Materials comparison: choosing based on use

MDF is preferred for a perfectly uniform painted finish, when you want a custom colour and smooth doors. Melamine arrives already finished with a thermofused decor: a wide choice of colours and wood looks, controlled cost, no painting step. In practice, MDF often serves painted fronts and melamine the cabinet boxes or budget-framed projects.

Not always, but it is often relevant for durable structure.

Not necessarily. It is often best when targeted at visible elements.

Yes, and it's often the best strategy. Rather than choosing a single material, you target each where it performs: birch plywood for the cabinet structure, solid wood on doors and visible elements, MDF for certain painted fronts, melamine for a durable, economical interior. This combination balances performance, look and budget.