Kitchen Cabinet Sheets in Pakistan: Plywood, MDF, Particle Board, PVC and HPL Laminates, Thickness, Moisture Resistance, Edge Banding and Rates per Sheet
Kitchen cabinet sheets are the boards and surface laminates that cabinets are made from, and the sheet you choose decides how well your kitchen handles water, heat and daily use. This page compares plywood, MDF, particle board and PVC boards for the carcase and laminates, HPL and veneers for the surface, with thickness, moisture resistance, edge banding and indicative rates per sheet. For finished PVC kitchens see PVC kitchen cabinets, and for planning see modular kitchens and wooden kitchens.
Carcase boards compared
The carcase is the box of the cabinet. Moisture matters most near the sink.
| Board (8 x 4 ft) | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Marine or waterproof plywood, 18 mm sheet | PKR 14,000 - 22,000 |
| Commercial plywood, 18 mm sheet | PKR 9,000 - 14,000 |
| Moisture-resistant MDF, 18 mm sheet | PKR 7,000 - 11,000 |
| Plain MDF, 18 mm sheet | PKR 5,500 - 8,500 |
| Particle board, 18 mm sheet | PKR 4,500 - 7,000 |
| PVC foam board, 18 mm sheet | PKR 6,500 - 11,000 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Surface laminates
Cabinet faces are covered with laminate, HPL, acrylic, veneer or paint. Melamine-faced boards are cheapest, HPL is tougher and acrylic and PU finishes give gloss. A sheet of decorative laminate costs about PKR 3,500 to 9,000, depending on thickness and brand.
Thickness
Use 18 mm boards for carcases and shelves and 12 mm for backs. Thin shelves bend under weight. Doors are commonly 16 to 18 mm. A drawer base of 12 mm is acceptable with good channels, see drawer channels.
Moisture and swelling
Plain MDF and particle board swell when wet. Use moisture-resistant boards or PVC for sink bases, seal cut edges and silicone the joint between counter and wall. Plywood handles damp better, and marine ply is best for the sink cabinet.
Edge banding
Edge banding seals the cut edge against water. Good banding is thick, glued tightly and trimmed neatly. Peeling edges are the first failure in cheap kitchens. Ask for PVC or ABS banding rather than thin paper.
Choosing by area
- Sink base. Marine ply or PVC board.
- Wall cabinets. Moisture-resistant MDF or plywood.
- Drawers. Plywood or MDF with good channels.
- Shelves. 18 mm board, supported.
What to check before buying
- Board grade. Ask for the specification.
- Thickness. Measured, not claimed.
- Edge banding. Type and thickness.
- Warranty. Written, on moisture.
Cost planning
A typical kitchen uses 20 to 40 sheets, so small price differences add up. Spend more on the sink base and doors and save on hidden backs. See kitchen cabinets for finished options and ask your supplier for a sheet-wise quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plywood is strongest and most moisture tolerant, moisture-resistant MDF is a good balance, and PVC board is waterproof. Avoid plain particle board near the sink. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
As a guide, an 18 mm 8 by 4 foot sheet is about PKR 14,000 to 22,000 for marine ply, PKR 9,000 to 14,000 for commercial ply and PKR 7,000 to 11,000 for moisture-resistant MDF. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
18 mm for carcases and shelves, 12 mm for backs and 16 to 18 mm for doors. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
It seals the cut edge against water. Poor banding peels and lets moisture swell the board. Ask for PVC or ABS banding. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
PVC board is waterproof, which suits sink areas and humid kitchens. MDF is cheaper and gives smooth paint finishes but needs sealing. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Yes, we supply across Pakistan. Share the quantity, the size or rating and the place of use on WhatsApp. You get a written rate with the exact model, what is included and the warranty, ready to compare with any other seller. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Choosing cabinet boards?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.