Popular Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Pros and Cons

When you’re planning a kitchen renovation, one important consideration to make is the kitchen cabinet doors. After all, this is the most prominent feature in many kitchens, and it’s often the first thing people see when they come in. You want kitchen cabinet doors that fit your home’s style and color scheme without exceeding your budget.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of different kitchen cabinet materials and determine which might be right for your needs.

Polyester

This material is made of melamine that’s mixed with pine fiber and coated in polyester film. It’s generally affordable and has scratch-resistant properties. Polyester is available in a wide range of colors and looks. One downside of polyester is that if it does become scratched, repairing it isn’t easy.

Wood veneers

Do you want the look and feel of natural wood without paying the steep price tag? Veneer cabinets accomplish this through having a thin layer of real wood which is glued to less expensive core kitchen cabinet materials. They’re easy to take care of—just wipe down with a damp, soft cloth. One negative is that too much moisture may loosen the veneer and create a bubbling effect.

Melamine

Also referred to as MD or plywood, this pressed wood material comes in a range of colors and patterns. This is an easy-to-maintain material with a convincing faux wood grain. MD cabinets won’t require re-staining and sealing either. Some problems with MD cabinets are that they are more costly and when they scratch or dent, it can be difficult to repair them.

Medium-density fiberboard

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is engineered wood that’s made via breaking down hardwood and softwood composites. Many people consider the pros and cons of MD vs MDF cabinets. One point in MDF’s favor is that it’s generally cheaper than MD. It also makes a great base for painting and is denser and stronger when compared to particle board. That said, it suffers damage easily and can soak up moisture, which leads to swelling.

Solid wood

Some people don’t want to compromise. If you’re among them and you have the budget for it, then solid wood can be a great addition to your kitchen. One of the best aspects of solid wood cabinets is that they’ll never go out of style. Wood comes in a wide range of gorgeous natural hues, from bamboo to hickory to cherry and walnut.

This is a strong, long-lasting material that can be customized to the cabinet doors of your choosing. Besides the higher cost, solid wood’s negatives include that it may react to humidity. Wood will need to be treated with a waterproof finish as well.

We hope this article has addressed your concerns on MD vs MDF cabinets. Nowak Cabinets of Midland is your source for remodeling cabinets, countertops and closets. Our expert craftsmen will work with you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to arrange a consultation, or stop by our fully-stocked showroom and check out our selection for yourself!

Categorised in: Cabinetry, Kitchens

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