How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials for Your Project?

Published on: 06 March 2020 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024
kitchen cabinet

Among the defining factors of your kitchen’s overall look are its cabinets. After all, in kitchen design, the cabinetry often serves as an anchor, the thing that ties every other design elements together to create a seamless look. As such, beyond style, what’s more, important is to choose the right materials for your kitchen cabinet.

Reliable flat pack kitchen contractors can offer you a variety of kitchen cabinet material choices. Moreover, they can also recommend suitable materials and even combinations of materials to suit both style and practical function. Here’s a quick look into the most common materials used by cabinet makers.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials for Your Project:

kitchen cabinet materials

Hardwood Cabinets

You could say that hardwood kitchen cabinets are the grandfather of all kitchen cabinets. One of the main draws of using hardwood is that, because it’s a natural material that varies in grain from piece to piece, every kitchen cabinet will be equally unique. There are no two trees that are exactly alike, which means that even cabinets made from the same kind of hardwood will have subtle differences. Another benefit of hardwood is that it’s not only durable. It’s also easy to repair. Even inexperienced carpenters can DIY procedures like sanding, staining, or refinishing. Finally, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. Popular hardwood species include jarrah, marri, birch, cherry, maple, and oak.

When it comes to downsides, however, the most common disadvantage people cite is that hardwoods tend to be heavy. As such, if you want pure hardwood cabinets, you have to make sure that there’s a sturdy enough structure to support them. Another drawback of hardwood kitchen cabinets is that they’re expensive, especially if you want fully customized designs. Some Perth kitchen cabinet makers will suggest combining hardwoods with other materials to help drive down the cost.

Are hardwood cabinets right for your kitchen? If budget isn’t an issue and you want beautiful, long-lasting cabinets, hardwood is the best choice. Hardwood is also great for busy kitchens since it’s a heavy-duty material.

Medium-Density Fibreboard Cabinets

Medium-density fibreboard or MDF has gained popularity in the world of cabinetry, especially since IKEA has long been using it for their own kitchen cabinets and other furniture. The material is a composite of recycled wood fibers and wax, bound together by resin. The boards are made through high-pressure CNC milling, resulting in strong and dense material.

Indeed, MDF is a versatile substrate, able to be painted, veneered, lacquered, laminated, or treated with almost any process or substance. MDF is also proven to be resistant to cracking and is considerably smoother than plywood.

The one downside of MDF is that it needs to be properly sealed. Otherwise, it has a tendency to warp. You can use carpenter’s glue for this purpose, especially if you’re going to paint over the material. For some waterproofing, you can use the wood sealant, varnish, or a coat of moisture-resistant paint.

Are MDF cabinets right for your kitchen? Those looking for more affordable yet high-quality alternatives can turn to MDF. Contemporary kitchens and those who love to DIY and customize will also benefit from MDF cabinets.

Plywood Cabinets

Plywood is made from multiple thin layers or plies of wood that are bound together by a combination of glue, heat, and pressure. The adjacent layers are rotated so that the grains are facing alternate directions. This technique, called cross-graining, enhances the material’s strength in all directions. Moreover, it helps prevent shrinkage and expansion, minimizes splitting of the layers (when nailed at the edges), and reduces warping.

Many cabinet makers consider plywood excellent material. Apart from the benefits mentioned above, plywood is also moisture-resistant, light but sturdy, flexible, and easy to install. In case the cabinets get damaged, plywood is also quite easy to repair through DIY methods. Finally, plywood is also much less expensive compared to even the most affordable hardwood.

Do remember that making plywood cabinets is all about choosing the right thickness. You’d want to use a thicker material on drawer bottoms, for example, or you risk it cracking or splitting if you put heavier items in it. Your kitchen cabinet maker likely already knows this, of course, but just make sure that you tell them what you need so they use the correct types of material. Also, ask where they source their plywood. Note that some lower-quality products may have gaps between the individual plies.

Are our plywood cabinets right for your kitchen? Plywood is ideal if you’re working with a stricter budget but don’t want to compromise on quality. You may also want to consider plywood if you’re making your own cabinets since it’s an easy material to work with.

Particleboard Cabinets

Particleboard is often compared to plywood. Also called low-density fibreboard (LDF) or chipboard, particleboard is engineered from various recycled wood products like wood chips, sawdust, and wood shavings. These materials are glued together, then pressed and extruded to create sheets. As a final touch, particleboard is laminated or given a wood veneer for a better-looking appearance (as plain particleboard can be, well, plain-looking).

The primary advantage of using particleboard for kitchen cabinets is that because it’s made from scrap materials, it’s very cheap. It’s also very lightweight. However, particleboard also tends to be on the lower end of the durability scale, especially when subjected to tension. Moreover, the material is prone to moisture damage and is not built to withstand sagging. Nonetheless, you can still find high-quality particleboards that are quite sturdy. Ask your kitchen cabinet maker to help you find the best ones.

Are particleboard cabinets right for your kitchen? If your kitchen doesn’t see too much action and you don’t have any heavy equipment, particleboard cabinets and shelves will more than suffice.

Stainless Steel Cabinets

Finally, there’s stainless steel. Not many households opt for this material for kitchen cabinets. In fact, these are often seen only in industrial, professional-level kitchens. Nonetheless, stainless steel is an ideal material in the kitchen, both for cabinets and general usages like shelving and racks. It’s durable, doesn’t expand or contract, and resistant to most kinds of damage. Stainless steel can be difficult to clean, however, but it’s very hardy so it can withstand a lot of scrubbing and even harsh chemicals. This makes sterilizing a breeze. Nonetheless, you should also note that stainless steel cabinets tend to be expensive, sometimes costing even more than hardwood.

Are stainless cabinets right for your kitchen? Do you consider yourself a chef in your own right? Do you often cook, not just for yourself but also for your family and friends? If you do, then stainless steel kitchen cabinets are perfect for you.

Many of these materials, except perhaps for stainless steel, can be customized and combined with plenty of other materials, so the style isn’t the biggest issue. Therefore, in the end, choosing the right kitchen cabinet materials all boils down to two primary considerations: your budget and how often you’re going to use your kitchen. When you focus on these two, the decision will become simpler.

Contact kitchens now for quality flat pack kitchens

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Designing a Tiny House

5 Tips For Designing a Tiny House

A tiny house has so many advantages for the owner. This is a chance to remove the clutter from your home and your life. It's also a chance to avoid spending too much on home space you don't need and may not even use. If you are thinking about a tinyaway home, there are a few ideas you'll want to keep in mind before you begin. You should know the tips for designing a tiny house. A well-designed space can make any space, no matter how small, the ideal place to spend your time. Look for help with light, higher ceilings, classic decor and using items to serve more than one purpose. You'll do really well with a few tips from those experts who have created marvelous spaces that work no matter how tiny. Here are the 5 tips for designing a tiny house: Bring in Light The use of natural light has a great many benefits in any home of any size. If you are planning a very small house, you'll want to bring in as much natural light as you can. This helps your smaller spaces feel far more open. Large windows are a great way to provide you with access to a nice view on a sunny day. Ideally, each space you use from the dining area to your relaxing lounge should have at least one window. Windows can also be opened on a hot day. This brings in much-needed cross ventilation. That helps any owner save on their utility bills and reduce their overall housing costs. Keep Ceilings High Ceilings are another crucial space that benefits from attention when it comes to designing a tiny house. This is a good place to splurge and add just a bit more space to the entire interior. A larger ceiling can make your sleeping area more comfortable and allow you to do things like reading in bed. Two people can easily occupy the sleeping space when there's enough room for both to get out. The larger ceilings will also add more storage space. You can use them to create additional shelving for items like your kitchen appliances and other things you might only use now and then. Putting in a high ceiling in one area can also help create even more charm. For example, you might have a Juliet balcony that allows you to have one area for relaxation while others down below to watch a movie. Simple Decor With a smaller home, it's a great idea to stick to the essentials when it comes to decor plans. Think about specifics such as color, light and how you relate to such ideas. White is an ideal color as it can make any space feel much larger. Add in a few extra colors such as pastels for a softer look or more neutral colors for a relaxing feel. Mirrors can also be used to reflect light into the interior. Curved lines can draw the eyes to the rest of the room and expand the space. A group of well-chosen pictures along one wall adds interest without adding too much-unwanted bulk. Storage and Multi Purposing All items in the home should be thought about with care. You want to make the most of everything you bring inside. For example, an ottoman can be folded out to create an extra bed in your home for the company. Pocket doors can be used to add privacy while not blocking the flow of light from one room to the next. The same is true of many areas of your home. They can be used for additional storage. A deck might have storage underneath. The same is true for your bed. You can put drawers just about anywhere you like to make the space more functional and easy to use. Take Advantage of Nature Nature is one place ideal for a small house. If you have a very small house and want to know the tips for designing a tiny house, find ways to show it off. A deck can provide space for additional seating that makes the outdoors your living room. Put a skylight in your sleep area so you can watch the stars come out at night one by one. The outdoors offers a great way to expand your home into new spaces. Read Also:        8 Tried and Tested Secrets of a Productive Home Office Finding the Perfect Place to Have Your Wedding How To Pick The Perfect Flooring For Your New Home

READ MOREDetails
Office Desk

Why You Need a Solid Wood Office Desk?

A desk is much more than just a desk; it’s the place where you spend hours of your time and where you get great things accomplished. With such an important and well-used piece of furniture, the quality will be easily seen by you and your clients. A durable, well-crafted, and beautiful desk will actually make you be more productive and more successful at whatever you set out to accomplish. You’ll Notice Its Quality: When you’re sitting at your desk or using any piece of furniture for such long amounts of time, you’re going to notice the great workmanship, the quality of wood, and the intricate detailing that went into creating it – but only if it is actually a high-quality piece of furniture. If it is not, then you’ll just as readily notice flaws which can be annoying and even distracting. Your Desk Makes an Impression: A desk can even be passed down from generation to generation and can become an heirloom that is treasured for many years to come. A high-quality desk is an investment and will even help you to become more productive. If your desk is wobbly or crooked, it can make office work difficult to accomplish, and it can even make a bad first impression when clients visit your office. Invest in a High-Quality Desk: If your desk is less than desirable, you may want to upgrade your office desk this year because a good, solid desk can help you to be more productive and will also save you money, since you won’t need to replace it after only a few years. Many people buy a cheap desk and then find out that when they need to move it, it basically disintegrates because it’s made of a cheap material such as particle board or an inferior material that isn’t built to last. Shopping Online: If you’re too busy to shop for a new desk, you can always conveniently shop online for a beautiful desk made of a high-grade wood such as maple, cherry, or oak. There’s a reason that these types of wood have been used for decades to craft high-quality desks and other fine pieces of furniture as well – because you can trust them to look gorgeous. Thinking Beautiful Design: You want your desk to look good where it will be. If it doesn't, then it will clash with the décor of the room and can be off-putting. When you purchase a handmade desk made of solid wood, you’re guaranteed to beautifully match almost any interior design choices you already have. Be More Productive: A good desk is one of the most important things that you’ll use daily to complete your tasks and to stay organized. It's the central station that the entire office revolves around. It's estimated that about 40% of adults spend their time at work and a good portion of that is at their desk. Whether you’re looking for an office desk that will impress your clients or satisfy your own desire to foster that professional and successful image, which perfectly suits the current décor of your workplace, a solid wood desk is a way to go. Check online now to find the right desk to suit your office perfectly. Read Also: Unique Furniture To Transform Your Home Best Office Design Trends For 2018 Why Kiln Dried Wood Is Better For Furniture

READ MOREDetails
Living Room Sofa

A Guide to Finding the Perfect Sofa for Your Living Room

If you have to invest in only one item of furniture for your living room, experts agree that it would have to be a sofa. It is both a functional and decorative piece in your home and is meant to last a long time. Buying a couch is a commitment, and if you want a good-quality sofa, you need to be prepared to pay a hefty price. But once you find that perfect couch to go in your living room, it is likely going to be your favorite spot, next to your bed of course. If you are in the process of buying a couch, you can quickly find sofas for sale online. However, there are endless choices available, and the task of picking one can suddenly become overwhelming. Let this guide help you sort through your options to find that perfect choice from a sea of sofas. The function is your main priority The first thing you should consider before buying a sofa is your lifestyle. How many people should it accommodate? Is the space meant to be a casual living area or do you plan on keeping it formal and fit for occasional entertaining? For more formal living rooms, it is best to choose a standalone sofa. On the other hand, if you are decorating a casual area where you can lounge and watch television with your family, a sectional couch has enough room for you to chill on. Choosing the right type of upholstery A coach needs to be comfortable, and the right kind of upholstery will make a massive difference in the comfort level of a sofa. Different types of fabric have different longevity and care needs. If you have a busy lifestyle and you also have pets or kids, you might want to look for a material that is easy to clean and will not get damaged easily. But if it’s just you and your partner, leather chesterfield furniture will be ideal for a durable and aesthetic sofa. Another thing to consider besides the upholstery material is the filling. While foam is more durable and resilient, it tends to be stiff. The ideal choice would be a mix of feather and foam which gives good structure to the furniture but at the same time making it more affordable. The little details matter Once you have tackled the significant factors that impact your selection, you can move on to the small details that also matter. First, the type of sofa arm determines the style of the furniture. Sloping rounded arms are typical of classic and traditional designs. If you are looking for something more contemporary, try a tuxedo-style fabric sofa where the arms are the same height as the back. Another detail to look into is the seat depth as this will also impact the comfort level of the sofa. The minimum depth you should look for in a sofa is 22 inches. However, if you are the type of person who loves to lounge on the couch and occasionally take a nap, a depth of around 33 inches will provide the comfort level you are looking for. Read Also: 5 Ways That Ensure That Your Home Is Safe For Living Here’s How To Turn Your Garage Into A Bedroom On A Budget! Arabian Ranches – A Modern Family Living

READ MOREDetails