Melamine has several issues that differentiate it from solid wood. Indeed, they all make melamine a more practical, durable and functional material.
To begin with, natural wood must be processed in the right way. That means proper extraction and then a drying time that removes all the moisture from the wood. In addition, it has to be cut into manageable planks and the surface has to be carefully planed. All this must be done carefully because wood is a porous material that can change its condition if it is damp. In addition, it can encourage the growth of fungi or bacteria.
Melamine, on the other hand, is free of all these peculiarities. The chipboard includes resins that facilitate the good condition of the material. Moreover, it is not subject to attack by micro-organisms.
Another fundamental difference between solid wood and melamine is the price. The natural material is much more expensive because the process from tree to furniture is much longer and more costly. Melamine, on the other hand, is a very affordable material.
Finally, there are natural woods with very low resistance to high weights. Melamine, on the other hand, is a solid, firm material that can be bent for certain designs.