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A kitchen renovation is a significant undertaking, and your choices can determine its success and longevity. While it’s exciting to choose new materials and finishes, some options may seem attractive at first but lead to long-term headaches. In this guide, we’ll explore the materials you should avoid in your kitchen remodel.

Timeless Kitchen Design

It’s advisable to avoid overly specific design trends when renovating your kitchen to maximise the value of your investment. Instead, consider keeping the foundational elements of your kitchen design neutral and traditional. By doing so, you can easily update minor details in the future to maintain a fresh and relevant appearance. 

Opting for classic choices like natural wood or basic white cabinets is a timeless approach that will never go out of style. Similarly, splashbacks don’t require vibrant and trendy colours. Choosing materials like stone or subway tile, with their enduring appeal, ensures your kitchen maintains its elegance for decades without appearing outdated.

Don’t Choose Alternatives to Wooden Cabinets 

Many cabinet manufacturers produce kitchen cabinets using non-wood materials such as particle board or melamine. While these alternatives can be budget-friendly and a suitable choice for your kitchen renovation project, they often lack durability. Exposing particle boards to moisture, even in small amounts, can lead to irreversible warping. Furthermore, if your cabinets encounter staining substances, cleaning up wood surfaces is generally easier than dealing with cabinets made from cheaper materials.

When selecting the colour for your cabinets, it’s crucial to consider long-term trends. White and natural wood cabinets tend to maintain their appeal over time. However, if you opt for a bold and trendy colour, it may provide a unique and personalised look initially. Nevertheless, your preferences might change when newer trends emerge, potentially leaving you dissatisfied with your colour choice in a few years.

Avoid Flat Paint

Repainting your kitchen walls may not be a task you want to undertake frequently. It’s advisable to steer clear of flat finishes to ensure your fresh coat of paint withstands splashes, scuffs, and general wear and tear. 

Flat paint, known for its inability to be wiped clean, can result in streaks or permanent finish alterations when cleaned. Additionally, it’s susceptible to peeling or cracking, mainly if not applied correctly or exposed to heat and moisture. Fortunately, there are alternative washable matte paint finishes that offer durability and are well-suited for kitchen environments. Alternatively, you can opt for satin or eggshell finishes, which are more resilient.

Laminate Benchtops

Laminate benchtops are an attractive option due to their affordability and availability in various colours and styles. While they might align with your budget and offer flexibility for other kitchen expenses, it’s advisable to look beyond them if you seek durability. 

Laminate benchtops consist of a composition that typically includes a fibre core, resin, paper, and plastic, although specific compositions can vary between manufacturers. Unfortunately, their tops are not highly resilient, making them vulnerable to scratches and fading with regular use. Over time, you may notice the top and edges of a laminate benchtop peeling apart, so they may not be the best long-term choice for your kitchen.

Vinyl Flooring 

Many contractors and builders now opt for vinyl flooring in kitchen renovations due to its affordability. However, it’s worth noting that vinyl flooring is susceptible to wear and tear. Kitchens tend to experience significant foot traffic, making vinyl susceptible to scratches, cracks, and dents.

Moreover, kitchen environments often involve accidental spills and dropped items. While vinyl flooring may be an excellent choice for finished basements or hallways, it may not be the best option for your kitchen; instead, consider using tile.

Tile is renowned for its resilience, water resistance, and stain resistance. It can withstand the rigours of pets, heavy foot traffic, and spills. Additionally, tile doesn’t absorb odours or harbour bacteria, making it an ideal choice for kitchen renovation.

Final Words

A well-planned kitchen remodel can transform your home, but it’s essential to make informed choices. Avoiding the wrong materials is a vital part of ensuring the long-lasting elegance and functionality of your kitchen. By sidestepping pitfalls like vinyl flooring, laminate benchtops, wood alternatives for cabinetry, and flat paint, you’ll save yourself the hassle of constant maintenance and potential replacement. Choose wisely, and enjoy a beautiful, practical kitchen for many years.

Contact Emporium Kitchens

If you need assistance with a modern kitchen renovation in Sydney or an outdoor kitchen, contact us at Emporium Kitchens at (02) 9645 6706, and our experienced and friendly team is ready to assist you.