When purchasing new cabinets, there are a lot of decisions to be made. And one of the most important is deciding on materials. For example, some materials are more or less expensive. Some are more durable. And some are better for the look you want to achieve.
But how do you know what to choose? That’s simple. Read our Ultimate Guide for Cabinet Materials! Let’s begin.
Particleboard
Particleboard is the cheapest cabinet material. It’s created by bonding wood chips, sawdust, and resin together. As you can imagine, particleboard isn’t very strong. So, learning you have particleboard cabinets is often an unpleasant surprise. Eek!
Despite its lack of durability, particleboard is a popular choice for builders who want to save money. And unfortunately, it’s common for particleboard cabinets to break, bend, or crumble over time. Kitchen remodel, anyone?
Plywood
Plywood is made of thin sheets of wood that are glued together. This makes it stronger than particleboard. However, it is less durable than solid wood.
Plywood is also priced between particleboard and solid wood. As such, it often serves as a happy medium between the two. That’s why plywood is one of the most popular cabinet materials. However, plywood is prone to water damage. So, it’s important to keep this material dry.
MDF
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is made by separating wood into fibers, then combining them with wax and resin. MDF is stronger than plywood and particleboard. Plus, it’s easy to paint. MDF is also cheaper than solid wood. And it’s mold-resistant, too.
Unfortunately, heat easily damages MDF. And too much moisture makes it swell. So, weigh the pros and cons before deciding on MDF for your cabinets.
Laminate
Laminate is made from paper fused with plastic resin. This creates a wood-like surface, which is bonded to a core of engineered wood. Thanks to this process, laminate is more durable than particleboard or plywood. And many homeowners appreciate the variety of colors available, too.
When considering laminate, however, it’s important to understand that it cannot be repaired. Harsh cleaners damage laminate. So, use only soap and water to clean your cabinets.
Wood Veneer
Homeowners who love the look of wood but not the price tag often choose wood veneer. Veneer is a thin sheet of wood that covers plywood or particleboard. This creates a cabinet that looks like solid wood from the outside.
Although veneer cabinets look nice, they are not as durable as solid wood. In fact, they often chip and peel over time. Importantly, you must use cleaner made for wood to prevent damage to veneer. Moisture also damages veneer.
Melamine
Melamine is another surface material. It’s made from melamine paper and resin, which is bonded to particleboard or MDF. The bonding process makes melamine strong and durable. However, it is still not as strong as solid wood.
Melamine cabinets are resistant to heat and moisture. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and finishes. This makes them a popular choice. However, they are difficult to install. Additionally, water easily damages the interior structure if the melamine coating chips.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is the most expensive cabinet material. However, it is also the most durable. With appropriate care, solid wood cabinets last for generations. And solid wood cabinets often improve your home’s value thanks to their quality. We call that a win.
Solid wood cabinets are also nontoxic and environmentally friendly. Plus, they come in a variety of species, colors, and finishes. Maple, oak, cherry, and pine are popular choices.
Further, solid wood cabinets provide a sturdy surface for all your appliances. And they’re beautiful, too! That’s why solid wood cabinets are always in style.
Solid wood cabinets do have some drawbacks, though. For instance, wood cabinets are very heavy. And moisture may damage them. So, keep your cabinets clean and dry.
Need help choosing the right cabinet materials for you? Contact us here. We’re happy to help you design the perfect cabinets for your home.
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