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Which MFC brand is right for me?
18 October 2023
Written by Alex Langstaff-Ellis October 2023
With hundreds of MFC boards available, picking the right one can feel like an impossible task. Choosing by brand is a great way to start your search, before narrowing your search through the different decors and finishes. Here are our thoughts on the marketing leaders and where they excel.
Egger
Egger are one of the biggest players in the Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC) market. Being one of the biggest brands means their network and product support reaches far and wide. Prices are in the mid-premium range and availability is excellent. Egger offer:
- High quality boards. Chipboard core is dense and melamine papers are durable.
- Market-leading marketing material, handy swatch books to show your customer what’s available.
- Very useful website aimed at industry professionals. Excellent UK stock, Free sample service.
These are some reasons to consider another brand:
- Egger’s price is mid-range. Similar boards can be found at better prices from other manufacturers.
- The décor range isn’t as beautiful or designer as some of the other brands, but that’s subjective!
Kronospan
Kronospan are a huge manufacturer of panel products with a broad range of decors. Their range of MFC is reasonably well stocked with UK suppliers, but their swatch book isn’t as helpful as it could be with a number decors not stocked widely in the UK. With manufacturing improvements over the years, Kronospan has just about shaken off its image as a lower quality MFC. Kronospan offer:
- Good quality boards at very competitive prices, good stock levels across the UK.
- Some decors are also available with an MDF core. Some gorgeous contemporary, wood grains available.
- A handy swatch book, but be careful to choose something stocked in the UK. Free sample service.
These are some reasons to consider another brand:
- Kronospan’s surface can be slightly more prone to chipping than other brands, keep your blades sharp.
- Kronospan’s range is only just being brought up to date. They have some lovely decors, but also some old-fashioned, basic ones in the mix!
Xylo Cleaf:
(or Cleaf) are an Italian manufactured board, so it’s probably no surprise that the range is full of stunning contemporary decors, Cleaf is certainly the ‘designer’ brand when it comes to decorative panels. Concrete, stone, fabric, and wood finishes are absolutely gorgeous. Xylo Cleaf offer:
- High quality finishes, fit for the most luxurious interiors and furniture.
- The decors work well together, making easy to combine different Xylo Cleaf decors within the same scheme.
- Favoured by interior design professionals, its easy to find something you like from their range.
These are some reasons to consider another brand:
- The premium price doesn’t really get you a better-quality board, it’s all about the appearance.
- Edge banding is only available in 1mm to match the Xylo Cleaf range. Samples and swatches are not free.
Saviola:
Made in Italy, Saviola boast to be the first MFC board manufactured with 100% recycled wood content which should be something every considered when spending their money these days. Despite that being Saviola’s primary benefit, the range itself is really, really nice and includes loads of contemporary wood grains and finishes.
- The highlight is the 100% recycled wood content, a point to be applauded.
- Excellent prices on this well-rounded range of decors. Giving premium-priced brands a run for their money.
- Another 20 décors just released to the UK market, giving even more choice.
These are some reasons to consider another brand:
- Saviola aren’t the biggest manufacturer, so swatch books and samples are not easy to get. This makes showing and selling these boards to your customers that little bit harder.
- Whilst being made from 100% recycled content is very positive, the boards are manufactured in Italy so the carbon cost importing of these boards should be considered when comparing against boards manufactured here in the UK (Egger/Kronospan)
Swiss Krono:
Swiss Krono make a range of extremely good value MFC decors, the price-point is very much front and centre. Being a low price doesn’t mean low quality though, and Swiss Krono hold their own when compared to others like Kronospan and Saviola. The UK stocked range is modest, but has something for everyone, including some contemporary concrete finishes.
- Superb prices. Down-grade on price but not quality.
- A modest range of boards including woodgrains, stones and colours. Keeping the choice simple is often best! Goods stock levels within the UK so supply of last-minute boards is usually a breeze.
These are some reasons to consider another brand:
- If you don’t find a décor within the modest range on offer, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
To browse the ranges created by these manufacturers click here.
Conclusions:
Picking a brand probably starts with finding what matters to you the most. Have a think about these factors before delving into the décor collections of each brand.
Are you shopping on price?
If price is your main focus then have a look at Swiss Krono first because they knock spots of the other manufacturers when it comes to price. Kronospan is another good option with attractive prices, Saviola not far behind.
How are your customers going to choose?
We all know what its like to have too much choice, and I’m sure your customers are the same. If your customer askes for an Oak finish for their wardrobes, how are they going to pick which Oak they want? This is where good marketing material makes life easy, and Egger do this well. Egger boasts the best marketing materials including an easy-pick-from swatch book (when available) and their sample service for professionals is usually free. If you want the easy ‘one stop shop’ and take your customer through just one brochure, then Egger is the way to go.
Is high quality your focus?
Egger would be the stand-out manufacture for quality of the board although it has to be said most boards are very similar in quality these days so there isn’t much to go on.
If we talk about quality of décor design then Xylo Cleaf are the ones to look at. They offer a large range of the most attractive decors, but you do pay for the privilege.
Easy of supply, reliability.
Sometimes it can be a struggle to get hold of a product, and this can throw a spanner in the works. It’s no good being the best or the cheapest if stock is always unavailable. For that reason, our website only shows boards which are typically available within 24/48 hours from suppliers. This means if an issue or mistake is made, additional boards can be supplied without a headache.
If you’re still unsure of which brand will suit your project, give our office a call today. We’re here to help.
Bio:
Written by Alex Langstaff-Ellis October 2023.
Founder and Managing Director at Cutlist and Founder, non-executive Director Langstaff-Ellis limited, luxury interior makers.