Know what you are buying —plywood vs MDF vs HDHMR: a material guide.

Boards — what to use where

Each board has a job it is good at. The mistakes happen when one is used outside it, usually to save a little money.

• BWP marine ply — kitchen base units, vanities, anywhere near water.
• BWR ply — wardrobes, beds, general interior carcassing.
• MR / commercial ply — dry areas and light-duty furniture only.
• HDHMR — dense and screw-friendly; excellent under paint and membrane.
• MDF — good for routed and moulded shutters, poor anywhere wet.
• Particle board — avoid for anything structural or damp.

Shutter finishes compared

The shutter is what you touch and what you see, and it is usually the largest single cost decision in a kitchen or wardrobe.

• Laminate — the most durable per rupee; huge range; hides marks well.
• Acrylic — high gloss and depth of colour; shows fingerprints.
• PU — sprayed finish, any shade, repairable but costlier.
• Membrane — seamless and routed; avoid sustained heat.
• Veneer — real wood grain, can be polished; needs maintenance.
• Glass — striking on wall units; heavier and needs good hinges.

Small checks that save money later

None of these cost anything to ask about, and each one prevents a common regret.

• Check the ISI grade stamp on the sheet, not just the brochure.
• Ask what edge banding is used — thin banding peels first.
• Confirm hardware by brand name, not just 'soft-close'.
• Ask for anti-termite treatment in ground-floor and damp-wall areas.
• Keep leftover laminate for future repairs and matching.