Melamine vs plywood vs MDF: which is best for closets?

Melamine-faced particleboard is the usual choice for closets: it's flat, durable, easy to clean, and comes pre-finished in many colors.

Plywood is stronger and lighter but needs edge banding and finishing, and costs more. MDF paints well but is heavy and swells if wet. Closeout Closets uses 3/4 in melamine.

Updated 2026-11-11. Prices are list prices in white unless noted; freight is quoted by ZIP at checkout.