Everything you need to know about the most popular kitchen cabinet materials of the moment.
How important could materials be for kitchen cabinets anyway? Much to your surprise, the choice of cabinet material forms the basis of your kitchen. Today, modular kitchens are assembled to fit the space available and your needs. When modules are assembled on site, you have the opportunity to select the best possible material available for each part. It sounds expensive, but it’s a one-time investment that will pay off and save you money in the long run.
Your budget and lifestyle will determine what material is best for your eat-in kitchen. We swear by seven popular modular kitchen cabinet materials and trust ourselves when we say they’re the best out there. Use this guide to make the most of these materials in your kitchen:
MDF - Best material for kitchen cabinets
MDF, also known as medium density fiberboard, is one of the most affordable kitchen cabinet options today. Made from small pieces of wood fiber which are then glued together and hot pressed with resin to give a smooth finish. This engineered wood is easy to customize with grooves and designs, making it a popular material for modern kitchen cabinets.
HDF - waterproof material for kitchen cabinets
HDF or High Density Fibreboard is one of the latest materials for modular kitchen cabinets and is the optimal choice for high humidity areas. HDF is the best choice if you live in a city that experiences frequent heavy rains or if you have water pipes near your kitchen cabinets. Slightly more expensive than MDF, the material is moisture resistant, preventing mold or seepage from forming in your kitchen. The material is also more durable than wood, MDF, and plywood, making it a long-term investment that’s worth every penny.
Pro tip: If you’re working on a budget, try making the cabinet frames from MDF and the shutters from HDF.
Solid Wood - Best wood material for kitchen cabinets
When we think of modular kitchen materials, we rarely think of solid wood. It is expensive and swells with moisture. Why has solid wood been such a commonly used material traditionally? Because solid wood is durable and gives the room an elegant atmosphere. If you have the luxury of overspending and are careful about maintaining your cabinets, solid wood cabinets are an excellent choice.
Plywood - modular materials for kitchen cabinets
Plywood or engineered wood is known for its durability and strength. Crafted from stacks of sheets of veneer, the plywood cabinets are sturdy and shine beautifully when finished. Unlike wood or MDF, plywood cabinets do not allow room for carving. On the other hand, it offers a moisture resistance of up to 72 hours, which is not found in either wood or MDF materials.
Chipboard - inexpensive materials for kitchen cabinets
Particleboard is made from sawdust and scrap wood and is the cheapest kitchen cabinet material available on the market today. Pretty good strength for the price on offer; Only opt for chipboard if you only use your kitchen occasionally. The material is not suitable for everyday use.
PVC material for kitchen cabinets
PVC-like chipboard is a very economical material choice for kitchen cabinets. The material is available in two versions: hollow board and foam. It offers numerous color options and is easy to switch out if you like to keep up with trends. PVC kitchen cabinets are easy to maintain and clean. They are stylish but not water resistant. So choose them wisely.
Stainless steel - material options for kitchen cabinets
One of the newest kitchen cabinet materials making its way into Indian homes is good old-fashioned stainless steel. Steel offers durability, is water resistant and wipes clean easily with warm soapy water. What’s not to love about this material?
In summary, choosing the right material for your kitchen cabinets is a crucial aspect of creating a functional and visually appealing kitchen space. Each material brings its own benefits and considerations, and caters to different budgets, styles, and practical needs.
From the affordability and customizability of MDF to the moisture resistance of HDF to the elegance of solid wood and the durability of plywood, each material has its unique strengths. Particleboard offers a budget option, while PVC provides stylistic versatility. The modern touch of stainless steel combines durability, water resistance and easy maintenance.
Your choice should be guided by factors such as frequency of use of the kitchen, humidity levels, aesthetic preferences, and budget constraints. Understanding the properties of each material can help you make an informed choice that suits your lifestyle and enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. Remember, making the right choice now will bring long-term benefits, making your kitchen cabinets a worthwhile and lasting investment.
