What Is Melamine — And Why Do We Use It in Our Garage Cabinets?

Let’s break down exactly what melamine is, how it’s made, and why it’s one of the materials we count on for long-lasting garage storage.

From Commercial Casework to Garage Cabinets

Before we ever launched our first garage cabinet line back in 2004, we were building custom casework for large-scale commercial projects — hospitals, hotels, school systems. In those spaces, durability is non-negotiable, and architects are the ones specifying materials.

They chose melamine. Not because it’s trendy, but because it works.

That same proven material — ¾” M2 industrial-grade melamine — is exactly what we use in our WorkSpace Storage Cabinets today.

So, What Is Melamine?

At its core (literally), melamine is an engineered wood panel. It starts with a dense particle board core made from wood chips and resin. Then, both sides are sealed with a heat-fused melamine resin surface — a durable outer layer that’s:

• Smooth and modern-looking
• Moisture-resistant
• Scratch-resistant
• Easy to clean

This finish is what makes melamine ideal for the garage. It holds up under tough conditions and wipes clean with minimal effort — no special cleaners or coatings required.

Not All Particle Board Is Created Equal

Let’s be honest: when some people hear particle board, they think of cheap furniture from a big-box store.

That’s not what we use.

We use M2 industrial-grade particle board, which is:

• Exceptionally dense and flat for precision cuts and smooth installs
• Engineered for strength, with the ability to support heavy loads
• Consistent in quality, perfect for CNC machining and long-term performance

The Secret Behind the Strength: Chip Profile

Here’s something most homeowners never hear about — but it matters.

The chip profile of particle board refers to the type and shape of wood fibers inside. Low-end boards use small, inconsistent chips that create weak points. We use boards with long, thin wood fibers that interlock and reinforce each other — like steel rebar in concrete.

This gives the panel superior strength, stability, and resistance to warping or failure — especially in a garage where heat, cold, and humidity are common.

Proudly Made in the USA

All of our melamine panels are made right here in the U.S. — at Arauco’s cutting-edge facility in Grayling, Michigan. It’s one of the most advanced board manufacturing plants in North America.

This means you get:

• American-made quality
• Sustainable materials
• A reliable supply chain
• Materials that meet the toughest industry standards

And that’s just one more reason why our cabinets come with a Lifetime Warranty.

Why Melamine Works So Well in the Garage