Material selection is regularly an important topic for various elements of our homes, and kitchen cabinets are a great example. Which are the best materials for kitchen cabinets today, and how do you determine the ideal choice for your kitchen in particular?
At AWA Kitchen Cabinets, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of kitchen cabinets to clients around Salt Lake City, from wall cabinets to vanity cabinets, base cabinets and more. Our kitchen cabinets are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting use for our customers. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common and robust kitchen cabinet materials to consider for your needs.
Solid Wood
One of the most popular options here, both today and traditionally, is solid wood. Solid wood kitchen cabinets have a natural, timeless look and can be stained in various colors to suit your design preferences. Oak, cherry, maple, pine and other varieties are all potential options here.
When it comes to things like grain appearance and durability, solid wood is a fantastic choice. The only downside? It can be costly compared to other options.
Wood Veneer
To combat the high cost of solid wood, many homeowners opt for what’s called wood veneer. This involves placing thin layers of real wood over a less expensive material like plywood or particleboard. You get the look and feel of solid wood without the hefty price tag – and your cabinets will still last for years with proper care.
One potential downside here might come in moisture-heavy areas like bathrooms, where the veneer may not hold up quite as well as some other materials.
Plywood
Another very common material for kitchen cabinets is plywood, a type of engineered wood that’s made from thin layers of wood veneer. Plywood resists moisture and water damage well, making it perfect for areas like the kitchen or bathroom where spills are common.
Plywood also comes in various grades – the higher quality you invest in here, the better your cabinet durability will be.
Laminate
For some homeowners, laminate is the ideal material for their kitchen cabinets. Laminate is a synthetic material made from resin and paper that’s applied to particleboard or plywood. It’s incredibly durable and resistant to moisture, stains and heat – plus, it comes in a wide range of colors and designs.
One downside of laminate? It may not have quite as much aesthetic appeal as some other materials like solid wood or wood veneer.
Melamine
A derivation of laminate is known as melamine, which refers to a laminate surface with a plastic coating over plywood or fiberboard. This type of material is even more durable than regular laminate, and it’s also very easy to clean.
However, some homeowners may not love the look of melamine cabinets, which can be seen as somewhat outdated or lacking in character.
Particleboard
Made from compressed wood chips and resin, particleboard is one of the most cost-effective materials for kitchen cabinets. The downside? It’s not as durable as some other options and can easily become damaged by moisture. However, with proper sealing and maintenance, particleboard cabinets can last for years.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Similar to particleboard, MDF is made from compressed wood fibers and resin. It’s a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its smooth finish and low cost. However, like particleboard, it is susceptible to moisture damage and may not be the best option for areas with high humidity levels.
High-Density Fiberboard (HDF)
Down related lines, high-density fiberboard (HDF) is a more durable and moisture-resistant option compared to MDF. It’s also smoother than particleboard, making it a great choice for painted cabinets.
How to Make Your Choice
As you can see, there are many materials to choose from when it comes to kitchen cabinets. So how do you determine the best one for your needs? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on your cabinets? Some materials may be more cost-effective than others.
- Durability: Will your cabinets be exposed to moisture or high traffic areas? If so, you may want to invest in a more durable material.
- Aesthetic preferences: Do you have a specific look or style in mind for your kitchen? Some materials offer more customization options than others.
- Maintenance requirements: Different materials may require different levels of maintenance and care. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your cabinets.
In the end, it’s important to choose a material that not only fits within your budget and design preferences, but also meets your practical needs for durability and maintenance. Our team at AWA Kitchen Cabinets is always happy to help you make the best decision for your kitchen remodeling project. Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality materials and services for clients around SLC!