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Contemplating a kitchen renovation or planning a new kitchen? Apart from the framework and appliances, it is also important to choose the cabinet surfacing wisely. The surfacing is not only responsible for the overall look of the kitchen but it is also a key factor that determines the durability of the cabinets.
From budget to high-end, there are a number of options available. Find out which one fits in your home.
From budget to high-end, there are a number of options available. Find out which one fits in your home.
1. Solid wood
Wood is by far the most common material used for cabinets. It is a non-toxic and renewable resource. Several kinds top the list – hardwoods like marindi (mindi or Melia azedarach), teak, and sheesham (Indian rosewood) are common kitchen cabinet materials in India. You can then stain and varnish the surface or paint it with your choice of hue.
Pros
Wood is available in a diverse range of grains, colours and textures. Natural variation within the material itself adds to its distinctive appeal. It adapts very well to both traditional and modern design styles. Cleaning polished wood is not a hefty task. Avoid highly acidic solutions, such as commercial cleaners.
Cons
Bad-quality timber boards show warps and dents, so care must be taken to buy the right wood. Change in humidity levels can damage the core and surface of the wood, and it needs frequent polishing to maintain its straight and smooth texture. It is also a costly and time-consuming material to work with.
Wood is by far the most common material used for cabinets. It is a non-toxic and renewable resource. Several kinds top the list – hardwoods like marindi (mindi or Melia azedarach), teak, and sheesham (Indian rosewood) are common kitchen cabinet materials in India. You can then stain and varnish the surface or paint it with your choice of hue.
Pros
Wood is available in a diverse range of grains, colours and textures. Natural variation within the material itself adds to its distinctive appeal. It adapts very well to both traditional and modern design styles. Cleaning polished wood is not a hefty task. Avoid highly acidic solutions, such as commercial cleaners.
Cons
Bad-quality timber boards show warps and dents, so care must be taken to buy the right wood. Change in humidity levels can damage the core and surface of the wood, and it needs frequent polishing to maintain its straight and smooth texture. It is also a costly and time-consuming material to work with.
2. Laminates
As solid wood is prone to damage and infestation, often laminates are preferred. Laminates are thin sheets sandwiched together – layers of plastic resin, paper with a printed layer of different patterns or designs, and an overlay of a tough plastic film.
To install such surfaces, composite products like plywood, particle board and MDF (Medium-density fibreboard) are used as substrates. A decorative film or sheet is pasted on these boards. These substrates are cheaper than solid wood (as are laminates) and tougher.
Laminates are thin sheets sandwiched together – layers of plastic resin, several layers of kraft paper topped with a printed layer of different patterns or designs, and an overlay of a tough plastic film.
Do select a laminate from the HPLs (high-pressure laminates) for your kitchens as they are more durable, moisture-resistant and sturdy than the LPLs (low-pressure laminates). From matte to high-gloss, and unicore (where every layer of paper in the laminate has the same pattern and colour, so there is no wearing away) to digital (with specialised, even customised, printing on the surface), you have a lot to choose from. Numerous brands like Merino Laminates, Century Laminates, Royale Touche and Greenlam Laminates, amongst many others, offer a plethora of designs and finishes.
Pros
These compressed sheets are both durable and affordable. Since the printed layer comes on a paper backing, you can achieve the look of almost all materials (like wood, metal, leather) with laminates. Its skin does not wear off, scratch or fade easily and it does not require repeated polishing. Laminates are quite resistant to moisture and cleaning their surface is much simpler because they are coated with a thin transparent plastic layer.
Cons
If not installed properly, the edges of laminates tend to peel off. Since laminates are made of plastic-based resins and paper compressed under high pressure, they are a non-renewable material. Some kinds are known to emit toxic gases into the air.
As solid wood is prone to damage and infestation, often laminates are preferred. Laminates are thin sheets sandwiched together – layers of plastic resin, paper with a printed layer of different patterns or designs, and an overlay of a tough plastic film.
To install such surfaces, composite products like plywood, particle board and MDF (Medium-density fibreboard) are used as substrates. A decorative film or sheet is pasted on these boards. These substrates are cheaper than solid wood (as are laminates) and tougher.
Laminates are thin sheets sandwiched together – layers of plastic resin, several layers of kraft paper topped with a printed layer of different patterns or designs, and an overlay of a tough plastic film.
Do select a laminate from the HPLs (high-pressure laminates) for your kitchens as they are more durable, moisture-resistant and sturdy than the LPLs (low-pressure laminates). From matte to high-gloss, and unicore (where every layer of paper in the laminate has the same pattern and colour, so there is no wearing away) to digital (with specialised, even customised, printing on the surface), you have a lot to choose from. Numerous brands like Merino Laminates, Century Laminates, Royale Touche and Greenlam Laminates, amongst many others, offer a plethora of designs and finishes.
Pros
These compressed sheets are both durable and affordable. Since the printed layer comes on a paper backing, you can achieve the look of almost all materials (like wood, metal, leather) with laminates. Its skin does not wear off, scratch or fade easily and it does not require repeated polishing. Laminates are quite resistant to moisture and cleaning their surface is much simpler because they are coated with a thin transparent plastic layer.
Cons
If not installed properly, the edges of laminates tend to peel off. Since laminates are made of plastic-based resins and paper compressed under high pressure, they are a non-renewable material. Some kinds are known to emit toxic gases into the air.
3. Wood veneers
Veneers are slices or sheets of solid wood that are pasted over a composite substrate, just like laminates. These sheets are then stained and polished to achieve a desired colour and texture. Veneers truthfully reflect the refined grains and beauty of natural wood. Many brands like CenturyPly, ArchidPly, GreenPly and AlishanPly provide good-quality veneers all over India.
Pros
Wood veneers are sustainable and economical compared to wood as only thin slices of solid wood are used to cover large surface areas. Veneers can make a potentially hard-edged kitchen look softer. Veneers can be treated to achieve matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes.
Cons
Veneers tend to discolour when they are exposed to natural light. The sheets require polishing after a period of time, just like wood. You may see stains due to water if the sheet is not polished properly. Veneers are not scratch-resistant.
Veneers are slices or sheets of solid wood that are pasted over a composite substrate, just like laminates. These sheets are then stained and polished to achieve a desired colour and texture. Veneers truthfully reflect the refined grains and beauty of natural wood. Many brands like CenturyPly, ArchidPly, GreenPly and AlishanPly provide good-quality veneers all over India.
Pros
Wood veneers are sustainable and economical compared to wood as only thin slices of solid wood are used to cover large surface areas. Veneers can make a potentially hard-edged kitchen look softer. Veneers can be treated to achieve matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes.
Cons
Veneers tend to discolour when they are exposed to natural light. The sheets require polishing after a period of time, just like wood. You may see stains due to water if the sheet is not polished properly. Veneers are not scratch-resistant.
4. PVC
Poly-vinyl chloride sheets are composite plastic sheets which give a tough finish. Therefore, they can be installed without a substrate. This kitchen cabinet material is inexpensive and easy to install. Being waterproof and oil-proof, it makes a wise option for kitchen cabinetry. PVC sheets are usually available in lighter colours. Some brands also offer faux wooden grains and mouldings.
Pros
This material is termite-proof, anticorrosive and easy to maintain. Just like laminates, PVC sheets are easy to source and replace. PVC is an economical and sound alternative in comparison to laminates and wood-based products.
Cons
PVC sheets do not come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. These sheets are not fire-resistant and they yellow with age. Only hardware that is compatible with plastic can be used for hinges, handles and tracks. Some plastics soften with time, so the joints loosen.
Poly-vinyl chloride sheets are composite plastic sheets which give a tough finish. Therefore, they can be installed without a substrate. This kitchen cabinet material is inexpensive and easy to install. Being waterproof and oil-proof, it makes a wise option for kitchen cabinetry. PVC sheets are usually available in lighter colours. Some brands also offer faux wooden grains and mouldings.
Pros
This material is termite-proof, anticorrosive and easy to maintain. Just like laminates, PVC sheets are easy to source and replace. PVC is an economical and sound alternative in comparison to laminates and wood-based products.
Cons
PVC sheets do not come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. These sheets are not fire-resistant and they yellow with age. Only hardware that is compatible with plastic can be used for hinges, handles and tracks. Some plastics soften with time, so the joints loosen.
5. Stainless steel or aluminium
Metal kitchen cabinets are very strong and durable. This is a more expensive option, however. Steel or aluminium can be used as doors over wood-based cabinets. I would suggest you team this eclectic material with glass to lighten the look. Though plain ones are the most common, metal sheets are available in varied finishes: brushed, etched and patterned.
Pros
Metals boasts a unique look. Treated metal is sturdy, rust-resistant and stain-resistant. Metal doors are unaffected by heat and humidity. These sheets are easy to scrub and clean, and are therefore unaffected by the spice- and frying-induced grime deposited in our kitchens..
Cons
Metals are available in a limited range of colours. They might need repolishing when the top shiny coat oxidises or rusts. Metal surfaces show oil smudges and fingerprints very clearly, so there’s a lot more deployment of the duster. These sheets also have the tendency to dent and scratch. Last but not least, their doors and drawers are noisier than those of other materials.
Metal kitchen cabinets are very strong and durable. This is a more expensive option, however. Steel or aluminium can be used as doors over wood-based cabinets. I would suggest you team this eclectic material with glass to lighten the look. Though plain ones are the most common, metal sheets are available in varied finishes: brushed, etched and patterned.
Pros
Metals boasts a unique look. Treated metal is sturdy, rust-resistant and stain-resistant. Metal doors are unaffected by heat and humidity. These sheets are easy to scrub and clean, and are therefore unaffected by the spice- and frying-induced grime deposited in our kitchens..
Cons
Metals are available in a limited range of colours. They might need repolishing when the top shiny coat oxidises or rusts. Metal surfaces show oil smudges and fingerprints very clearly, so there’s a lot more deployment of the duster. These sheets also have the tendency to dent and scratch. Last but not least, their doors and drawers are noisier than those of other materials.
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