Tracy Choosing the right cabinet surfacing can be one of the biggest decisions for your kitchen. There are many factors to consider, including style, durability and budget.
Solid wood is a popular option for cabinetry because it’s affordable and easy to sand down to smooth the grain. It is also moisture resistant and won’t warp as easily with fluctuations in temperature or humidity.
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Style
Cabinets are one of the most important design elements in a kitchen and can make or break your overall space. Choosing the right cabinet style and material for your kitchen will ensure durability and enhance your home’s value.
Shaker cabinets are your best bet if you’re looking for a timeless look that will last. This simple design, defined by plain doors and a raised outer border, pairs well with several different styles of kitchens, according to experts in kitchen renovation like RUPP Family Builders.
Another option is plywood, which consists of thin layers of wood glued together at alternating angles for strength. This material is a great choice for painted cabinets, as it can withstand heat, moisture and scuffing. Avoid particleboard and fiberboard, which are not moisture-resistant and can degrade quickly. These materials are also expensive to repair or replace.
Materials
Cabinet materials can make or break your kitchen’s overall look and feel. The choice is wide, and each material has its pros and cons.
For example, melamine is durable and costs less than solid wood. It’s smooth and non-porous, meaning it takes paint well and holds hardware. However, it can show fingerprints and doesn’t hold up to heat or humidity.
Particleboard is a cheap option, but it doesn’t have the strength of plywood or MDF. It also swells when exposed to moisture.
MDF is denser than particleboard and offers a smooth, blemish-free surface. It’s also cheaper than solid wood and easier to cut, allowing for custom work. MDF is a good choice for painted cabinets and pairs well with most design styles, including modern high-gloss, Nordic minimalist and contemporary beach homes.https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2807.303210444053!2d-122.85641499999998!3d45.282094300000004!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x186c133bee4527c5!2sKitchens%20by%20Rupp-Division%20of%20Rupp%20Family%20Builders%20Inc.!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1657651012972!5m2!1sen!2sus
Finishes
The cabinet finishes will affect how your kitchen looks and feels. The finish also helps protect your cabinets from moisture, fungus, mildew and scratches.
Stain is a popular option that lets you keep natural wood knots, grains and discolorations while providing a protective layer. Stains can be applied by wiping or spraying. Wiping produces a rustic, varied appearance while spraying offers a smoother coating.
A more traditional choice is painted cabinetry, which is available in a wide range of colors. A high-quality paint will resist fading, chipping and scratching while providing a smooth surface that’s easy to wipe clean.
Other cabinet faces include plywood and solid slab doors. For example, a premium grade of plywood is more dimensionally stable than hardwood, offering a stronger material that is less prone to warping or splitting. It’s also often cheaper than solid wood or MDF materials.
Budget
Cabinets are a big investment, and the material you choose sets the foundation for how well your cabinets hold up over time. You want to avoid noticing your cabinets sagging or shelves and drawers falling out of alignment over time. You must hire the best kitchen cabinet installers near you to build your kitchen on a strong, functional base.
Solid wood offers a rich look and a variety of options to fit any aesthetic, but it is also more costly than other materials. It is prone to expansion and contraction with temperature changes, leading to cracking.
Medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, is an affordable option less prone to warping and cracking than solid wood. It can be stained and painted, which gives you a lot of flexibility for your cabinet design. You can also use thermofoil, created when polyvinyl chloride foil is pressed into MDF, to add extra durability. It also has the benefit of being moisture resistant, which makes it ideal for a high-moisture environment like your kitchen.
