finished with different forms of edgings to support the melamine faced products, in order to create a family of products.

4. Laminate Panels

Laminate is formed when sheets of paper are soaked in plastic resin and placed under 1400 Pounds per Square Inch (pressure) on a substrate. This then creates High Pressure Laminate. Laminate panels combine flexibility and high-wear resistance in order to create a range of shapely designs.

There are different types of commercial and industrial laminate panels available. General purpose laminate panels are commonly used for countertops, vertical grade laminate panels are used for cabinets that do not sustain large amounts of direct wear and tear. As well as post forming laminate panels are used for curving and rolling applications for more malleable purposes. 

At Alexander Cleghorn, we provide a range of vibrant and subtle laminate colours, woodgrains and material effects in order to match your exact needs and requirements.

In summary, all our wood panel products come in a range of different forms and have versatile properties suited to meet your specific requirements. Our bespoke products  have become increasingly popular due to the range of materials available and our ability to achieve your designs cost effectively with a personalised approach, we manufacture tailor made furniture to the highest of standards economically and sustainably.

To meet your requirements of one piece or more, at Alexander Cleghorn we can manufacture wood-based components to meet your exacting requirements and specifications. For all of your Plywood, MDF, Melamine and Laminate needs contact us today by calling us on 01621 815551 or sending an email to sales@alexcleg.co.uk.