Are Melamine and Wood the Best Material Options for Building Custom Closets?

Melamine, a nitrogen-based compound, is created by heating wood, paper and resin particles under extreme heat. Also known as thermally fused laminate, Melamine is a very popular building material for custom closets. Thermally fused refers to the heat process used to attach the melamine to the particleboard. 

The pricing for purchasing a custom closet varies based on what material you choose as well as any preferred accessories selected during the design process. If you need to keep to a specific budget, Melamine is typically less expensive than wood. The cost of wood varies depending on the type you use. 

An important element in determining the cost is the size of your custom closet. If you plan to install extra cabinets and drawers, using Melamine can keep your costs down. Wood is best for smaller closet spaces and simpler systems. Innovative Home Storage goes into further detail about the different sizes and costs associated with purchasing custom closets in What is the Average Price of a Custom Closet. 

If you live in a humid climate or your custom closets are located next to your bathroom, moisture may be an issue. Melamine is water-resistant and prevents mold and mildew from forming so it can be used in any type of climate and location in your home. 

When you invest in custom closets, durability is of the utmost importance. You want your new closets to last as long as you live in your home. Solid wood and Melamine are both strong materials. Wood is sturdy and can hold a great amount of weight. By the same token, Melamine is not only durable, but also shatterproof, scratch-resistant and able to withstand heavy duty usage. 

In regards to maintenance, wood does tend to require a bit more upkeep as compared to Melamine. Melamine requires only to be wiped down periodically with a damp cloth. 

Wood is a very versatile material with many different types available. Many people select wood closets because they love the look and feel of solid wood, especially if their home already has wood trim or wood floors built in. Because wood is a natural material, each panel may vary slightly because individual trees have their own colors, patterns, and textures.

At the same time, Melamine can also be found in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to find a material that matches your home’s decor. Wood closets are beautiful all on their own. They also have the versatility of being painted different colors. Again, this all depends on your design preferences. 

Custom closets are designed for specific spaces. Because Melamine can be cut in any shape or dimension, custom closets made of Melamine can fit easily into unused spaces such as the corners of a room, allowing you to maximize every square inch of space in your custom closet. Melamine is lightweight so is a good option for adjustable closet systems.

Both wood and Melamine are excellent choices for constructing custom closets. Each material has its own set of benefits. Use the factors listed above to select the right material for your custom closets. Base your decision on style, durability, and budget.