King Starboard ST

The King Starboard family of polymer sheet products was the first building material developed specifically to withstand the constant punishment of the sun, water and weather in harsh outdoor environments. The Starboard line of products have long been known and utilized in the marine industry. However, Starboard ST is a special, high-density polyethylene sheet that provides a more scratch-resistant surface allowing for a wider array of uses. The high scratch-resistance makes it especially appropriate in the construction of cabinets and furniture. Starboard ST is environmentally stabilized and has been developed to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions. It can be used in wet areas that need to be washed often for cleaning, or are regularly exposed to moisture. It can be fabricated using common woodworking tools ad techniques. Starboard ST is available in seven standard colors black, light gray, sanshade, dolphin gray, seafoam, seapearl, and white/white. Sheet sizes are 54"x96" or 48"x96" with thickness ranging from 1/4" to 1-1/2". Please contact your Hood Distribution representative for further information regarding this very versatile product.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Medium Density Fiberboard is a panel that is constructed by taking fine hardwood or softwood fibers and compressing them together with an adhesive under a heated press. MDF produces the flattest, most consistent panel with workable edges. Double refined MDF, produced with even finer fibers is also available for the projects that require more machining that the typical substrate application. Hood Distribution stocks thicknesses from 1/8" to 2" and multiple widths and lengths.

MDF Moulding

Many of the Hood Distribution branches stock primed MDF moulding. This product is produced from double refined MDF with an acrylic latex primer applied to the product after being run into moulding. MDF moulding is an excellent choice for painted trim packages. It is readily available in 16' lengths and does not shrink and contract like solid wood or finger-joint wood mouldings. Just as the MDF panels are consistently flat, MDF moulding is always straight and flat. Call your local Hood Distributor to obtain a list of profiles stocked.

Melamine, Cold Roll

For the individual that would like a more affordable product than thermally fused melamine, cold roll melamine is the best alternative. Cold roll melamine can have a veneer core substrate along with MDF or particleboard substrates. Cold roll melamine also should be used in a vertical or low-wear application where high pressure laminate or thermally fused melamine is not specified. Cold roll melamine is available in a variety of colors and woodgrains.

Melamine, Thermally Fused

Thermally fused melamine is an affordable substitute in projects that call for high pressure laminate in vertical or low-wear areas. Thermally fused melamine is manufactured with a melamine impregnated paper that is pressed or fused to a particleboard or MDF substrate with extreme heat. Veneer cores cannot be used during the fusing process, because the press and the heat will cause "blowout" within the core. Thermally fused melamine is available in a variety of solid colors and woodgrains.

Particleboard

Particleboard is constructed with small softwood or hardwood chips mixed with an adhesive, then pressed together under a heated press to the desired thickness. Particleboard is an excellent substrate for high pressure laminate or real wood veneers. Particleboard is the least expensive of the substrates available. Sizes range from 1/4" to 2" thicknesses in a variety of widths and lengths.