To combat these deficiencies

To combat these deficiencies, most particle boards are covered with veneers glued onto the exterior surfaces made to look like the desired hardwood. To the untrained eye, a piece of furniture made from veneered particle board looks like a fine hardwood piece.

As with all manufactured wood products, there is a proper time and place for using particle board products. For instance, white, melamine covered particle board is well-equipped for use in interior tasks such as building closet shelves. The melamine is clean and doesn't require painting, and if affixed properly, will be stable and strong for a long time. I have used melamine coated particle board for numerous shop projects, and it holds up quite well.