Cabinetry is about more than where you keep pots and plates, cabinet styles set the mood for the kitchen, and cabinet sizes and placements determine the function of the kitchen.
There are a lot of materials to choose from and it can be confusing what the right thing will be for you. They all have their own strengths, styles and price points.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the types of kitchen cabinets materials to help you find the perfect option and most importantly discuss the pros and cons of these materials to help make a smart decision.
Table of Contents
What Are the Types of Kitchen Cabinet Materials?
There are several choices for kitchen cabinets. Some made of real wood and some engineered to be cost effective or easy to clean. Here are the main types:
- Solid Wood: Genuine woods such as oak, maple, cherry, birch, and walnut. Famous for their bonding and real feel.
- Plywood: Wood arranged in several layers glued together. Provides strength and is typically used for cabinet boxes.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): Made from small wood fibers and a resin. It is super silky smooth and great for painted surfaces!
- Particleboard: Cheap board made of compressed wood chips and sawdust. Often used in budget cabinets.
- Melamine: Laminate on particleboard or MDF. It’s sleek and available in many colors.
- Laminate: Covering for wood or MDF that has a thick, plastic-like surface. Very durable and simple to keep clean.
- Thermofoil: MDF with vinyl coating. Provides a glossy finish but may peel or bubble around heat.
- Stainless Steel: Works for Modern or Industrial kitchens. Quite substantial and wipes clean very easily.
The materials listed above differ in strength, price, appearance, maintenance, and finish.
Cabinet Materials Compared: Pros, Cons, and Cost
Choosing the right kind of kitchen cabinet material is not just a design choice. It also requires a knowledge of the characteristics and price tags that each type of cabinet carries, and how that affects your purchasing decisions.
Here, we dissect all the elements of the most common cabinet materials with their pros, cons and average price points.
Solid Wood Cabinets
Strengths
Solid wood cabinets are considered to be high end kitchen cabinets of great natural beauty, Its grain patterns and colour variations shine through their glazes, and it does not get outdated. If they get scratched or worn, you can sand and refinish them.
Weaknesses
They can be sensitive to moisture and fluctuation of temperature. They’re also the costliest choice compared with other materials.
Cost Estimate
Prices tend to fall in the range of $250 to $500 per linear foot, but it is possible to pay much more if you use an expensive variety of wood.
Plywood Cabinets
Strengths
Plywood is a strong and eco-friendly material that has thin layers of wood. It is a popular choice for cabinet boxes since it keeps screws tight and does not warp.
Weaknesses
It is less expensive than solid wood, but more expensive than particleboard or MDF. Some plywood can be rough around the edges or may require a covering for a finished appearance.
Cost Estimate
Plywood cabinets typically cost anywhere from $150 to $300 per linear foot.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) Cabinets
Strengths
MDF offers a very smooth surface, ideal for painted cabinets. It does not have wood grain, allowing for clean, consistent finishing. It’s less expensive than both plywood and solid wood.
Weaknesses
It’s not as strong as plywood or solid wood. It’s also more susceptible to dents, or damages, and can expand if it encounters water.
Cost Estimate
In general, most MDF cabinets will cost you anywhere from $100 to $250 per linear foot.
Particle Board Cabinets
Strengths
It is the most cost-efficient material. It’s light and great for temporary solutions or low-traffic kitchens. It is frequently used in ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinetry.
Weaknesses
The least durable cabinet material. It can be very prone to chipping, swelling with moisture and it doesn’t let screws grip as well.
Cost Estimate
Costs range from $60 to $120 a linear foot.
Melamine Cabinets
Strengths
Melamine is a durable, easy-to-clean surface available in a variety of colors and textures. It’s laid on top of MDF, particleboard or even OSB and offers an updated, clean look.
Weaknesses
The edges may chip or peel with age. It’s also not particularly water-resistant.
Cost Estimate
Melamine cabinets generally range from $80 to $150 per linear foot.
Laminate Cabinets
Strengths
Laminate is very durable, resistant to scratching and wear and impervious to water, and it is also easy to clean. It’s great for a really busy kitchen, and it is available in every color and every finish.
Weaknesses
The edges may chip or peel after a couple of years of use, particularly if the cabinets aren’t properly maintained.
Cost Estimate
Depending on the quality, they cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per linear foot.
Thermofoil Cabinets
Strengths
Thermofoil cabinets are made with a vinyl overlay to achieve a glossy, polished look. The modern look of a plain white one is frequent in modern kitchens. They’re also very budget-friendly.
Weaknesses
Thermofoil is prone to peeling when it comes in contact with heat or steam, particularly if situated adjacent to ovens or dishwashers.
Cost Estimate
Costs range from $80 to $160 per linear foot.
Stainless Steel Cabinets
Strengths
Very hardy, simple to wipe down. More resistant to moisture, stains and bacteria than other materials, stainless steel might be more appropriate for a commercial-style cook or somewhere with a humid climate.
Weaknesses
Stainless steel is easily scratched and may feel too cold or industrial in some home settings. It’s also the priciest on this list.
Cost Estimate
Prices usually start at about $300 and can reach more than $600 per linear foot.
How to Choose the Best Material to Build Your Cabinet
Selecting an option from the different materials available alters some factors. These can include your budget, daily wear and tear on your kitchen, and style preferences.
Budget: For low-cost options, consider melamine or particleboard. A mid-tier option would include MDF and plywood. For high-end kitchens, solid wood or stainless steel is a suitable choice.
Durability: Plywood or solid wood are needed for kitchens that experience heavy use or have children and pets. Also avoid bolt particleboard in high humidity regions.
Moisture Resistance: In case of humid kitchens or placing cabinets close to sinks or dishwashers, laminate, stainless steel, or sealed MDF are good options.
Style Needs: For a classic look, solid wood works best. For sleek modern designs, laminate or thermofoil would look wonderful. For an industrial vibe, stainless steel is best.
Maintenance: If you want easy wipe down surfaces, go with laminate or melamine. Wood surfaces may require more care.
DIY vs Custom Cabinets: What Works Better for Your Project?
DIY Cabinets
If you cannot afford the professionals, DIY is the way to go. RTA cabinets can be purchased from stores in your area and you assemble them at your house. They are usually MDF or particleboard material, and while they are more affordable, you may find that they will not last as long and/or may not fit every place quite as well.
Pros: Inexpensive, quick to obtain, adaptable if you’re resourceful.
Cons: Not as long-lasting, fewer design choices, requires tools and time.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are built to your space and specifications precisely. These can be constructed of solid wood, plywood, or high-end MDF with the finish of your choice. The height, depth, style, color and internal storage layout are all up to you.
Pros: No extra material, superior quality, custom to your kitchen.
Cons: More expensive, takes longer to get.
George Custom: A Practical Solution for Your Cabinet Project
If you are searching for professional and affordable custom cabinet solutions, George Group China is a name you can count on.
They are a company specializing in Whole House Customization China and provide whole solutions from material procurement to the shipment. George Group manufactures kitchen cabinets with an extensive variety of materials, such as solid wood, plywood, MDF, and more to fulfill both design and cost needs.
They also offer contemporary design services, so the cabinets will be integrated into the rest of your home seamlessly. No matter if you are a homeowner, contractor or designer, working with George Group China, you save time and you can get factory direct pricing with international quality.
Conclusion
There are so many Types of Kitchen Cabinets Materials to choose from, and your choice depends on your style, your budget, and your needs. Solid wood with plywood is the best in strength while MDF and laminate are practical and trendy for contemporary homes.
For a custom solution, opt for a custom cabinet from George Group China, a leading name in whole house customization China. With their huge selection of materials and professional design support you can confidently build cabinets that fit your space perfectly.
