Melamine will hold up just fine. I have used it for linen closet. For my pantry I simply used Pine boards with a shellac finish. They have stained over time, I sometimes wipe them down and put a new coat on them. I have also used a plastic sheet material and glued it on plywood. It is the material they use in Milk houses to protect the walls. Here is the description. "Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) meets the high sanitary standards for healthcare facilities, commercial kitchens and wet areas. FRP wallboard offers easy cleanup with a finish that's made to last and a textured surface to help hide any scratches or imperfections. It is also an excellent product for garage walls, mud and laundry rooms or a basement." It holds up very well. I little more expensive now then when I bought it last. Dan