Types of Kitchen Cabinet Materials

by | Jan 4, 2023 | Cabinets

Are you in the market for new kitchen cabinets? Picking the right material is essential for setting the overall tone and aesthetic of the room. But each style has its own pros and cons – durability, maintenance, appearance, and more. 

That’s why we’re here to give you the scoop on the best types of kitchen cabinet materials. 

4 High-Quality Types of Kitchen Cabinet Materials

As you plan your new home update, keep in mind these types of kitchen cabinet materials. 

Solid Wood Cabinets

Solid wood is one of the most popular types of kitchen cabinet materials. It’s known for its outstanding beauty, strength, durability, and versatility. No two pieces of wood are the same, so you’ll always get a unique pattern that stands out. 

However, solid wood is a premium material that can be out of some homeowners’ price ranges. 

Pros of Solid Wood:

  • Stunning natural wood appearance
  • Available in a variety of colors and finishes
  • Durable, strong, and built to last
  • Easily restained to change styles

Cons of Solid Wood:

  • Expensive
  • Humidity can cause warping, shrinking, or expanding
  • Could change color with sun exposure
  • High-maintenance 

solid wood

Plywood 

Plywood is one of the most common materials for kitchen cabinets. It’s built out of layers of thinly sliced wood slabs bonded together with adhesive. It’s usually covered with a decorative wood veneer to give it the cherished look of wood while maintaining a conservative budget. Plus, when it comes to manufactured wood cabinets, it’s the strongest option. 

Pros of Plywood:

  • More affordable than solid wood
  • Resistant to humidity and water
  • Durable
  • Resembles a wood-like appearance

Cons of Plywood:

  • More costly than other engineered wood materials
  • Prone to splintering
  • Not at strong as solid wood

Laminate 

If you’re looking for a cabinet material that’s attractive and easy on the wallet, consider laminate. Laminate is made by combining resin with papers that are then pressed together with heat. Then, it’s fixed to plywood or another type of fiberwood. 

When considering laminate cabinets, there are two options – high-pressure laminate (HPL) and low-pressure laminate (LPL). High-pressure laminate is less likely to chip and crack. 

Pros of Laminate:

  • Inexpensive 
  • Easy to clean
  • Resistant to warping from heat and moisture
  • Stain-resistant 

Cons of Laminate:

  • Unable to repair if cracking occurs
  • Less durable than other wood materials
  • Chips easily 

laminate

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Medium-density fiberboard is an engineered material often used as a substrate for cabinet surface layers, including laminate and veneer. It can also be used as an inner layer for other engineered wood cabinets, drawers, and shelves. 

Pros of Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF):

  • Least expensive of all the types of engineered wood
  • Easy to paint
  • Lightweight 
  • Fits a wide range of kitchen designs and styles

Cons of Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF):

  • Less durable than high-density fiberboard
  • Unable to sand
  • Prone to heat damage
  • Prone to warping and swelling when wet

Get High-Quality Cabinet Materials From Zeeland Lumber & Supply

Updating your cabinets is one of the best ways to transform your kitchen! Zeeland Lumber & Supply is proud to carry some of the most high-quality cabinets from the top brands in the business. Stop in to find your perfect new cabinets and begin your kitchen remodel project today!

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