Kitchen cabinets are an important part of every kitchen space. How else would you organise and store all your essentials, from the crockery and cutlery to dry food items and cleaning products? Hence, choosing the material with which you will get your kitchen cabinets done is an important decision to make. The material of your kitchen cabinets should be such that it can function for years to come. You should go for a material that is a perfect fit for both your budget and lifestyle.
The best material to use for your kitchen cabinets
There are mainly four kinds of kitchen cabinet materials that you can choose from, for door fronts and boxes. These are solid wood, medium-density fibreboard, metal, and plywood. Choosing the right material for your space can be a little overwhelming.
Solid wood gives you a luxurious feel. It is easy to maintain, reasonably priced and is one of the most versatile options for your kitchen cabinets. Wood offers maximum durability when it comes to building kitchen cabinets and is a cost-effective solution as well.
Various materials for your kitchen cabinet
Plywood
Plywood is a great pick if you wish to get your kitchen cabinets done durably. Depending upon the grade of the plywood, its price can vary. Also, the durability depends on the grade of the plywood that you choose. It is affordable, available in large sheets, and allows you to have wooden-finish interiors for your cabinets. You can pair them with painted doors to give your kitchen a complete makeover. Other benefits of plywood for kitchen cabinets are-
- Easy to repair– You can easily get your plywood repaired. If it ever gets chipped or damaged, you can get it repaired to get back to a high standard. In case you wish to completely hide the damaged spot, you can fill a chip with wood filler.
- Cost-effective– Plywood is a pocket-friendly choice for building your kitchen cabinets. Depending upon its grade, its price may vary though.
- Lightweight– It is easy to erect and can even bear a heavy load, for example, it can take the weight of food and casserole dishes.
If your pair plywood with a hardwood veneer, it can help you produce a solid slab door. You can even apply veneer tape to the edges, so that the edges are well-protected and match the overall interiors of the space.
Solid wood cabinets
Solid wood kitchen cabinets can look like a dream and help you to put together a gorgeous kitchen. Cabinets that are done using solid wood are beautiful and durable. Other benefits of choosing solid wood cabinets are-
- Durability and strength– Wood kitchen cabinets can last for years and look charming.
- Environmentally friendly– In case you wish to make your kitchen eco-friendly, you can choose wood to build your kitchen cabinets.
- Available in various shades– Different types of woods are available to build cabinets these days. You can go for oak, cherry, walnut, or maple. You can go for dark or light shades. You can even paint the wood and still showcase its natural grains.
MDF
MDF or Medium Density Fibreboard is one of the most popular materials for kitchen cabinets. It is easy on your pocket and available in various finishes. It is easy to clean and can last for a fair amount of time. MDF is denser as compared to hardwood and can give a smoother finish with no grain. Other benefits include-
- Moisture resistance– MDF is watertight because it is done up with wax and resin. It is a perfect choice for kitchen cabinets that often get in touch with water.
- Various sizes available– You can cut MDF into different sizes as per your need.
- Smooth and even– MDF panels are smooth and even. They are easy to laminate and can be painted to achieve a neat and attractive look.
Metal
Metal is another option if you are considering the best material to do your kitchen cabinet. Cabinets can be painted for a more interesting and colourful appearance. Other benefits include-
- Easy to clean– Metal kitchen cabinets are easy to clean and maintain.
- Durable– Stainless steel is an extremely durable material that doesn’t get affected by general wear and tear.
- Water and heat resistant– Stainless steel cabinets can easily withstand high temperatures and continuous water contact.
To conclude
Whether you are building a new kitchen or considering giving it a makeover, choosing the best material for your kitchen cabinets can be a tough decision. Some people think plywood cabinets are better than MDF because plywood is stronger and relatively inexpensive. Also, in case durability is your main concern, you should choose a cabinet material that is more resistant to scratches and dents. Wood is a great pick in such a case because it adds warmth to your kitchen and feels luxurious. Wooden furniture is said to be the best in terms of durability. It can be a little expensive, but it lasts for a long time. Hence, the cost is justified. Finally, the choice is yours, you can pick the best material according to your taste, preference and budget.