Plywood, OSB or MDF: start with the application

Choosing a panel starts with the job it must perform. A visible furniture face, a machined cabinet door and a construction panel have different requirements.

Compare construction

Plywood uses bonded veneers. OSB uses oriented wood strands. MDF uses wood fibres. These constructions influence surface appearance and fabrication, but the exact grade still matters.

Compare the finish

Natural veneer highlights wood grain. Melamine and HPL offer decorative surfaces with specified colours and textures. Approve the finish separately from the substrate.

Specify performance

State the intended exposure, loads and required documentation. Never infer structural, moisture or fire performance from a generic product name. Compare quotations against the same written brief.