GUIDE TO SELECT CABINET MATERIALS

.When it comes to the selection on new kitchen cabinets, custom made for your home, you have lots of decisions that you will need to make such as what sort of kitchen cabinet materials to use?

Here’s a simple guide to select on the most popular wood-based materials for kitchen cabinets, also the pros and cons of each.

1) Particleboard / Chipboard

If you’re looking for the most affordable cabinet material option, chipboards with a melamine finish is the way to go. This material is made out of wood chips that have been soaked and bonded by synthetic resin that is later compressed to form into sheets. This is the material largely used in IKEA furniture.

• Pro – Particleboard is resistant to scratch, shock, and even fungus.
• Con – Not moisture-friendly, and can degrade and discolor if it comes into contact with water.
• However, Melamine can be durable if the surface can be keeping dry always!

More completed projects reference at also our FB https://www.facebook.com/VeroniDesign & IG https://www.instagram.com/veroni_design/

2) Block Board

The second cabinet material that we would like to introduce is the block board. It is made up of softwood strips and veneers. They are manufactured by placing softwood strips edge to edge and sandwiched between veneers and then this sandwich is glued together with high pressure.

As chipboards have a low resistance to water, block board can be used instead in the interior of cabinets or storage that is exposed to humidity to avoid cracking.

• Pro – Resists sagging and warping. Blockboard is mostly used when there is lengthy piece of wood is required which makes furniture stiffer or and prevent it from bending. 
• Pro – Blockboards are cheaper as compared to plywood. It has more strength and durability as compared to MDF and particle boards. 
• Con – It is not as strong and durable as the actual plywood or good quality solid wood, as it is made by using softwood strips.

3)  Plywood

Plywood is also a popular cabinet material which made of many thin layers of wood glued together to form a hard board.

• Pro – Laminated plywood is more solid, abrasion, moisture-resistant, and easier to clean and maintain.
• Con – This material also comes in various shades and textures making the only downfall the lack of uniformity or consistency as no two boards together could match up perfectly.

Completed projects reference for Laminated Plywood Cabinets at our FB post https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0wrn8yMJESWsracsATL161SDo6PuUPqYyUBgSifed6rdvhYtCjCvx17wiFdRzmim1l&id=100064205010564&mibextid=Nif5oz

4) Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)

If you’re looking for a quality cabinet material in between plywood and particleboard, a great option is medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for your doors and drawers. Medium-density fiberboard is a composite material that is made from recycled fibers, resin, and wax, all of which are pressed together and sealed in a high pressure system.

• Pro – MDF is strong, and highly durable.
• Pro – MDF is resistant to warping and expansion from temperature changes and moisture.
• Con – MDF is not as strong as other cabinet materials, like plywood or hardwood. It is susceptible to sagging and damage if cabinets and drawers are overloaded.

Completed projects reference for MDF door Cabinets at our IG post https://www.instagram.com/p/CtAvI4bBIzK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  &  https://www.instagram.com/p/CqHhboXJIDk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

5) Expanded PVC foam board

Although this cabinet material is a bit pricey compared with chipboard, however, it has lots of advantages which is good to consider for. This PVC foam board is basically made of lightweight and foamed PVC.

• It is moisture, corrosion,and chemicals resistant.
• They will not decay with time and the color remains in the same new look for a long time without fading.
• These PVC foam boards are fire resistant. It can resist acid, moth, heat, vibrations, noise and light.
• It is waterproof.
• It supports superior quality wood processing.
• This is an ideal substitute for the wood, aluminum and other types of composites.
• It features smooth plate surface that is hard with the minimal scratching and thus becomes ideal for cabinets and furniture.
• It also features high thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
• It is self-extinguishing and flame retardant.
• It features light texture. It is portable and can be transported easily to any location.
• Any common carpentry tools can be used on this material for working.
• This PVC foam board can also be nailed, drilled, pasted and saw or involved in any other processing.

Door Finishes

After choosing for the cabinet materials as above, the most important part of the cabinet is the door finishes selection as it contributing to the style of the room. There are various cabinet finishes for modular kitchen furniture available in the market (Please refer our Project Reference @ https://www.veronidesign.com.my/cabinet-profile/). Unlike aluminium kitchen cabinet door, wooden door is still the most popular choices due to it’s beautiful and elegant, similar like the natural wood design and feel, they are a timeless choice, too, providing warmth, character and versatility to any kitchen despite it could be the budget choice. Let us have a quick look as below.

1. Melamine (or thermally fused laminate) –  The most affordable wooden based decorative surface option. Easy to clean, scratch & stain resistant.
2. Laminate – Textures can look like real wood, stone, or ceramic. Laminate door has a high resistance against scratch and moisture. It is also easy to clean and maintain. 
3. Solid Wood (Natural Wood) – Nyatoh, Oak, Semangkok, Pine Wood etc.
4. High Gloss Acrylic Panel – Maintenance & Durability. A more affordable option compared with glass finishes. Acrylic finishes are water-resistant, easy to maintain and clean; However, it’s easily scratched.
5. Spray Paint Glass Panel – There is 3G, 4G & 5G glass door. 4G/5G glass doors are an upgrade from 3G glass doors, they come with U-channel handles, and a much thinner edging as well as nicer finishing than 3G glass. 4G/5G glass doors are more popular due to it’s scratch-resistant, easy to clean & maintain.
6. Of course, if you do have higher budget and looking for waterproof & more durable cabinet, aluminium kitchen cabinet might be your choice.

In conclusion, as kitchen cabinets are usually the most expensive part of renovating a kitchen, we recommend you to talk to the kitchen cabinet specialist @Veroni Design Watsapp Link https://wa.me/60176834883 for more suggestion and view their portfolio or Reviews @ https://www.facebook.com/VeroniDesign

It’s our pleasure to solve your problems & serve you better!