When would you specify a phenolic over a melamine?

For the plywood manufacturer there are a number of factors to consider:

In general, melamines are more difficult to process and more sensitive to heat, but are more alkaline resistant.

  • Advantages
  • Harder, longer lasting face
  • Minimal emissions
  • Strong customer interest
  • Lower sales frequency
  • May require different mill handling systems
  • Disadvantages
  • Shorter shelf life prior to layup.
  • Higher heat sensitivity
  • Intolerant to hot-stacking
  • Lower sales frequency
  • May require different mill handling systems

On the job site:

  • Advantages
  • More alkaline resistant than phenolic
  • More durable architectural finish
  • More durability in forming systems
  • Disadvantages
  • Checks and cracks more easily on edges and around fasteners.
  • More sensitive to heat in excess of ACI guidelines
  • More durability in forming systems