Brazil’s Pre-Laminated Melamine MDF Sheets: Top Supplier Guide
Brazilian furniture manufacturers rely on high-quality pre-laminated melamine MDF sheets to ensure smooth production and superior product finishes. Choosing the right supplier improves efficiency and consistency, while the wrong choice can lead to delays, quality issues, and higher costs.
Whether you are a furniture manufacturer seeking to optimize your supply chain or exploring new sourcing options in South America’s largest economy, understanding the market is essential. Brazil’s Melamine Board sector features numerous suppliers, each with different strengths, capabilities, and product offerings.
This guide highlights the five leading pre-laminated melamine MDF sheets manufacturers in Brazil, including industry giants like Duratex and Sonae Arauco, as well as specialized producers such as Berneck. We break down their unique advantages, product portfolios, and operational strengths.
You’ll also find practical buying tips to evaluate quality standards, verify certifications, and compare pricing effectively. With this information, you can make informed sourcing decisions that align with your furniture production requirements.
1. Duratex (Dexco S.A.)

Dexco S.A. used to be called Duratex. It’s Brazil’s largest integrated wood panel producer. The company brought in R$8.22 billion in trailing twelve-month revenue.
The business goes way beyond basic MDF manufacturing. Three major divisions make up the portfolio: wood panels and sawn wood for furniture makers, sanitary ware under the Deca brand, and ceramic tiles through Ceusa and Portinari.
Financial Performance and Market Position
Look at the numbers – they show Dexco’s real scale. The company made R$1.91 billion in gross profit. The 23.26% gross margin came in their most recent reporting period. The 1.35% net profit margin seems small. But panel manufacturing needs heavy capital investment. Recent market pressures also play a role.
Dexco’s market cap hit R$4.27 billion. This makes it one of Latin America’s most valuable wood-processing companies. The 101.8% debt-to-equity ratio shows something clear. So does the 3.0–3.2x net debt to EBITDA leverage. The company expanded capacity fast in recent years.
Fitch sees this ratio staying around 3.2x through 2025. Positive free cash flow? That won’t come until 2026.
Third-quarter 2025 results were mixed. Revenue reached $2.22 billion. That fell a bit short of what analysts expected. But earnings were a huge surprise. The company posted $0.0438 EPS versus the predicted –$0.0206 loss. This meant a 312.62% positive deviation.
The wood division ran at very high capacity. That’s what drove the beat. Management confirmed operations ran “above what we had designed in our business case.”
Manufacturing Capabilities for Furniture Producers
Dexco’s wood panel division makes MDF, MDP (medium-density particleboard), HDF, and plywood. Brazilian furniture manufacturers need all these materials. Company executives call their panel operations “the most efficient in the world” among Brazilian producers. But public financial reports don’t show specific annual capacity figures in cubic meters.
Q3 2025 alone brought in about $46 million in positive operating cash. Production runs efficiently despite high leverage. Furniture manufacturers looking at pre-laminated melamine MDF sheets manufacturers in Brazil get two benefits here: reliable supply and consistent quality.
There’s a catch though. Investor materials don’t publish detailed technical specs. Thickness ranges? Surface texture options? Color collections? Moisture resistance percentages? formaldehyde emission certifications (CARB II, E1/E0)? Surface abrasion test results? None of these appear in public reports.
Furniture producers need to contact Dexco’s sales team straight away. Ask for commercial catalogs to get complete product specifications.
2. Guararapes Painéis

Guararapes Painéis S.A. mixes large-scale production with green practices. This Santa Catarina manufacturer runs operations in Caçador with over 2,000 employees. The company has CNPJ registration 08.810.422/0001-34. They make only MDF and plywood (compensado).
Modern Production Setup and Industry 4.0 Tech
The Caçador plant has “MDF Line 3” (Linha MDF 3). This is Guararapes’ newest production tech. Industry 4.0 solutions run throughout the factory. Digital systems speed up decisions during production.
Green engineering gives them another edge. The factory’s modern evaporation system cuts wastewater by 42% versus old setups. Furniture makers buying pre-laminated melamine MDF sheets manufacturers in Brazil now want this water efficiency. It helps them meet their own green reporting needs.
You won’t find exact yearly capacity numbers in company docs. Public files don’t show precise cubic meter output per year. Contact Guararapes’ sales team to get production capacity info.
ESG Results and Community Work
Guararapes hit its 40th birthday in 2024 by beating green targets. They reached 87% of yearly ESG goals against an 80% baseline. Here’s what that means:
Environmental wins:
– Added 3,500 hectares of owned forest land
– Got EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) verification for MDF and plywood lifecycles
Social work:
– Put over R$500,000 into local programs for healthcare, education, and sports
– Started the first “Diversity Census” (Censo de Diversidade) to track workforce inclusion
Safety marks:
– Got ISO 45001 certification for health and safety management
Product Line and Quality Marks
Guararapes calls itself “Latin America’s most innovative MDF and plywood company.” Their products focus on decorative MDF panels and plywood for furniture and interiors. Many texture and finish options work for high-end cabinets and architectural designs.
The EPD certification shows their lifecycle environmental check meets global standards. But specific formaldehyde ratings (E1/E0, CARB compliance) aren’t in public ESG reports. FSC chain-of-custody status and finish abrasion test data are also missing. Exact melamine color counts by wood grain, solid color, or specialty texture stay hidden too.
Furniture makers need full technical specs and finish catalogs from Guararapes’ sales team. This helps them check if products fit their projects.
3.Baier – South American Panel Solutions

Baier operates as a leading supplier of wood-based panels and interior board materials in South America. The company supports furniture manufacturers, interior fit-out contractors, and distributors with high-quality pre-laminated melamine MDF boards, veneer-faced panels, and related wood-based products.
Global and Regional Scale
Baier combines controlled manufacturing and export capabilities to serve multiple regions. With integrated facilities in Asia and distribution channels reaching South America, the company ensures reliable supply and consistent material specifications for furniture makers and interior projects.
Annual panel production reaches several hundred thousand cubic meters, covering MDF, particleboard, and moisture-resistant options.
Teams of skilled operators and technical staff manage manufacturing, quality control, and logistics to maintain batch-to-batch consistency.
Regional distribution networks provide South American customers with efficient material flow for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
Sustainability and Green Sourcing
Baier emphasizes sustainable wood sourcing. All wood fibers are certified, recycled, or controlled to meet global environmental standards. Product lines include E1 and E0 formaldehyde-grade MDF options, supporting furniture makers in compliance with international and export regulations.
The company also integrates recycled wood content into panels where possible, aligning with corporate ESG targets and promoting eco-friendly manufacturing.
Product Portfolio
Baier offers a wide range of products suitable for South American furniture and interior markets:
Pre-laminated melamine MDF boards – standard, moisture-resistant, and decorative options
Veneer-faced panels – natural wood finishes for premium furniture
Particleboard and chipboard – engineered for cabinetry, shelving, and interiors
Custom panel solutions – thicknesses and surface finishes tailored to project needs
These products support diverse applications from high-end residential furniture to commercial fit-outs, ensuring durability, aesthetic consistency, and ready-to-install panels for contractors and furniture manufacturers.
4. Eucatex

Eucatex has been making wood panels in Brazil for decades. Annual revenue hit R$2.86 billion in 2024. The company grew 6.73% year-over-year with 3,251 people working across all operations. Revenue per employee reached R$879,000. This shows solid productivity in MDF and MDP production.
Their product range covers what furniture makers need: MDF boards, MDP panels, pre-laminated melamine surfaces, laminate flooring, doors, partitions, plus paints and varnishes. Eucatex becomes a one-stop supplier for furniture production lines and construction projects.
Strong Finances Mean Steady Supply
Fourth-quarter 2024 revenue climbed to R$753.6 million. That’s up 13.65% from the previous year. The company keeps 9.59% net profit margin with 10.54% return on equity. These margins show pricing power. Furniture makers buying pre-laminated melamine MDF sheets manufacturers in Brazil get stable prices. No sudden cost spikes.
Second-quarter results showed strength. EBITDA grew about 10%. Net profit increased between 0.6–10% across different segments. Total debt sits at R$822.8 million with 43% in short-term obligations. The 1.1x net debt-to-EBITDA ratio stays manageable. Cash reserves jumped 62.7% to R$227.4 million. This gives Eucatex room to breathe during economic ups and downs.
Different Channels, Different Growth Rates
Revenue comes from three channels. The furniture and distribution channel grew 5.1% in the first half of 2024. The construction channel did better with 6.9% growth in Q2 and 5.4% for the half. Exports showed 10.3% Q2 growth but dropped 3.6% for the full half-year.
Working capital stood at R$990.3 million in Q2 2024. It’s been trending up since Q3 2023. Inventory hit R$598.8 million. Accounts receivable totaled R$619.1 million. High inventory means quick order fulfillment. But payment terms might run longer than some competitors.
Public documents lack details on melamine finish options. They don’t show formaldehyde emission standards (E1/E0) or abrasion resistance data. Contact Eucatex’s commercial team for technical specs and product catalogs.
5. Berneck S.A.

Berneck S.A. Painéis e Serrados is Brazil’s largest wood-based panel exporter. They ship to over 60 countries on all continents. The company brings more than 40 years of export experience to the table. This global presence makes them stand out among pre-laminated melamine MDF sheets manufacturers in Brazil.
The numbers prove their scale. Over 2,500 employees keep operations running. They manage more than 90,000 hectares of forest cultivation. Production hits 2,400,000 m³ of wood products each year. Furniture manufacturers get the steady flow they need.
Expanded Capacity Through New Lages Plant
Berneck built a new factory in Lages, Santa Catarina. This facility boosts panel capacity by 1,020,000 m³ per year. The plant brought over 600 direct jobs to the region. Plus 1,500 indirect positions.
Berneck now operates 3 industrial units with 10 production lines. The industrial area covers 120,000 m². You get multiple panel types for furniture making.
Product Range for Furniture Production
Berneck’s main panel options:
Particleboard (MDP) varieties:
– Raw MDP boards
– Melamine-faced MDP (LPL) – surfaces come pre-laminated for quick furniture assembly
– MDP with finish foil
– MDP with high gloss coating
Fiberboard options:
– MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
– HDF (High Density Fiberboard)
Particleboard capacity reaches 624,000 m³ per year before the Lages expansion. Sawn pine lumber hits 200,000 m³ each year. They also process sawn teak lumber. This includes finger-jointed panels, kiln-dried wood, planed wood, TECA panels, and BERDeck teak decking.
Forestry Base and Sustainability
Berneck owns its forests for raw material control. About 58,000 hectares of pine plantations grow in southern Brazil. Another 4,000 hectares of teak grow in Mato Grosso. Owning the full chain keeps material quality consistent for panel production.
Public specs don’t show exact thickness options (6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 25mm). Surface data isn’t available online either. This includes scratch resistance, stain resistance, moisture absorption, and formaldehyde emission classes. Contact Berneck’s sales team for detailed technical catalogs and melamine finish collections.
Practical Guide for Procuring Melamine MDF Furniture Panels in Brazil
Quality control starts before you sign the purchase order. Brazilian furniture makers deal with humid coastal climates, long inland shipping routes, and supplier documentation that varies widely. You get concrete checklists and decision tools here. They match local production conditions.
MDF vs MDP: Choose Panel Type Based on Specific Furniture Applications
Two panel types dominate Brazil’s furniture industry. Each serves different production needs and price points.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is suitable for these applications:
– Carved door panels and cabinet doors – Smooth edges without splinters during machining
– Cabinets, bathroom vanities – Moisture-resistant models can withstand vapor
– Curved components – Easy to bend and shape when heated
– Painted pieces – Smooth surface reduces primer usage
– Mid-to-high-end flat-pack furniture with PVC/melamine finishes
MDP/Particleboard is better suited for:
– Wardrobe side panels, back panels, shelves – Adequate load-bearing strength while lightweight
– Bookshelves and office desktops – Large flat components
– Cost-effective furniture – 10-25% cheaper than MDF of the same specification
Mechanical performance differences drive the choice. Typical MDF specifications: density 700-900 kg/m³, internal bonding strength >0.55 MPa, modulus of elasticity >3700 MPa. These values ensure that complex machining doesn’t cause cracks. MDP has lower density and slightly weaker strength but is perfectly sufficient for flat panel applications.
Don’t just look at board prices. MDF creates less waste during processing. Edge banding and painting use less material too. Your product needs carving, grooving, or complex shapes? MDF total cost actually runs lower. Simple flat structures show where MDP price benefits really shine.
Checklist for Procurement Parameters: 13 Technical Indicators to Verify
Panel specifications (dimensions and thickness):
– Common sizes: 1220×2440 mm and 1830×2440 mm
– Thickness range: 2.5-30 mm (different sizes may have different available thicknesses)
– Recommended configurations: main panel for cabinets 16 or 18 mm, back panels 5-9 mm, countertop panels 18-25 mm
– Thickness tolerance requirements: ±0.2-0.5 mm (must be written in the contract; local Brazilian products have varying tolerance standards)
Physical performance indicators (affecting service life):
– Density: 700-900 kg/m³ (standard range for furniture-grade MDF)
– Internal bonding strength IB: ≥0.55 MPa (panels below this value are prone to delamination)
– Modulus of elasticity MOE: ≥3700 MPa (affects bending resistance)
– 24-hour water absorption rate: ≤10% (high coastal humidity in Brazil causes swelling if exceeded)
– Moisture content MC: 4-9% (exceeding 10% leads to swelling and cracking in humid climates)
Melamine surface parameters:
– Common colors: white, black, red, beech, cherry wood, maple, pine, teak wood texture
– Surface types: matte/semi-matte, high-gloss, embossed wood grain, synchronized wood grain
– Must ensure: abrasion resistance (cycles), stain resistance grade, scratch resistance performance – Many Brazilian suppliers do not proactively provide this information; you need to specifically request test reports
Environmental certifications (required for export or high-end projects):
– Formaldehyde emission grade: E1 (≤0.124 mg/m³) or E0 (≤0.05 mg/m³)
– International standards compliance: CARB Phase 2 certification (required for exports to the US)
– Require suppliers to provide: third-party test reports + batch quality certificates (don’t just rely on claims made in brochures)
Contact each maker’s technical sales team with this checklist. Get full product catalogs. They should show all available thicknesses, colors, and surface finishes. Ask for batch test reports on density consistency and formaldehyde levels. This paperwork saves you trouble later. Production issues pop up, and you’ll need proof.
Conclusion
|
# |
Manufacturer |
Headquarters / Main Plant |
Revenue / Scale |
Employees |
Product Types |
Furniture Applications |
Production Features & Technology |
Sustainability / Certifications |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Duratex (Dexco S.A.) |
Brazil |
R$8.22B (TTM) |
~2,600 |
MDF, MDP, HDF, Veneer-faced Plywood |
Furniture panels, cabinets, interior fit-outs |
High-capacity, capital-intensive; panel production efficiency high |
Not publicly listed; contact sales for certifications |
Global market presence, financially stable |
|
2 |
Guararapes Painéis |
Caçador, Santa Catarina |
Not publicly disclosed |
2,000+ |
MDF, Plywood |
Decorative panels, high-end furniture |
Industry 4.0 smart factory; modern evaporation system reduces wastewater by 42% |
ISO 45001, EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) |
ESG goal achievement 87% |
|
3 |
Baier |
South America / Asia production bases |
Several hundred thousand m³ panels annually |
Skilled operators & technical staff |
MDF, MDP, Plywood, Moisture-resistant panels, Veneer-faced panels |
Furniture, commercial & residential interiors |
Integrated production + export; regional distribution network ensures fast delivery |
E1/E0 formaldehyde grades; recycled content |
Custom thickness & surface finishes for project-specific needs |
|
4 |
Eucatex |
Brazil |
R$2.86B (2024) |
3,251 |
MDF, MDP, Laminated panels, Flooring, Doors |
Furniture, construction, interior fit-outs |
Multi-channel revenue growth; strong cash flow; high inventory for fast fulfillment |
Not publicly listed |
One-stop supplier for furniture & construction applications |
|
5 |
Berneck S.A. |
Lages, Santa Catarina |
Not publicly disclosed |
2,500+ |
MDF, HDF, MDP, Plywood, Pine/Teak Lumber |
Furniture panels, flat components, export markets |
Industrial area 120,000 m²; 10 production lines; Lages plant adds 1,020,000 m³ capacity |
Own forest management: 58,000 ha pine + 4,000 ha teak |
Exports to 60+ countries; stable raw material supply |
Practical Procurement Guide for Brazilian Furniture Panels
Choose Panel Type Based on Application
MDF: Ideal for carved door panels, curved components, moisture-resistant cabinets, painted surfaces, and mid-to-high-end flat-pack furniture
MDP / Particleboard: Suitable for wardrobe sides, back panels, shelves, office desks; cost-effective flat components
Key Technical Indicators to Verify
Density: 700–900 kg/m³
Internal Bonding Strength (IB): ≥0.55 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): ≥3,700 MPa
24-hour Water Absorption: ≤10%
Moisture Content (MC): 4–9%
Melamine Surface: Ensure abrasion, scratch, and stain resistance
Formaldehyde Emission: E1/E0; CARB Phase 2 certification required for export
Procurement Steps
Contact each manufacturer for full product catalogs and technical specs
Request batch test reports for density, formaldehyde levels, and surface durability
Confirm thickness ranges, colors, textures, and moisture-resistant grades meet project requirements
