Understanding the options:
Typically, kitchen cabinets are made of wood or wood-like material. The material options range from hardwood or plywood to fiberboard and particleboard. The choice that you make largely depends on your budget. Some homeowners also opt for glass cabinets if they prefer it. Here is a brief about the options available so that you can make the right choice.
Hardwood: This is considered as the most durable material for kitchen cabinets. Hardwood like hickory or maple are scratch resistant but cost more in comparison to soft wood options like walnut or mahogany. Cherry wood, which has an intricate grain pattern is a trending choice these days amongst those looking for a warm and rich kitchen space. Other hardwood options are beech, oak, pine and birch. Kitchen cabinets made of hardwood are epitome of elegance and very classic!
Plywood: Plywood is a type of solid wood, glued together and overlaid with a veneer. Plywood has different grades and they all come at different prices. Grade AA is of premium quality and the most expensive type.
Fiberboard: Fiberboard is now recognized as a cost-effective choice for kitchen cabinets. It is made by compressing recycled fibers, wax and resin together under very high pressure. Fiberboard is not as durable as hardwood or plywood and is also prone to get damaged from moisture.
Particleboard: Particleboard and fiberboard are in the same family of materials for kitchen cabinets. However, particleboard is lower in density. It is made with recycled wood products that are compressed together to form sheets. A layer of laminate or veneer is added for the finishing. Though this option is inexpensive, it is not durable. Its susceptibility to moisture makes it a less preferred choice.
Veneer: A thin layer of solid hardwood that is peeled from a log is wood veneer. These are very thin and are used after creating flat panels by pressing them on particleboard or fiberboard. Veneered kitchen cabinets look beautiful because of the finish that they have. These are known for being lightweight and inexpensive.
What is best and what is not:
When it comes to the best choice for materials for kitchen cabinets, plywood and hardwood are known for their durability and high-quality. However, they are much more expensive than other modern materials.
Kitchen is an integral part of your home and you will be investing a lot of time and money when you are building it or remodeling it. So, it is only prudent to avoid low-quality and cheap materials like particleboard. Due to the low density, particleboard is prone to get damaged very soon and starts sagging. Fiberboard is another material that must be opted for with great caution, though its denser than particleboard it is not as dense and durable solid wood. Materials which are less dense do not hold screws well and are not moisture resistant.
It takes a lot of research and study to choose the best material for kitchen cabinets and you must make a choice based on your needs, budget, and personal preferences.