More on Carpentry Material

1. Really solid wood e.g. Rosewood, Teakwood, Oak, Rubber, Mahagony, Elm. But these are usually for furniture. So far never heard of people using these for cabinets. Usually cost about 30% more (for teak), but can last much much longer.
2. Plywood. There are many kinds of plywoods (see GnM's thread). Some furniture makers/carpenters call some of their plywood solid wood, which would be illegal in USA I think, as it means misleading consumers to think that piece of wood is the really solid "solid wood". If you go to many furniture shops, they will claim that their furniture is 100% solid wood. But usually they mean plywood. Check for the grains. They should flow around edges and corners. Ask them what kind of wood exactly.
3. MDF
4. Chipboard


Finishings for the cabinets should be discussed separately. I think these are what's usually used...

1. Lacquer (for solid wood)/Shellac
2. Veneer (paper or tree bark)
3. Laminates (formica is a kind of laminate)


More info..

1. http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Plywood_Vs_Solid_Wood.html
2. http://www.kffl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129446
3. http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgVWgaHm13xBiby0n4LfB78h4wt.?qid=20060731230337AAYVKnn