Gorgeous kitchen cabinetry not only transforms the look and feel of your household but also adds to the property value. Choosing the right style and design is very important for homeowners as designer kitchen cabinets can take up almost a quarter of the kitchen remodeling budget. But what’s even more essential than aesthetic value is picking the right material for your kitchen cabinetry. As re-designing and remodeling kitchens are usually a long-term investment, homeowners should consider weighing the merits and downsides of the most popular kitchen cabinet materials available in the market.
Wood
Easily the most popular construction material, the natural beauty, and elegance of wood are unmatched. Available in various natural hues, wooden cabinets are as strong as they are capable of supporting heavyweight. Solid wood can be fashioned and customized to suit specific tastes.
However, wooden cabinets require adequate protection from moisture and need to be properly waterproofed. That along with relatively high costs can put off many homeowners from investing in kitchen cabinets in Toronto made from wood.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
A mixture of small wood fiber particles, resins, and wax, MDF does not react to humidity. This makes them resistant to warping. The smooth surface with even grain can be painted and re-painted without much hassle. Like wood, the material can be used to craft various styles. But unlike wood, MDF is available in large pieces, thus providing more creative liberty.
On the downside, scrapes and chips on MDF boards can be difficult to sand and the material should not be used in places that experience extreme heat.
Melamine
Made with plywood or pressed wood with an infused resin, melamine cabinets are easy to clean and do not require staining or sealing. Melamine cabinets are available in a wide range of colors. Along with the fact that it is one of the cheapest materials in the market, melamine remains popular for its ability to mimic wood grain without additional maintenance issues.
Most melamine cabinets are square, thus limiting the variety of choice. They are also heavier than other materials and more susceptible to dents and scratches. This can take up the overall maintenance cost.
Polyester
If you are looking for a bit of sophistication then you should install polyester cabinets for your designer kitchen. Polyester is a compound made by combining pine fiber and melamine. The material is coated with a polyester film which makes it more resistant to dents and scratches.
On the flip side, if your polyester kitchen cabinet does get scratched, it can be difficult to fix.
High-Pressure Laminates (HPL)
Manufactured by pressuring multiple layers together, these laminates are similar to melamine but offer much more protection. Comparatively, HPLC is more resistant to scratches, chips, and dents, than other materials available in the market.
HPLC is more expensive than melamine or polyester and hence homeowners may end up choosing other alternatives due to their cost-effectiveness.
At CozyHome, we dedicate our time and services to help you make your dream kitchen come true. Thinking of remodeling your kitchen or getting custom kitchen cabinets? Book a free design consultation, view your dream kitchen in 3D, get a free quotation, and find out how much you can save.
Find the nearest CozyHome showroom and let us help make your dream kitchen come to life!
