| 01 — MDF-focused supplier |
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF); standard, moisture-resistant, or other grades where offered |
Furniture parts, cabinetry, mouldings, interior fit-out |
Request applicable grade test reports, such as testing to GB/T 11718; for US-bound goods, verify CARB Phase 2 or TSCA Title VI documentation where required |
Confirm board thickness and dimensions, sanding options, daily output, line capacity, and whether special grades are made on the same line |
Check thickness tolerance, density profile, formaldehyde test method, surface quality, and batch traceability |
| 02 — Particleboard-focused supplier |
Particleboard; melamine-faced particleboard may be available as a finished panel |
Ready-to-assemble furniture, wardrobes, shelving, cabinet components |
Request product-grade test reports against GB/T 4897 where applicable; verify any destination-market emissions claims with current certificates |
Confirm core thickness range, panel size, facing and edge options, and capacity for both raw and faced boards |
Review screw-holding performance, internal bond, swelling, surface finish, and packaging for long-distance shipment |
| 03 — Plywood-focused supplier |
Veneer plywood; construction, furniture, or decorative grades depending on specification |
Furniture, interiors, packaging, and construction uses matched to the specified grade |
Request grade-specific test reports and confirm the applicable edition and scope of GB/T 9846; FSC claims require valid chain-of-custody evidence for the supplied product |
Verify veneer species, lay-up options, thickness range, panel dimensions, pressing capacity, and face-grade sorting |
Specify core construction, glue-bond requirements, veneer defects, moisture content, and end-use exposure conditions |
| 04 — OSB-focused supplier |
Oriented strand board (OSB), in grades and thicknesses offered by the supplier |
Sheathing, subfloors, roof decks, and other structural uses when approved for the application |
Request structural-property and moisture-performance reports against the destination-market specification; confirm any claimed product certification directly with its issuer |
Check panel dimensions, thickness range, edge profiles, grade availability, and documented output for the required specification |
Confirm structural design values, installation conditions, exposure classification, and local code acceptance |
| 05 — Melamine-faced board supplier |
Melamine-faced MDF or particleboard; décor and surface options vary by supplier |
Cabinetry, wardrobes, office furniture, shelving, and interior components |
Check the underlying board standard and emissions test separately from the decorative-surface specification; FSC claims need valid product-chain documentation |
Verify press size, décor-paper availability, texture options, minimum order quantities, and repeat-order matching process |
Ask for a physical sample, abrasion and stain test results where relevant, edge-banding compatibility, and color-control procedure |
| 06 — Decorative plywood supplier |
Veneer-faced plywood and other decorative-faced plywood products |
Wall panels, furniture, doors, and visible interior surfaces |
Confirm the plywood grade and applicable test report; verify veneer sourcing and any FSC claim through valid chain-of-custody records |
Check veneer species and sourcing options, matching capacity, panel size, finishing services, and lead time for selected faces |
Agree on veneer-match rules, color variation limits, repair standards, face quality, and sample approval before production |
| 07 — Moisture-resistant board supplier |
Moisture-resistant MDF or particleboard grades, if listed in the supplier’s product range |
Interior areas with occasional humidity exposure, subject to the product’s stated limits |
Request test data for the exact grade and test method; “moisture-resistant” does not by itself mean waterproof or suitable for exterior use |
Verify the grade’s availability, batch consistency, thickness range, and whether production is routine or made to order |
Check swelling and bond-performance data, edge sealing needs, installation environment, and warranty conditions |
| 08 — Laminated panel supplier |
Panels with high-pressure laminate or other specified decorative laminates bonded to a substrate |
Worktops, furniture, counters, and interior surfaces according to the laminate specification |
Assess substrate and laminate documentation independently; request applicable fire, emissions, or surface-performance reports for the intended market |
Confirm lamination method, maximum panel size, finish range, machining services, and capacity for custom builds |
Specify laminate type and thickness, balancing requirements, bond quality, edge treatment, and scratch or heat performance needs |
| 09 — Film-faced plywood supplier |
Film-faced plywood, commonly specified for concrete-forming applications |
Formwork and other uses defined by the panel construction and project specification |
Request test results and a written product specification for panel construction, film, bond, and intended reuse conditions; do not infer performance from the product name alone |
Verify panel dimensions, film options, edge sealing, pressing process, and consistent supply for project schedules |
Check core voids, bond quality, surface condition, edge protection, and project-specific reuse expectations |
| 10 — Multi-product panel supplier |
A combination of MDF, particleboard, plywood, OSB, or faced panels, depending on the actual factory range |
Buyers consolidating multiple panel specifications or sourcing several product families |
Request separate, current test reports and certificates for each product, grade, manufacturing site, and destination market |
Confirm which products are made in-house, which are sourced externally, line-level capacity, lead times, and quality-control arrangements |
Audit production-site scope, lot traceability, sample-to-order consistency, export packing, and corrective-action process |