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.

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.

Kydex®

What it is: A thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material known for its strength and formability.
Strength: Very high—impact-resistant, flame retardant, and tough.
Best for: High-traffic wall cladding, transportation interiors, medical environments.
Key Benefits: UL 94 V-0 flame rating, chemical and stain resistant, thermoformable, easy to maintain.

Sintra® (Expanded PVC)

What it is: A lightweight, rigid board made from expanded polyvinyl chloride.
Strength: Medium—rigid but not load-bearing.
Best for: Signage, displays, exhibit booths, and wall panels.
Key Benefits: Smooth surface, easy to fabricate, water-resistant, cost-effective for indoor/outdoor graphics.