WHAT IS THE BEST KITCHEN CABINET MATERIAL?
What Is the Best Kitchen Cabinet Material?
Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen or building a new one? Aside from the foundation and appliances, it is also critical to select the cabinet surfacing carefully. The surfacing is not only responsible for the overall appearance of the kitchen, but it is also a crucial aspect in determining cabinet durability.
There are numerous solutions available, ranging from low-cost to high-end. Determine which one will work best in your home.
1. Hardwood
By far the most frequent material used for cabinets is wood. It is both non-toxic and renewable. Hardwoods like Marindi (mindi or Melia azedarach), teak, and Sheesham (Indian rosewood) are popular kitchen cabinet materials in India. The surface can then be stained, varnished, or painted with your preferred color.
– Benefits
Wood is available in a wide variety of grains, colors, and textures. Natural variety within the material adds to its unique attractiveness. It easily adapts to both traditional and modern design styles. It is not difficult to clean glossy wood. Commercial cleaners and other extremely acidic solutions should be avoided.
– Drawbacks
Poor-quality wooden boards exhibit warps and dents, so buying the proper wood is critical. Changes in humidity levels can damage the wood’s core and surface, and it requires periodic polishing to keep its straight and smooth texture. Working with it is also expensive and time-consuming.
2. Laminates
Because solid wood is prone to deterioration and infestation, laminates are frequently preferred. Laminates are thin sheets sandwiched together with layers of plastic resin, paper with a printed layer of various patterns or designs, and a durable plastic film overlay.
As substrates for such surfaces, composite goods such as plywood, particle board, and MDF (Medium-density fiberboard) are employed. On these boards, a decorative film or sheet is applied. These substrates are less expensive and more durable than solid wood (as are laminates).
Laminates are thin sheets sandwiched together, consisting of layers of plastic resin, multiple layers of kraft paper, a printed layer with various patterns or designs, and an overlay of a durable plastic film.
Benefits
These compacted sheets are both long-lasting and inexpensive. Because the printed layer is atop a paper backing, laminates can mimic the appearance of any material (including wood, metal, and leather). Its skin does not rapidly wear off, scratch, or fade, and it does not require frequent polishing. Because laminates are covered with a thin transparent plastic layer, they are resistant to moisture, and cleaning their surface is considerably better.
Drawbacks
Laminate edges tend to tear off when not correctly fitted. Laminates are a non-renewable material since they are constructed of plastic-based polymers and paper crushed under high pressure. Some are known to leak hazardous fumes into the atmosphere.
3. Wood Veneers
Veneers, like laminates, are slices or sheets of solid wood that are placed over a composite substrate. After that, the sheets are dyed and polished to produce the appropriate color and texture. Veneers faithfully replicate the polished textures and natural beauty of wood.
Benefits
Wood veneers are more sustainable and cost-effective than solid wood since only thin slices of solid wood are utilized to cover humongous surface areas. Veneers can soften the appearance of a potentially harsh-edged kitchen. Veneers can be finished in matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finishes.
Drawbacks
When exposed to natural light, veneers tend to discolor. After a while, the sheets, like wood, require polishing. If the sheet is not thoroughly polished, water stains may appear. Veneers do not resist scratches.
4. PVC
Poly-vinyl chloride sheets are tough-finishing composite plastic sheets. As a result, they can be mounted without the use of a substrate. This kitchen cabinet material is low-cost and simple to install. It is a good choice for kitchen cabinetry since it is waterproof and oil-proof. PVC sheets are typically sold in lighter colors. Some manufacturers also provide imitation wood textures and moldings.
Benefits
This material is termite-resistant, anticorrosive, and simple to maintain. PVC sheets, like laminates, are simple to obtain and replace. In comparison to laminates and wood-based products, PVC is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Drawbacks
PVC sheets are not available in a wide range of colors and designs. These sheets are not fireproof and will be yellow with age. Only plastic-compatible hardware can be used for hinges, handles, and tracks. Some plastics soften with time, causing the joints to loosen.
5. Stainless steel or Aluminum
Metal kitchen cabinets are extremely sturdy and long-lasting. However, this is a more expensive choice. Steel or aluminum doors can be used to cover wood-based cabinets. To lighten the effect, I recommend combining this unusual material with glass. Metal sheets are available in a variety of treatments, including brushed, etched, and patterned.
Benefits
Metals have a distinct appearance. Treated metal is strong, rust-proof, and stain-resistant. Heat and humidity do not affect metal doors. These sheets are simple to scrub and clean, and hence untouched by the grime deposited in our kitchens by spices and cooking.
Drawbacks
Metals come in a restricted number of colors. They may require re-polishing if the top lustrous coat oxidizes or rusts. Metal surfaces show oil smudges and fingerprints very plainly, thus the duster is used much more frequently. These sheets are also prone to denting and scratching. Finally, their doors and drawers are noisier than those made of other materials.
Tagged topinteriordesignmonacotopinteriordesignqatartopinteriordesignDubaitopinteriorarchitectQatarbestinteriordesignmonacomarieuxinteriortreasuresinteriordesignmonacointeriordesignQatarinteriordesignDubai
