Alternative Substrate Options
This guide introduces alternative substrate materials that may be used in place of traditional wood products, depending on design goals, application needs, and environmental conditions.
Accoya
What it is: A high-performance, sustainably sourced softwood modified through acetylation.
Strength: Extremely durable and stable—comparable to top-grade tropical hardwoods.
Best for: Exterior applications, wet environments, and projects requiring long-term performance.
Key Benefits: Highly sustainable, resistant to rot and swelling, ideal for outdoor use.
Outdoor Foam
What it is: Lightweight foam specifically formulated to withstand outdoor conditions.
Strength: Low to medium—used where structure is less critical.
Best for: Decorative panels, signage, and displays.
Key Benefits: Water-resistant, UV-stable, does not rot or warp outdoors.
Foam Board
What it is: A lightweight, rigid board made from a foam core sandwiched between two facings.
Strength: Low—primarily for interior decorative use.
Best for: Wall panels, displays, and signage.
Key Benefits: Easy to cut, lightweight, cost-effective for visual applications.
Acrylic
What it is: A transparent plastic often used as an alternative to glass or for modern finishes.
Strength: Medium—stronger than glass but not as rigid as wood.
Best for: Signage, partitions, decorative panels.
Key Benefits: Clean modern look, shatter-resistant, weather-resistant.
HDPE Plastic Board
What it is: High-Density Polyethylene plastic made from premium polymers.
Strength: High—extremely durable and low-maintenance.
Best for: Outdoor cabinetry, marine applications, RV interiors.
Key Benefits: Will not rust, rot, delaminate, or absorb moisture; easy to clean and fabricate; passed FMVSS 302 fire rating.
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) – ROK-ON™
What it is: A high-performance mineral-based panel made from magnesium oxide, designed to replace traditional sheathing.
Strength: Extremely high—fireproof, moisture-resistant, mold-proof.
Best for: Commercial facades, wet environments, and fire-rated assemblies.
Key Benefits: Class A fire rating, highly durable, energy-efficient, environmentally responsible.
FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic)
What it is: A composite wall panel made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic, often installed over drywall or plywood.
Strength: High—resists moisture, impact, and chemicals.
Best for: Commercial kitchens, restrooms, healthcare facilities, and high-traffic areas.
Key Benefits: Easy to clean, hygienic, impact-resistant, and cost-effective.
Solid Surface Materials - Solid surface is a non-porous, seamless material typically made from acrylic, polyester resins, or natural minerals. Ideal for surfaces requiring durability, hygiene, and design flexibility.
Corian® by DuPont
What it is: A leading brand of solid surface material, known for seamless joints and elegant appearance.
Best for: Countertops, sinks, and wall panels in kitchens, bathrooms, and healthcare spaces.
Key Benefits: Stain-resistant, repairable, and moldable into custom shapes.
Avonite™ by Aristech
What it is: Acrylic solid surface with advanced color and translucency options.
Best for: High-design commercial and hospitality interiors.
Key Benefits: Bold color range, backlighting potential, renewable surface.
HI-MACS® by LX Hausys
What it is: A versatile acrylic solid surface material with consistent color and durability.
Best for: Residential countertops, furniture, and wall cladding.
Key Benefits: Heat-resistant, repairable, seamless integration.
Dekton® by Cosentino
What it is: An ultra-compact surface made by sintering raw minerals under extreme heat and pressure.
Best for: Kitchen counters, exterior cladding, and high-traffic flooring.
Key Benefits: Scratch-, UV-, and heat-resistant; long-lasting beauty.
Everform® by Formica
What it is: A solid surface product offering design flexibility and seamless installation.
Best for: Bathrooms, commercial worktops, and wet environments.
Key Benefits: Affordable, easy to clean, available in a variety of finishes.
Durasein® Solid Surface
What it is: A creative-focused brand offering high-quality acrylic solid surfaces.
Best for: Designers seeking bold colors, texture, and creative freedom.
Key Benefits: Non-porous, easy to fabricate, highly customizable.