Not an experienced wood worker, but I have done reading and came to the conclusion that I wanted my cabinet to be constructed of Birch Plywood, for lightness, and durability with threading and re-threading screws (if necessary), with a vertical grade laminate applied.
Came across a post on Melamine, and it seemed like you could get the wood with a laminate like finish without having to apply the laminate. Found out it is mostly made of particle board, so it didn't seem to fit, however I came across this:
https://www.cherokeewood.com/store/black-melamine/Which if you select on the pull down menu under thickness has an option for 3/4" 2S-PRO ("Pro-Core"). I called the folks there and they told me it is a laminated wood with very small (veneer) MDF finish under the melamine exterior. He said it has the same durability as Plywood.
So it seems that this is a reasonably priced and very similar alternative to doing the plywood with laminate covering.
Does anyone have any experience with this to know that is a good material to work with?