How to Choose Boards for Whole-House Customization? — One Guide to Answer All Your Questions

🌸 Get ready for a major renovation expense!
Do your homework on whole-house customization in advance to strictly minimize potential pitfalls!
🌸 Boards are categorized into two types: solid wood and engineered wood.
Engineered wood, in turn, consists of two components: the core material and the surface finish.
1⃣ Core Materials:
Particleboard, multi-layer board (plywood), MDF (medium-density fiberboard), eco-board, solid wood board, OSB (oriented strand board—mostly used for structural backing).
2⃣ Common Surface Finishes:
👉 Melamine-impregnated paper film
Also known as double-sided laminate, melamine board, wear-resistant board, Egger board, integrated board, or paint-free board.
Suitable styles: Modern minimalist, Nordic, natural wood, etc.
👉 Lacquer/Painted Finish
The paint coating completely covers all six sides of the board.
Suitable styles: Modern, minimalist, etc.
👉 Solid Wood Veneer Finish
Suitable styles: New Chinese, natural wood, minimalist, etc.
👉 Blister / Molded / PVC Film Finish
Suitable styles: European, vintage/retro, American, etc.
👉 PET Finish
Suitable styles: Modern, Italian, "Cream" aesthetic, etc.
👉 Electrostatic Powder Coating
Suitable styles: Minimalist, French, Industrial, etc.
3⃣ Edge Banding (Main Types):
Laser Edge Banding > PUR Edge Banding > EVA Edge Banding
🍃 Laser Edge Banding
German HOMAG edge banding machines cost millions per unit; few domestic manufacturers possess such equipment, resulting in a higher price point.
🍃 PUR Edge Banding
Uses an adhesive that is more expensive than EVA. It offers excellent stability and strong adhesion, meaning less adhesive is required during production, resulting in a very fine, almost invisible glue line.
🍃 EVA Edge Banding
Widely used, though it faces some controversy. Some claim the adhesive is susceptible to temperature fluctuations, making it prone to cracking or detachment, and that the edge banding leaves a visible dark line. Others argue that if high-quality adhesive is used, these issues are significantly mitigated.
🌸 For everyday use, EVA edge banding is perfectly adequate; however, if your budget permits, opt for PUR edge banding. As for laser edge banding—if you have a generous budget, go for it without hesitation! 4⃣ Environmental Rating:
ENF > F⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ > National Standard E0 > National Standard E1
5⃣ Hardware:
🇨🇳 Domestic Brands:
DTC, Higold, Dinggu, Nomi, Adams, Huitalong, etc.
🎃 Imported Brands:
Hettich, Blum, Kesseböhmer, Hafele, Grass, Salice
🌸 Domestic brands are generally sufficient for most needs; however, for hardware components that experience high usage frequency or are prone to wear and tear, you may wish to consider opting for imported brands.