Furniture Materials & Room Guide
Everything you need to choose the right materials, finishes and items for each room — quick, practical and written in plain language.
If you are looking for one room only (example: Bedroom), click the Bedroom link above or press the orange Request Quote button in the section. Each section has a short checklist, recommended materials, and a short "what to ask us" to help you when you call or request a quote.
Below is a practical, workshop-friendly list of materials commonly used in custom furniture. For each item you’ll find what it is, pros/cons, common uses and a short tip.
What: Full timber pieces milled from logs. Strong and long-lasting.
Uses: Bed frames, sofa frames, premium tables, carved elements and visible mantles.
Pros: Very durable, can be repaired and refinished, high perceived value.
Cons: Expensive, can change shape in extreme humidity if not properly dried.
Tip: Use seasoned timber (well-dried) and finish with PU varnish for longevity.
What: Thin wood veneers glued in alternating layers. Available in grades and thicknesses.
Uses: Cabinet carcasses, bed bases, shelves, drawer bottoms.
Pros: Strong for its weight, stable, takes screws and glue well.
Cons: Edges need edge-banding; low-grade plywood can delaminate if wet.
Tip: Use 18mm for wardrobes and 12–18mm for shelves. For kitchens use marine/exterior grade or properly sealed plywood.
What: Wooden strips sandwiched between veneers — lighter than solid wood, stronger than particle board.
Uses: Doors, panels, light duty furniture where warp-resistance is needed.
Pros: Cost-effective, stable for doors/panels.
Cons: Not ideal for heavy-duty shelving; edges need finishing.
What: Fibres bonded with resin into flat boards — smooth surface ideal for painted finishes.
Uses: Painted panels, intricate routed designs, indoor cabinets.
Pros: Smooth surface, consistent, easy to paint and machine.
Cons: Not water-friendly; use with care in kitchens/bathrooms or use moisture-resistant MDF.
What: Wood chips pressed with resin. Low cost alternative.
Uses: Budget furniture, laminated shelves, low-cost cabinets.
Pros: Cheap, widely available.
Cons: Low screw-holding strength and poor water resistance.
What: High-density boards (HDF) and oriented strand board (OSB) for specific structural uses.
Uses: Flooring underlay, specific structural work where specified.
What: Thin real-wood layers (veneer) or plastic surface (laminate) glued onto boards.
Uses: Finishes for cabinets, doors and furniture fronts.
Pros: Veneer gives real wood look with less cost; laminates are scratch and stain resistant.
Cons: Veneer can delaminate if glued badly; laminate edges require clean banding.
What: Engineered and natural stones used for counters and tops.
Uses: Kitchen countertops, vanity tops, durable table tops.
Pros: Durable, heat/stain resistance (especially quartz), premium look.
Cons: Heavy and expensive; requires strong support frame.
Uses: Doors, shelves, tabletops, display cabinets.
Tip: Use toughened glass for safety—always specify thickness (6mm/8mm/10mm) depending on use.
Uses: Legs, hardware, frame supports, handles and kitchen profiles.
Tip: Use SS for humid/outdoor areas to avoid rust; aluminium for lightweight frames.
Uses: Sofa cushions, upholstery and mattresses.
Tip: HR foam for long life and comfort; choose stain-resistant fabrics for families with kids.
Common: Fevicol (PVA), PU glue, epoxy for special bonds. Screws, camlocks, dowels, soft-close hinges, ball-bearing slides.
Tip: For kitchens and wet areas prefer PU glue and corrosion-resistant screws.
| Material | Strength | Water resistance | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood | High | Medium (needs finish) | High | Premium furniture, frames |
| Plywood (18mm) | High | Good (if marine grade) | Mid | Cabinets, wardrobes, carcasses |
| MDF | Medium | Poor (normal MDF) | Low–Mid | Painted panels, decorative pieces |
| Particle Board | Low | Poor | Low | Budget furniture, laminated shelves |
| Laminate / HPL | Surface | Good | Low–Mid | Kitchen shutters & tops (decorative) |
Tip: For long-lasting kitchens use marine plywood carcass + quartz/granite countertop + HPL or acrylic shutters.
Essential items: Bed frame, Mattress, Wardrobe, Bedside tables, Dresser/vanity, TV unit (optional).
Recommended: Solid wood frame for long life; plywood frame with veneer is a cost-effective alternative. For upholstered beds use a solid plywood platform with a timber frame for headboard.
Use 18mm plywood for the carcass, 6–8mm for back panels. For humid areas choose marine-grade plywood. Use edge-banding for exposed edges and ball-bearing drawer slides.
Choose mattress based on comfort preference. For upholstery pick HR foam for cushions and stain-resistant fabric if you have children/pets.
What to ask us when requesting a bedroom quote: room dimensions, preferred mattress size, style (modern/traditional), budget range, and preferred finish (paint/veneer/laminate).
Request Bedroom Quote Call NowEssentials: Base cabinets, Wall cabinets, Countertop, Sink area, Chimney / Hood, Tall storage unit, Backsplash
Kitchen design tips: keep wet zones (sink, dishwasher) away from tall electrical units; provide ventilation near hob; use full-height splashback behind hob; provide dedicated spice racks and cutlery drawers.
Request Kitchen QuoteEssentials: Desk, Ergonomic chair, Storage cabinets, Shelves, Meeting table (if applicable).
Common items: Sofa set, Coffee table, TV unit, Display shelves, Bookcase.
For sofas use solid wood frames + HR foam; for TV units use 18mm plywood carcass plus laminate/veneer fascias. Add display lighting for shelves for premium feel.
Request Living Room QuoteBathroom furniture must be moisture resistant:
For outdoor furniture choose teak, treated wood, powder-coated aluminium or synthetic rattan. Always use weatherproof finishes and stainless steel hardware.
Request Outdoor QuoteSmall parts matter for long-term satisfaction:
All plywood edges must be finished with PVC/ABS edge banding or solid wood lipping. For kitchens and bathrooms seal edges using PU or silicone to avoid moisture ingress.
We prepared a printable one-page checklist you can download and use when measuring or deciding. (Upload your PDF to /downloads/materials-checklist.pdf for the button to work.)
Need help choosing? Chat on WhatsApp or Request a Quote
Edge banding: Thin strip (PVC/ABS/wood) used to finish exposed board edges.
Carcass: The internal body of cabinets or furniture (the structure that holds shelves/drawers).
HPL (High Pressure Laminate): Durable plastic laminate used on shutters and tops.