Choosing the materials for your cabinets is an important decision. After all, there’s not exactly a cheap and quick way to change them if you change your mind later! Finding the materials that match both your design vision and desired functionality can be a delicate balance to strike, but if you are patient and know what you are looking for, your cabinets will look great and last a lifetime! Let’s look at how to choose cabinet materials whether you are replacing old cabinets or installing new ones.
Wood
Better Homes & Gardens, generally suggests that wood cabinetry is the most versatile and reliable material to choose for cabinets. They are classic and found in pretty much any kitchen you can find. In fact, wood cabinets that are natural or even just slightly stained will pair well with pretty much any decorating style. The wood should be finished to prevent warping over time. Ensure that this is done at the factory to save yourself time and effort at home. If you live in a humid area, veneered cabinets are highly suggested.
HGTV suggests that at the top of many lists of wooden cabinet styles are: red or white oak, hickory, cherry, maple, birch ash, or pine. Each of these tree species has a unique color and characteristics and may vary greatly in cost and durability. If wood cabinets are what you are looking for, consider the grain variations and color before choosing, and be aware that some woods are much easier to stain than others.
Polyester
Polyester is another common cabinetry material, except in more modern homes, according to Laurysen Kitchens. These cabinets blend melamine and pine fibers and are then coated with a polyester film. Melamine is an affordable material of pressed wood (or MDF or plywood) that has a thin layer of paper and resin on top of it. Polyester cabinets tend to skew more expensive in price range than natural wood or melamine, but they are much more durable. They are less prone to scratches and scuffs, but when this does occur, it’s a more difficult task to repair them than with other materials.
Particleboard
Another alternative material homeowners could go with for cabinetry is particleboard. It is similar to plywood, especially in terms of cost and density. Particleboard, known more colloquially as ‘chipboard’, is low in density and comprised of various recycled wood products. It is quite inexpensive in price and a good quality particleboard cabinet will be extremely sturdy and durable. It’s also lightweight, and a great option if you are on a budget. Particleboard does not do well with water, though, and will degrade and discolor easily if it gets wet.
We hope that this has shown you how to choose cabinet materials that work the best for your specific situation!
When it comes to cabinet material choices and professional installation, Capitol Granite has the expertise and experience for any project. They’ve been installing cabinets for over 20 years in the Greater Richmond, VA area. In fact, they’ve completed over 100,00 projects! Contact Capitol Granite today for an estimate for your next cabinetry project.
