Materials

Materials for Strength, Stability, and Longevity

The materials we choose are central to the quality of our kitchen cabinetry and fitted furniture. We work in timber only, using hardwoods and furniture‑grade birch plywood because they offer the stability, repairability and long‑term performance that define our standards.

Furniture Grade Birch Plywood

We use furniture‑grade birch plywood for our cabinet interiors because it offers the strength, stability and long‑term performance we expect in our work. Its dense, multi‑laminated core stays flat, holds fixings securely and provides a smooth, reliable base for hand‑painted finishes. If the surface is ever marked, it can be filled and sanded back cleanly, which is far more dependable than attempting to repair medium‑density fibreboard. Birch plywood simply gives a stronger, longer‑lasting result.

A Thoughtful Note About Medium Density Fibreboard

Medium density fibreboard has a valid place in the industry, and high‑grade versions of it perform well. When the specification is high enough, MDF can be very stable, but the grades that achieve this are not inexpensive. By the time you reach moisture‑resistant, dense‑core, furniture‑grade MDF, the cost is far closer to a quality timber‑based material than many people expect, without offering the same repairability.

For the type of cabinetry we build, we prefer materials that offer long‑term strength and can be repaired easily. If a door or panel made from wood or high‑grade plywood is ever dented, it can be repaired and refinished back to a perfect surface. MDF does not respond in the same way; deeper damage is harder to rectify because it cannot be sanded back cleanly without compromising the surface.

Our work is designed to last for decades, to be repaired rather than replaced, and to feel solid and reassuring in daily use. For that, we rely on materials that offer structural integrity, long‑term stability and the ability to be restored beautifully over time. For the way we build, timber‑based materials simply offer a more dependable, longer‑lasting result.

Solid Hardwood for Door Styles and Face Frames

Our door styles and face frames are made from solid tulipwood sourced through a specialist hardwood supplier in Guildford. They focus on high‑quality, well‑seasoned hardwoods and offer carefully selected, kiln‑dried stock, giving us the consistency and stability we look for in our work.

Tulipwood is a fine‑grained hardwood with a naturally flat, even grain that paints beautifully. It machines cleanly, holds crisp detail and provides a smooth, consistent surface without the movement you see in softer woods. Because it is a true hardwood, it also offers excellent repairability, which supports our belief that bespoke kitchens and cabinetry should be maintained and restored over time.

Painted Finishes

For our painted finishes, we use Little Greene, an independent British manufacturer known for well‑made, durable paints. Their colours and finishes work reliably on the hardwoods and birch plywood we use, and provide a wipeable, heard wearing finish for hand‑painted kitchens and cabinetry.

We recommend their Intelligent Satin and Intelligent Eggshell finishes for cabinetry. Intelligent Satin is a mid-sheen paint that has been formulated to withstand the many knocks delivered to kitchen cabinets and items of wooden furniture, providing a scrubbable finish. Intelligent Eggshell provides a softer, lower‑sheen alternative that resists general wear and tear. Both finishes are water‑based, low‑odour, child‑safe and designed for real homes where surfaces need to withstand daily use.

We encourage clients to visit a Little Greene stockist to see the finishes in person, explore colour cards, order tester pots and speak with knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right shade and sheen for your space.