Melamine board (LDSP)

LDSP (laminated chipboard, or melamine-faced particleboard) is pressed wood particles on a binder, covered on both sides with a melamine film carrying a décor. It is used for carcasses of wardrobes, kitchen units, dressing rooms, shelving and desks. The material is inexpensive, dimensionally stable and comes in many décors imitating wood, stone and plain colours.

Size and thickness. A standard sheet is 2750×1830 mm, most often 16 mm thick (other thicknesses exist, for example for worktops and shelves). Thickness affects strength: long shelves sag, so they are made thicker or reinforced with stiffening ribs. Check the final specifications of a particular board in the manufacturer's datasheet.

Ecology. Boards are divided into formaldehyde emission classes: E1 is considered more environmentally friendly than E2. For homes choose class E1 or better. Good manufacturers (for example Egger and Kronospan) publish certificates. Ask the furniture maker for a document for the board, not just a verbal "we use good board".

Edging is what defines quality. The board edges must be closed with PVC edging: it protects from moisture and steam. Thicker edging (2 mm, for example) protects the edge better against knocks and moisture, but is more noticeable on edges in view. Badly glued edging peels, the board absorbs moisture and swells. Sealing the edges is especially important by the sink, the dishwasher and in the bathroom.

Pros and cons. Pros: price, wide choice of décors, stable geometry, simple production. Cons: poor with water (especially a cut without edging), cannot handle complex routed shapes, sags if too thin, holds fixings worse than solid wood. For routed and painted fronts MDF is used, and for wet zones moisture-resistant materials or edge protection.

How we do it. In our furniture specifications we always state the board, brand, décor, thickness and edge type: these are the details on which savings are made unnoticed by the client. If you are offered "the same" board without a name, ask for a sample and a document. The made-to-order furniture drawings in the design project show what each carcass is made of and where extra water protection is needed.