Choosing the right panel material affects how furniture looks, how long it lasts, and what it costs. This guide explains the four material types we work with most often — MFC, HPL, SGL and veneered wood — so you can specify with confidence, whether you're ordering a single batch or planning a full fit-out.
MFC is a chipboard core faced with a melamine-impregnated decorative paper, fused on under heat and pressure. It's our most cost-effective panel material and comes in a huge range of colours and woodgrain finishes, which is why it's the default choice for cabinet carcasses, wardrobes, shelving and general furniture components. It performs well in normal, dry, everyday-use conditions but isn't the best choice for areas exposed to heavy impact, standing water or constant abrasion — for those, see HPL or SGL below. We supply MFC directly and cut it to size; see our dedicated MFC page for board options and thicknesses.
HPL is made from layers of kraft paper impregnated with resin and fused together under much higher heat and pressure than melamine, then usually bonded to a substrate. It's significantly more resistant to scratches, impact, heat and moisture than MFC, making it the better choice for worktops, high-traffic furniture, and commercial or hospitality fit-outs such as reception desks and communal areas. Formica and Polyrey, two of the brands we supply, are both HPL products — see our Formica and Polyrey pages for the ranges available.
Also known as compact laminate, SGL is a dense, self-supporting panel made entirely from resin-impregnated layers pressed into a solid core, rather than a thin laminate bonded to a separate board. This makes it extremely resistant to moisture, impact and chemicals, and it doesn't need edge banding since it's solid through. SGL is the material of choice for wet or heavy-wear areas such as washroom cubicles, lockers and changing room fittings, and commercial worktops. Trespa, one of the leading SGL brands, is a product we supply regularly — see our Trespa page for the range.
Veneered wood products use a thin slice of real timber bonded to a stable substrate such as MDF, plywood or chipboard, then lacquered or oiled to protect the surface. This gives the genuine grain, colour and feel of solid wood at a lower weight, cost and movement risk than solid timber. We'd recommend veneer where the priority is a premium, natural finish — feature wardrobe doors, headboards and reception furniture — rather than maximum impact or moisture resistance, where HPL or SGL would be the better fit.
As a quick guide: choose MFC for cost-effective carcasses and general components in normal-use areas; HPL where surfaces need extra scratch, impact and heat resistance, such as worktops and high-traffic furniture; SGL for wet or heavy-wear areas like washroom cubicles and lockers; and veneered wood where a premium, natural timber look matters more than maximum durability. Most projects use a mix of these across different components, and we're happy to advise on the right combination — and supply cut-to-size samples — for your specification. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project.