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How to Specify

Your Guide for Specifying STEVENSWOOD Products in your projects

Specifying STEVENWOOD® Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) panels is straightforward and flexible for a wide range of interior applications including:

  • Cabinet Doors
  • Closets
  • Casework
  • Retail fixtures
  • Commercial millwork

Step 1: Select Your Design

STEVENWOOD® offers a curated collection of modern woodgrains and solid colors designed for contemporary interiors.

Designers can browse the full STEVENWOOD® Collection and download high-resolution color files to assist with design presentations, renderings, and project documentation.

Step 2: Choose Your Substrate

Particleboard
Stocked Program

Particleboard is the most commonly specified substrate for TFL panels and is the primary material stocked by Stevenswood for fast lead times.

Advantages

• Cost-effective for large projects
• Smooth, stable core ideal for laminate bonding
• Consistent thickness and density
• Excellent machinability for cabinetry and millwork
• Made with recycled wood fiber

Typical Applications

• Kitchen cabinetry
• Closets and wardrobes
• Commercial casework
• Multi-family housing
• Office furniture

 

Because of its stability and affordability, particleboard is the preferred substrate for most cabinetry and interior millwork applications.

 

MDF
Made to Order

MDF offers a smoother, more refined core that is well suited for applications requiring precision machining or detailed edge work.

Advantages

• Extremely smooth and uniform surface
• Ideal for detailed machining and routing
• Higher density than particleboard
• Excellent edge quality when machined

Typical Applications

• High-end cabinetry
• Routed or machined panel components
• Furniture pieces
• Specialty millwork

MDF panels are produced made-to-order depending on project requirements.

Plywood
Made to Order

Plywood substrates provide additional strength and moisture resistance compared to fiber-based panels, making them suitable for certain specialty applications.

Advantages

• Higher structural strength
• Improved screw holding capability
• Better performance in humid environments
• Lighter weight than particleboard in some configurations

Typical Applications

• Commercial millwork
• Institutional interiors
• Projects requiring structural rigidity
• Environments with variable humidity

Plywood options are available made-to-order depending on project specifications.

Step 3: Choose Matching Edge Banding

Matching edge banding is available for all STEVENWOOD® designs, allowing fabricators to produce finished panels with seamless edges that complement the surface design.

Matching edges help achieve a clean, professional finish across cabinetry, shelving, and millwork components.

Step 4: Download the Three-Part Specification

For architects and spec writers, STEVENWOOD® provides a CSI-formatted three-part specification that can be incorporated directly into project documentation.

The specification includes:

• Product description
• Performance characteristics
• Acceptable substrates
• Manufacturing information
• Installation guidance

Step 5: Coordinate with Fabricators

STEVENWOOD® panels are designed to integrate easily into fabrication workflows. Our TFL panels can be cut, edged, and assembled by cabinet manufacturers and millwork shops using standard equipment.

Matching components such as doors, moldings, and complementary surfaces may also be available through STEVENWOOD® partner programs.

Need Help Specifying STEVENWOOD®?

Our Specifications team is available to assist architects, designers, and spec writers with product selection, technical documentation, and project support.

Whether you're designing a residential kitchen, commercial interior, or multi-family development, we can help ensure the right materials are specified for your project.