# Materials and Construction

# What are the doors made of?

Our cabinet doors are made from **¾" high-density MDF**, finished with a **durable powder-coated surface**—the same type of finish commonly used on metal.  
This finish is significantly more durable than traditional paint, offering excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and everyday wear.  
The solid MDF construction also gives each door a **substantial, high-end feel**. Unlike thin metal doors that can flex or sound hollow, our doors are stable, heavy, and built to last—especially important since doors are the most frequently used part of any cabinet system.  

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### Are these wood or steel cabinets?

Our cabinets are built from **commercial-grade melamine with powder-coated MDF doors**.  
This gives you the best of both worlds:  

*   No rust like steel
*   No denting or rattling like thin metal cabinets
*   A stronger, more solid feel

One of the biggest advantages is **customization**. With our Design to Fit system, you can:  

*   Adjust cabinet sizes
*   Choose from 60+ cabinet types
*   Select colors and finishes

Instead of working around your cabinets, **your cabinets are built to fit you**.  
For a deeper comparison, see:  
[https://www.garagecabinets.com/arent-metal-cabinets-better-than-wood/](https://www.garagecabinets.com/arent-metal-cabinets-better-than-wood/)  

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### Will they swell or warp in humidity?

No, not under normal conditions.  
We use **engineered materials like melamine**, which are more stable than solid wood and designed to resist moisture.  
We have hundreds of installations in high-humidity areas like Florida with no issues. As long as cabinets are used in a typical residential garage environment, they perform reliably—backed by our lifetime warranty.  

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### Are the cabinets durable?

Yes. These cabinets are designed for **long-term use in demanding environments**.  
Key durability features include:  

*   ¾" thick panels throughout
*   Engineered wood that resists flexing
*   Powder-coated surfaces that resist wear

When properly installed, they are built to handle daily use, heavy storage, and long-term organization.  

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### How does melamine hold up to liquids and chemicals?

Melamine performs very well in garage environments.  
It is:  

*   Resistant to moisture
*   Resistant to scratches
*   Resistant to most household chemicals

Spills from water, cleaners, or typical garage chemicals can usually be wiped away without damage.  
However, like any wood-based material, prolonged exposure to liquid—especially on unsealed edges—should be avoided.  

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### What is melamine?

Melamine is a **high-quality, engineered material** commonly used in both residential and commercial cabinetry.  
It consists of:  

*   A strong core made from wood fibers and resin
*   A smooth, durable outer surface

It is known for:  

*   Scratch resistance
*   Moisture resistance
*   Easy cleaning
*   Consistent appearance

Melamine is widely used in commercial projects like schools, hospitals, and offices because of its durability and reliability.  
Learn more here:  
[https://www.garagecabinets.com/what-is-melamine/](https://www.garagecabinets.com/what-is-melamine/)  

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### Can they handle cold garages?

Yes.  
Our cabinets are suitable for **cold and unheated garages**. The materials maintain their structural integrity in low temperatures and do not become brittle.  
They perform reliably in typical northern climates year-round.  

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### Do they work in hot climates?

Yes.  
The materials and finishes are designed to remain stable in **typical hot garage environments**.  
They perform consistently across a wide range of temperatures, including high heat.  

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### How thick is the material?

Our cabinets use **¾" thick materials throughout**, including:  

*   Cabinet boxes: ¾" melamine
*   Doors: ¾" MDF

This is thicker than many mass-produced cabinet systems and contributes to greater strength, stability, and long-term durability.  

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### Will they hold heavy tools?

Yes.  
Our shelves are designed to hold **up to 50 lbs** under normal conditions.  
For heavier loads, we offer an optional **shelf stiffener**, which increases capacity up to **100 lbs per shelf**.  

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### Do the doors feel solid or hollow?

The doors are **solid**, not hollow.  
They are made from high-density MDF and powder coated, giving them:  

*   A stable feel
*   A consistent closing sound
*   A higher-quality overall experience

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### How heavy are the cabinets?

These are **substantial, heavy-duty cabinets**.  
Because of the materials used, they are not lightweight and may require assistance when:  

*   Moving
*   Unloading
*   Installing

This weight is part of what contributes to their durability and solid feel.  

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### Does your product contain formaldehyde?

Our melamine boards contain **no added formaldehyde**.  
While trace amounts of formaldehyde occur naturally in wood, our materials meet strict standards for **indoor air quality**, making them safe for home use.  

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### Are the cabinets waterproof?

No.   
They are designed for **normal garage environments**, not for:  

*   Flooding
*   Standing water
*   Prolonged water exposure

As long as they are used in a typical dry garage setting, performance is not affected.  

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### Are the cabinets scratch resistant?

Yes.  
The **powder-coated finish** is designed to be highly scratch resistant and hold up well under everyday use.  
However, like any finished surface:  

*   It is not completely scratch-proof
*   Sharp or heavy impacts can cause damage

With normal use, the finish maintains its appearance very well over time.  

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