Know Your Materials
Solid Wood
Whole pieces of Lumber from a number of different species; the most popular choice for cabinets.
Pros
• Strong and durable.
Cons
• Can warp in humid conditions.
• Can be expensive compared with other materials.
Whole pieces of Lumber from a number of different species; the most popular choice for cabinets.
Pros
• Strong and durable.
Cons
• Can warp in humid conditions.
• Can be expensive compared with other materials.
Wood Veneer
Thin slices of wood glued to core panels of plywood, particleboard or MDF.
Pros
• A solid-wood look at a lower price.
• Easier to get a uniform look than using natural wood.
Cons
• Can lift or crack if improperly finished.
• Repairs can be costly.
Thin slices of wood glued to core panels of plywood, particleboard or MDF.
Pros
• A solid-wood look at a lower price.
• Easier to get a uniform look than using natural wood.
Cons
• Can lift or crack if improperly finished.
• Repairs can be costly.
Melamine
A machine-processed resin material adhered to particleboard, MDF or other pressed-wood product, often with a plastic coating.
Pros
• Affordable.
• Available in a wide variety of finishes.
• Low-maintenance and easy to clean.
Cons
• Can be difficult to repair if chipped or scratched.
• Not as durable as other options.
A machine-processed resin material adhered to particleboard, MDF or other pressed-wood product, often with a plastic coating.
Pros
• Affordable.
• Available in a wide variety of finishes.
• Low-maintenance and easy to clean.
Cons
• Can be difficult to repair if chipped or scratched.
• Not as durable as other options.
Stainless Steel
Long-lasting metal favored in professional kitchens.
Pros
• Very durable.
• Resistant to corrosion.
Cons
• Easily smudged and scratched.
• Expensive.
Long-lasting metal favored in professional kitchens.
Pros
• Very durable.
• Resistant to corrosion.
Cons
• Easily smudged and scratched.
• Expensive.
Laminate & Thermofoil
Both are synthetic materials adhered to a core of MDF for a number of different looks. Thermofoil is applied using heat and laminate is adhered with glue.
Pros
• Relatively affordable.
• More durable than melamine.
Cons
• Not as durable in higher temperatures.
• Difficult to repair scratches or dings.
Both are synthetic materials adhered to a core of MDF for a number of different looks. Thermofoil is applied using heat and laminate is adhered with glue.
Pros
• Relatively affordable.
• More durable than melamine.
Cons
• Not as durable in higher temperatures.
• Difficult to repair scratches or dings.
