How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials?

Kitchen cabinets are paramount to any kitchen design, and they are available in an array of styles and finishes. As the kitchen is one of the most used spaces of your home, it is crucial to choose a material that can tolerate regular wear and tear. Remember, your kitchen cabinetry comprises a large portion of your entire kitchen renovation budget that’s why it becomes vital to research for the right choices and make sure you get the right material and drawer hardware to match your lifestyle and budget. In this blog, we will help you choose the kitchen cabinet that is right for your kitchen.

Laminate Cabinets

Laminate is undoubtedly the most affordable kitchen cabinet material available on the market, so if you’re on a tight budget, then this is the best choice. Nowadays, laminate comes with high impact ABS edging – they are easy to clean and maintain, highly durable, and bestows seamless looks.

Thermo Laminate

If you want an upmarket alternative, then go for thermo laminate, which will suit diverse styles ranging from contemporary looks to traditional finishes. Thermo laminate wrap around the door can lend flawless and clean looks, and is UV stabilised to shield discolouration on your drawers and doors with time.

Plywood

Plywood is one of the most widely used kitchen cabinet materials because they are strong, durable, and has superior structural integrity. Thin sheets of wood veneer are layered on one another and glued together under high pressure and temperature, making plywood. Plywood can withstand warping or cracking under highly moist conditions with layered construction. Plywood is exceptionally suitable for kitchen base cabinets as it can take heavy loads without sagging. Highly flexible and adaptable, plywood can be finished with laminate and veneer or painted; it fits into many different kitchen styles. It is preferred by homeowners looking for long-lasting cabinets due to its durability and moisture resistance.

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

MDF is an engineered hardwood product made from highly ground and pulverised wood fibers bonded with resin and compressed under high pressure. This engineered wood is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets and attains a smooth and uniform surface ideal for painting or a lacquer finish. The absence of visible grains or other characteristics in MDF allows for a seamless finish in design details. An economical option compared to plywood, MDF offers good stability and is less prone to expansion or contraction as the temperature fluctuates. It is less highly resistant to moisture than plywood; thus, using it in upper-level cabinets and spaces less likely to come into direct contact with water is generally preferable.

Two-Pack

A two-pack finish is a sear enamel surface, which can cost you around twenty percent more than laminate. Compared to laminate, two-pack can be ordered in any colour or finish from matt to glossy for kitchen cabinets. Joins-free and edges smoothly wrap-around panels and doors producing clean, flowing lines. If you have a rough use, then a two-pack can be more susceptible to breakage; however, if this happens, you can respray it to lend a pristine look.

Veneered Particle Board

Veneers are thin, ornamental, pieces of wood applied to boards, and then sealed with clear two-pack. Veneer begins at the same price point as two-pack and then go up progressively or strikingly as per the form of timber selected. Veneer is a fantastic choice, especially when designing mid-century contemporary-style kitchens. It produces the organic mid-century visual aspect while also offering the loveliness and warmth of timber. Like laminate, a veneer can also come with matching ABS border shield to offer added safeguard against everyday knocks and accidents that occur in all types of kitchens.

HMR Board

HMR (High Moisture Resistant) is a particle board specially treated to resist moisture and humidity. It is widely used in kitchen cabinetry, mainly for pre-packaged or ready-to-assemble kitchen designs. A cheaper option than plywood, HMR guarantees more moisture resistance than standard particle boards. It is commonly used for carcasses, shelves, and panels that will experience moderate exposure to moisture. Although it is not as stiff as plywood, it provides affordable solutions for homeowners who demand durability without compromising quality.

Solid-Timber

Depending on the variety, solid-timber is an expensive option. In modern kitchens, solid-timber is used sparingly in the form of timber shelving or benchtop or one-off pieces of solid-timber furniture such as stools. However, solid-timber rarely used for the entire cabinetry due to its high price point.

Under-Bench Cabinets

You can laminate under-bench cabinets and leave as shelving; besides, you can laminate cabinet and drawer fronts. The drawer and door fronts, as well as, the end panels usually finished using a paint lacquer finish, a veneer, a vacuum-wrapped finish, or a laminate. Each comes with specific advantages, quality and price point, so it’s better to consult with your cabinet maker for the facing material that is functional, durable, and best suits your cabinetry and kitchen decor. Also, take into account your storage requirements, and map out shallow drawers for pans and pots, drawers or shelving for crockery, and slim drawers for utensils and cutlery.

Cabinet Handles

Although a small detail, cabinet handles affect functionality and aesthetics significantly. In proper hands, the handle will pull together the complete design of the kitchen cabinetry, making it easy for the cabinets to complement the kitchen style. Homeowners have a range of choices, such as simple modern handles, classic knobs, or a handle-free minimalist version with push-to-open mechanisms. Slimline handles suit kitchens with limited space, as these help keep a sleek appearance uncluttered. High-quality cabinet handles are an essential consideration in kitchen renovations. They will effortlessly and durably make the daily functioning of your kitchen even more convenient and efficient.

Contact Emporium Kitchens

For your research, our modern, state-of-the-art showroom is an excellent starting point to get ideas to build your custom kitchen cabinets. When you visit our showroom, you can see and touch the different joinery that we have on display. Give us a call on 02 9645 6706, our expert team can clarify to you concerning the material, hardware, and the type of internal fittings we have used to construct the custom cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions