Confused how to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Material? Kitchen cabinets are, of course, an essential component of any home. After all, they provide us with plenty of storage room, so kitchen cabinets should look great and function effectively for many years.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, you probably want to know that you’re picking up high-quality cabinetry, and that boils down to how to choose kitchen cabinet material. So, have you learned about the various types of cabinetry materials available?
Here’s a breakdown of the best kitchen cabinet materials, as well as a short summary of each, so you can opt for storage spaces that will last as long as you need.
1. Solid Wood
Solid wood is an incredibly strong type of kitchen wood and is undoubtedly one of the most preferred cabinet materials available. However, we all know that solid timber is more expensive.
Its grain provides an appealing natural look that you won’t find in other choices. It also appears in a variety of forms and is well-known for its inherent appeal, strength, durability, endurance, and flexibility for various styles.
Moreover, unlike more fragile options, solid wood can be polished and repaired somewhat easily. However, the cost of solid wood and the chance of warping might make it less appealing to buyers.
Pros:
- Solid wood has a natural variation that adds to its allure as a cabinet material.
- Solid wood is extremely durable and relatively simple to fix.
- It is available in a broad range of styles and colors.
Cons:
- Because solid wood cabinets are heavy, they must be well-built and correctly installed.
- When subjected to frequent temperature shifts, it is prone to warping.
2. Plywood
Plywood is another common cabinet material that is suitable for do-it-yourself cabinets. It is constructed of thin layers of wood bonded together to form a sturdy, powerful component.
When compared to solid timber, it is more affordable. And, like solid timber, plywood comes in a variety of grades, with grade AA being the most pricey option.
To give the look of wooden furniture for cabinet boxes, plywood is frequently covered with an ornamental wood veneer. The cost varies based on the grade, as does the strength of the material in how to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Material rules!
Pros:
- Many people believe it is the best choice for cabinets because it resists moisture and is simple to install.
- Plywood has the greatest strength-to-weight ratio of any cabinet material due to its unique construction.
- It is significantly less costly than hardwood.
Cons:
- Because different cabinet sides require varying thicknesses of plywood, you must ensure that you use the appropriate thickness of material for every part of the cabinetry.
- Plywood is not quite perfect when it comes to planks and panels, so check for knots and gaps within the sections.
3. Medium Density Fiberboard
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) is another engineered wood product that is equally popular as plywood. It is composed of wood fibers that have been glued and compressed together to form a strong component.
Although it’s not as long-lasting as solid wood and plywood, MDF is a cheaper option. And, if you’re looking for kitchen cabinetry hardware material that’s somewhere between plywood and particleboard in terms of quality, this is an excellent choice.
MDF can be manufactured using high-speed CNC machine tools due to its density and uniform structure. Unfortunately, because of the way MDF is constructed, chips and scratches are likely to be irreversible.
Pros:
- It is far more durable than particleboard but significantly less pricey than solid wood.
- It is warp and moisture-resistant, making it invincible to changes in temperature.
- MDF panels are manufactured with a perfectly smooth and even surface.
Cons:
- If the cabinets are overloaded, it is prone to sagging and damage.
- It is sensitive to very high temperatures, making it unsuitable for use in commercial kitchens.
4. Laminate
Laminate is an outer layer material that adheres to the cabinet body’s plywood or other boards. It continues to be a very inexpensive product that can be utilized throughout the kitchen.
Laminate is a cabinet material that, like wood veneer, is used as a coating for kitchen cabinet openings and drawers. Because of its smooth finish, it is simple to clean but hard to paint.
Laminate cabinets can be extremely long-lasting, particularly if you choose a higher-quality laminate. For people who have a tight budget and are after cabinetry that’s easy to maintain, laminate provides an excellent alternative.
So, Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Material wisely!
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to clean.
- Comes in a vast range of colors and patterns.
Cons:
- Impossible to repair when cracked.
- Cannot be painted or stained.
5. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel kitchen cabinets are not typically used in homes, but they are very prevalent in commercial kitchens. It is due primarily to the nature of stainless steel surfaces, which are impervious to air, steam, and water.
However, stainless steel kitchen cabinets are becoming increasingly common in homes. These metal cabinets provide a home with durability, functionality, and efficiency, making them an excellent option for traditional wooden cabinets.
Pros:
- High temperatures and repetitive water contact can be tolerated by stainless steel cabinets.
- It’s simple to wipe down with no degradation of the material, making cleaning stainless steel kitchens a breeze.
- It blends well with other materials to generate visual interest and variety.
Cons:
- Not suitable for those looking for a traditional kitchen look.
- Prone to scratches and dents.
Conclusion
Whether you’re choosing custom vs. stock cabinets, the material you choose for them will be one of the most essential decisions you’ll make. Luckily, due to the variety of materials available, finding cabinet materials that are both durable and fit into your budget is possible.
As you can see, each of the kitchen cabinet materials mentioned has advantages and disadvantages. Of course, appearance is important, particularly when reliving your preferred kitchen cabinet ideas, but there are numerous other factors to consider.
Solid wood cabinets are generally the most durable and pricey. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is the least expensive cabinet material. After all, higher-quality materials in kitchen cabinets will provide durability, stability, and longevity, as well as increase the worth of your property. This is how you can Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Material.
