Choosing the Right Panel for Your Project: MFC vs MDF vs Veneer

Every project begins with the right foundation - here’s how to choose yours. 

When you’re designing or building furniture, selecting the correct core material can dramatically affect performance, appearance and cost. At Cutlist, we work with three of the most popular materials in the trade: MFC, MDF and Veneered boards. 

MFC (Melamine-Faced Chipboard) 

Perfect for: Cabinets, wardrobes and fitted furniture. 

MFC is durable, easy to clean and available in hundreds of finishes. Its pre-applied melamine surface makes it ideal for large-scale projects where consistency and speed matter. If you’re fitting out kitchens, offices, or wardrobes, MFC keeps things simple and efficient. 

MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) 

Perfect for: Painted doors and decorative furniture. 

MDF provides a smooth, uniform surface that’s ideal for paint and spray finishes. It machines beautifully, allowing for detailed profiles and mouldings - which is why it’s the core material we use for our Shaker doors, made from 22mm Finsa Hidrofugo for moisture resistance and long-lasting stability. 

Veneer 

Perfect for: High-end, natural finishes. 

Veneered boards offer the beauty of real timber without the limitations of solid wood. Each piece has unique grain and character, adding warmth and authenticity to luxury interiors. Veneer works brilliantly for statement doors, panels and bespoke joinery. If you send through your designs, we can grain-match your panels, so your end finish is high-quality and clean. 

At Cutlist, we can cut and edge all three materials to your exact specification, ensuring you get the best foundation for every build - whether you’re after performance, precision, or pure visual impact.