Why Melamine & Wood Are the Most Durable Materials to Use for Constructing Custom Closets

But what are the best materials for building a custom closet?

While wood is an excellent custom closet material choice, there’s actually another type of material that is just as durable called Melamine.

In this article, we will thoroughly explore why wood and Melamine are the most popular materials to use for custom closets and help you decide which one is perfect for you.

Wood Custom Closets

Depending upon the type of wood you choose for your custom closet, it will have more durability and be able to withstand heavier loads.

You can utilize wood for the shelving, base of the closet itself, or even for both. When it comes to selecting a type of wood for your custom shelving units, many homeowners opt for plywood, as it is warp-resistant.

Plywood is a type of wooden material that is manufactured from thin layers, or plies, of wood veneers. These pieces are glued together with the adjacent layers having alternating directions of the grain.

Another popular wood for custom closets is Medium-Density Fiberboards or MDF. This engineered wood product is made by breaking down softwood or hardwood residuals into wood fibers, mixing it with a resin binder or wax, and then forming it into panels by applying high pressures and temperatures.

The main benefit of using wood to create your custom closet is the versatility. With countless kinds of wood available, you can truly craft a closet that caters to your exact aesthetics. 

Wood is also very durable and sturdy wooden custom closets can bear a lot of weight without warping or bending, giving you complete confidence in your closets.

However, wooden closets can also be quite expensive, depending upon the type of wood you select. MDF may also sag, so never use this material for your shelving. Plywood, while stronger than MDF, may also require additional reinforcement when it is utilized for closet shelving.

Melamine Custom Closets

Melamine is the most durable material for custom closets. It is made from organic chemical compounds that are significantly stronger than run-of-the-mill wood and aren’t toxic to children or pets. While still made from wood, Melamine includes more deliberately engineered elements to boost its durability.

While Melamine is made in the same fashion that plywood is, it will not warp. Moreover, the laminate coat it has makes it tolerate stains, heat, and moisture much better than normal wood.

Though Melamine is extremely lightweight, it is by no means fragile. Virtually impossible to break, Melamine is guaranteed to withstand the test of time. It is also shatter-resistant, water-resistant, mold-resistant, and is available in numerous colors and customization options, including Concrete, Cloud, Cocoa, White, and Blush finishes.

Its lightweight material makes it extremely easy to move around, so you can effortlessly restyle and move your custom closet shelves as often as you’d like. 

If you enjoy the look of wood but not the hefty price tag that can often accompany it, Melamine is a great alternative. It is an affordable alternative that has the same beauty as wood, and even more durability. Affordable Custom Closets & Garage discusses more about How Much a Custom Closet Costs and the factors involved in greater detail. 

While Melamine has very little drawbacks, it is still prone to scratching. You can avoid scratches by being vigilant about what you put on top of your Melamine shelving units and taking care when moving items around.

Also, while this material is water-resistant, storing damp clothing on it can ruin it over time.

What About Wire Closets?

If you’ve done your homework on custom closet materials, you may have noticed that wire is another popular option. However, there are many drawbacks to using wire shelving in your closet, including:

• Limited Functionality: Wire shelves have open spaces between the wires, making them take up more space than wood or Melamine.
• Limited Accessibility: You cannot store smaller items, such as jewelry or accessories, in wire shelves because they will easily fall through the gaps.
• Wire Shelving Can Dent Your Clothing: That’s right! No matter what type of material your clothing is made from, the wire grid will leave ugly indentations in your apparel.

Conclusion

When it comes to popular custom closet material choices, wood and Melamine are both superior choices, as they are both durable & long-lasting. They are also available in the most color and finish options so that you can truly create the custom closet of your dreams. But if you’re seeking long-lasting durability and affordability, Melamine is the obvious choice.