*       Have ya ever seen an old van that's been through both home
modification (panelling, wood floors,

Well the ideal thing to use is nice wood veneers over the existing plywood
backing.  If properly done it would have the same effect as the laminates
that are on there now.

I work with aircraft interiors of private jets, and all the high class
business aircraft use some of the nicest wood veneers in the world.  As a
result the cabinetry looks like real wood, but is still extremely safe,
crash resistant and burn resistant.

-        Shawn

Montreal, Qc