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Before beginning your kitchen cabinet refacing in Pittsburgh, Desirable Kitchen and Refacing wishes to share this information about kitchen cabinet materials. Below is a quick rundown of different materials that can comprise kitchen cabinets.
Just as the name suggests, this type of kitchen cabinet is simply made out of solid wood. The most popular types of solid wood cabinets are maple, cherry, pine, and oak. Always verify when the manufacturer says that it is solid wood that it is a homogeneous piece of wood. A good indicator of solid wood cabinetry is that staining is a finish option.
You are probably familiar with plywood as it has many uses for a variety of home projects. Plywood is made of thin slices of piles that are alternated with an adhesive which binds them together resulting in a multilayered sandwich. The piles typically are varied with the grain to ensure the finished product is strong and stable. Plywood tends to be used more with expensive cabinet lines.
This is an engineered wood alternative. Particleboard is comprised of wood particles and chips bound together by an adhesive and then compressed to form panels and boards. It is commonly used for cabinet boxes and shelves before being covered with wood veneer, laminates, and Thermofoil.
Like particleboard, MDF is an engineered wood alternative. It is almost as popular too. MDP is made up of wood fibers and is held together by adhesive before being compressed. It’s a higher density than fiberboard, resulting in a finer, heavier texture. It is primarily used to make boxes, shelves, and occasionally doors. It is also covered with wood veneer, laminates, and Thermofoil.
Metal is less popular than wood, but it is available as a complete set of cabinets and drawers. Stainless steel is the metal most frequently used in kitchen projects. Metal is usually seen in a modern or industrial style kitchen. Every so often, a manufacturer will offer a wood-based cabinet with stainless steel drawers.
This plastic product is a fusion of polymer resin and paper. It serves as a surface for wood-based cabinets and boxes, making those surfaces super easy to clean.
Melamine is a chemical compound that results from the fusion of melamine resin and paper. The resulting thin flat sheet typically covers inner particleboard cabinet surfaces, making it waterproof and easier to clean.
Thermofoil is a vinyl film that serves as a cover for engineered wood products. If you see Thermofoil cabinets, it is typically an MDF or particleboard cabinet with a layer of Thermofoil.
There are tons of factors to consider when thinking about kitchen cabinet materials. Keep in mind that solid wood and metals are more durable, but also are more expensive. Engineered wood cabinets are less durable but more budget-friendly. You’ll also want to know your budget, kitchen design, and personal preference when starting the process.
