Designing your kitchen is about striking a balance between style and function, which is why picking the best materials for your kitchen cabinets is so important. While there are many options available, each type has its own uses and unique characteristics. Depending on what tone you would like to set for your overall kitchen design, some cabinet materials may suit your needs better, which is why considering all options and their various advantages is necessary. 

If you have yet to decide which materials to use for your cabinets, here are the top choices from experts. 

Solid Wood

Solid wood is one of the most common cabinet materials found in households across America, which is an excellent choice for its beautiful appearance and durability. Not only do they come in several sets of colors, but they are easily customizable and work with various interior design styles. Solid wood is typically best used in cabinet frames and cabinet doors. 

Plywood 

Plywood is another common material used in kitchen cabinets, offering exceptional durability to hold heavy items, but at a more affordable cost than solid wood. Furthermore, it can hold screws and nails well while maintaining its shape against humidity and harsh temperatures – making it a good choice for cabinets. 

Wood Veneers 

A wooden veneer is a material typically used to cover plywood and other materials to achieve a solid wood look without the cost of investing in wooden frames or cabinet doors. While they are somewhat susceptible to water damage, they offer an affordable way to have a beautiful wooden kitchen design that is easy to maintain without the costs associated with solid wood materials. 

Polyester

Another common and reliable material for cabinets is polyester. It is made by blending melamine pine fiber before being coated with a polyester film. It holds up very well against scratches while offering various colors and imitation wood designs depending on the style and design you are going for in your kitchen. 

High-Pressure Laminate 

High-pressure laminates are placed over plywood and other materials and used in several contemporary kitchen designs. It is created from resin and kraft paper (glued together and bonded under high pressure and heat) and offers resistance to scratches, stains, moisture, heat, and warping. If you are looking for a cost-efficient and effective way to achieve the kitchen aesthetic you seek, consider combining laminates with other materials like plywood. 

High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) 

Using a mix of wood fibers, resin, and glue, high-density fiberboard (HDF) provides a similar hardness to wood cabinets at a fraction of the cost. Not only is it denser than solid wood, but is even more affordable than plywood – making it an excellent option for cabinets. High-density fiberboards are stable in dry and humid environments, and great if you ever want to paint over them. Just keep in mind that it does not hold screws or nails very well, in case you ever want to make some changes or additions. 

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) 

Made with a similar process to HDF, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) uses less pressure to produce a material with less density. This results in a material that is even more affordable, lightweight, and can be easily customized to fit various stylistic and design choices for your kitchen. MDF is often used as an inner layer for other engineered wooden frames and cabinets but works well for cabinet panels, drawers, and shelves too. 

If you are looking for professional services for renovating your kitchen and installing new cabinets, Tops Kitchen Cabinets can help. We offer various styles of cabinets, countertops, kitchen cabinets, and more. If you are unsure which materials are best for your cabinet design, our team can help you explore the various options on the market and make an informed choice. Contact us today to learn more about quality materials for cabinets or to get your quote!