GuideChipboard, MDF, veneer
or FENIX?
How to choose the material for carcasses, fronts and worktop – pros, cons and the effect on price.
Via WhatsApp or the form with photos – you get a first proposal within two working days. No obligation.
The material determines how furniture looks, how well it wears and what it costs. In this guide we explain what the carcasses are made of, what the options are for fronts and worktops, and when paying extra is really worth it.
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Guide
Carcasses: the base you don't see
We make carcasses from quality decor-faced chipboard (Egger, Kronospan) with ABS edging. Decor chipboard is stable, durable and easy to maintain, which makes it the right material for the inside of wardrobes and kitchens. Our back panels are 18 mm board (8 mm for white carcasses), so the carcass is rigid and the shelves don't sag. Drawers are built with the Blum LEGRABOX system.
Fronts: this is where you decide the look
Decor (decor-faced chipboard). The most affordable choice. Several hundred decors are available – plain colours, wood grains with a tactile texture, stone. Resistant to scratches and moisture, easy to clean. Suitable for most kitchens, wardrobes and children's rooms.
Lacquered MDF. Any colour you like, matt or gloss, softly rounded edges. It gives a uniform, calm look. It costs more than decor and is more sensitive to knocks, so we recommend it where looks come first.
Veneer (oak, walnut, ash). Real wood on the surface – every front has its own grain. A warm, natural look that ages beautifully. The price is similar to lacquered MDF.
FENIX. A matt material with a soft touch on which fingerprints are barely visible. It resists scratches and heat, and fine scratches can be repaired. It is one of the more expensive options, but very practical for dark fronts.
You can already see the difference in our prices: a kitchen starts at around €1,500 per linear metre with decor fronts and around €1,900 with veneer or lacquer. Work out a guide price for your room with the calculator.
Worktop
Laminate is the most affordable and durable enough for everyday use. Compact board is thin (around 12 mm), highly resistant to moisture and knocks, with a solid-colour core visible at the edge. Ceramic and stone are the most resistant to heat and scratches, but also the most expensive; we only measure a stone or ceramic worktop once the base units are installed.
How to choose
If you want good value for money: decor carcasses and fronts, quality Blum hardware and a worktop that suits the way you cook. Paying extra for veneer, lacquer or FENIX makes sense for fronts you see every day – the kitchen, living room, walk-in wardrobe. For wardrobe interiors and children's rooms, decor is usually the best choice.
Send us your room measurements and we will prepare a proposal with materials that suit your space and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which front material is the most durable?
For everyday use, decor (decor-faced chipboard) is the most durable – it resists scratches, moisture and cleaning products. FENIX resists scratches and fingerprints, while lacquered MDF and veneer are more sensitive to knocks.
Is veneer more expensive than lacquer?
The price is similar. A kitchen with veneer or lacquer starts at around €1,900 per linear metre, and with decor fronts at around €1,500.
Can I combine materials?
Yes. A common combination is veneered base units with tall units in decor or lacquer. The carcasses are always decor-faced chipboard.
What hardware do you use?
Blum hardware with soft-close, and the LEGRABOX system for drawers. Blum hardware carries the manufacturer's lifetime warranty.
Send a photo of the room and the measurements.
Via WhatsApp or the form with photos – you get a first proposal within two working days. No obligation.
Not sure which material to choose?
Send us the measurements or a photo of the room – we will suggest materials that suit your space and budget.
- Reply within 2 working days
- A short call or consultation
- Itemised quote – no obligation
- Once confirmed: measuring and 3D plan