Rusty,
Sometimes it's easier to explain with photos. Here I've posted pairs of photos, the first in each pair is from a Sabre 34 (stick built) and the second in each pair is from a Pacific Seacraft 34 (pan). The glossy white surfaces you see in the photos are usually the pan, but in some cases (both on the Sabre and the PSC) it is actually white formica on top of wood. Also, these two models do not necessarily offer the best contrast. In some cases, the use of the pan is much more glaring/evident.
Main Salon:
Galley:
Head:
