Your guide to designing a strong modular kitchen with the right materials and finishes!
Is it essential to give a thought to selecting kitchen cabinet materials? It absolutely is! The right kitchen cabinets serve as one of the key components to designing a functional modular kitchen. A modular kitchen as the name suggests, is formed with separate or individual modules that are assembled together to form the trendy modular or flexible kitchen. That means you have the liberty of incorporating different materials for different kitchen modules! For example, you can choose MDF for kitchen cabinets for durability and cost-effective purposes whereas the kitchen sink can be selected from BWP (boiling waterproof) types!
Modular Kitchen Components - What Are Those?
Simply put, a modular kitchen is designed by assembling different modules together as per the size and utility of the kitchen space. These modules can be crafted at a factory and then fixed at home. Each kitchen cabinet is considered to be an individual module and not a permanent fixture. One of the prime benefits of modular kitchens is that they can be dismantled and reassembled as per the requirements.
The body of the cabinet module consists of top, bottom, back and side panels, which are joined with small fixes and dowels. Shutters, hardware, and hinges are then added to the cabinet module. For kitchen cabinets, the base module contains PVC legs that allow for suitable height adjustment and the striking attached to it can help hide these legs.
Different Kitchen Cabinet Materials
You can select from different kitchen cabinet materials to design a modular kitchen as per the durability, your lifestyle, and of course budget. Here’s a list of common modular kitchen cabinet materials that are suitable for kitchen cabinets:
MDF
MDF is a cost-effective and quality option for kitchen cabinets!
If you are looking for good quality cabinet material at a low cost, then MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) is the ideal option! This is an engineered wood material which is made of small wood fibres that are glued together with resins and are then hot-pressed together.
MDF board features a smooth finish and makes a better choice than natural wood as it doesn’t have any knots, blemishes, etc. Being a homogenous material, MDF is compatible with profiles or grooves too. You can select any finish and color of your choice for MDF kitchen cabinets.
Ideally, MDF can be added to all kitchen cabinets except the countertops and below the sink cabinets to avoid moisture issues. A good quality MDF panel is smoother and sturdier than solid wood or plywood and makes a good option for modular kitchen cabinets.
HDF-HMR
HDF-HMR is a durable and moisture-resistant choice!
HDF-HMR or High-Density Fibreboard High Moisture-Resistance is considered to be a durable and moisture-resistant material for kitchen cabinets. It is costlier than MDF but is best for high-water intensity zones like the kitchen or bathroom!
HDF-HMR makes a sturdier and denser choice compared to other common alternatives like plywood, wood, or MDF. Also, it can hold the screws much better than the plywood.
To ensure quality and durability in the kitchen, you can opt for a combination of HDF-HMR and MDF. In such designs, the body of the cabinet module is made of HDF-HMR and the shutters can be MDF!
Plywood
Plywood is selected for its strength!
Plywood is an engineered wood that is crafted from veneer sheets stacked or layered perpendicularly over each other. Known for its strength and durability, it is the most preferred choice for kitchen cabinet material. If you are open to spending a bit higher on quality cabinet material, plywood is the ultimate choice!
You can select from the following plywood types or variants:
- Boiling Waterproof Ply (BWP)
- Boiling Water-Resistant Ply (BWR)
- Moisture Resistant (MR) Ply
A BWR plywood can resist moisture for more than 8-10 hours. Whereas BWP plywood is a quality choice which can remain moisture-free for over 72 hours. So, if you stay in a place that has issues with flooding or moisture, then opting for MR ply makes a practical choice.
You can opt for plywood in moisture-prone areas like kitchen sink units, countertops, etc. Since plywood is a heavier material, avoid using it for shutters as it may get dislodged with its weight.
Also, it is not viable to add grooves to the plywood cabinets. Because when you add a laminate or acrylic sheet over the plywood, you can see the undulations over it and cabinets may not have a smooth finish.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is expensive and natural wood cabinets may swell over time!
Gone are the days when solid wood was considered to be an ideal choice for a kitchen but it is no longer advisable, especially for forming the base of the modular kitchen. The simple reason is that moisture can swell or warp the cabinets in some years.
Solid wood is a sturdy material and features a luxurious look with its unique wood grain! But, maintenance is a huge issue as no cabinets can practically be saved from water splashes or stains. As a substitute, MDF or laminate makes a good choice for adding a natural-wood appearance to your kitchen cabinets!
Particle Board
Particle board is suitable for kitchen cabinet shutters!
Particle board is considered to be the cheapest material possible for kitchen cabinets. Made from waste wood and sawdust, the particle board is lightweight and not very sturdy. Since it can not hold more weight, you must avoid it for weighty cabinets.
Use particle board for making the kitchen cabinet shutters. Instead, go for quality materials like MDF or HDF-HMR materials for giving value and life to kitchen cabinets!
PVC
PVC for kitchen cabinets is not ideal for long-term usage!
PVC makes a budget-friendly choice for kitchen cabinet material and can be selected from a variety of colors and patterns. These are easy to maintain and can be easily repaired too. PVC boards can be selected from hollow boards and foam types. Hollow PVC board makes sturdier or heavier options whereas foam PVC board is lighter and pocket-friendly.
But PVC is not considered a durable material and not ideal for a kitchen which is humid most of the time and has a busy footfall.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel material possesses antifungal and antimicrobial features!
Stainless steel kitchen cabinets provide a sleek and ultra-modern look to the modular kitchen. These are sturdy, waterproof and super easy to maintain. Typically, stainless steel cabinets make a preferred choice in commercial kitchens i.e.restaurants, cafes, etc that allow for heavy-duty usage.
Different Kitchen Finishes
While it is essential to select the right cabinet material for creating a durable kitchen, the perfect finish adds to the fabulous appearance! Know more about these popular finishes that can be included in your modular kitchen:
Laminate
The laminate finish is budget-friendly and moisture-resistant!
Laminate makes a trendy choice for kitchen cabinet finishes. Being a cost-effective and moisture-resistant option, designers today recommend this enduring finish. You can select laminates from different finishes like silky matte laminate, glossy laminate, textured laminate, and more!
Maintenance - Low
Ideal for - Wardrobes, Kitchens, TV Units, Study Units, Vanity Units, Pooja Areas
Acrylic
The acrylic finish adds a luxurious touch!
Go for the acrylic finish to add a trendy appeal to your kitchen design. Acrylic makes a lightweight and scratch-resistant choice and includes reflective qualities like a mirror. Since it has a glossy finish to it, the stains or dirt marks are pretty evident on the same. That’s why you need to keep the acrylic finish cabinets clean and stain-free!
Acrylic is expensive compared to laminates but adds a luxurious touch to the modular kitchen!
Maintenance - High
Ideal for - Kitchens, Wardrobes, Dining Credenzas, and Storage Units
Membrane
The membrane finish is durable and easy to maintain!
If durability and elegance is what you wish for your kitchen design, then a membrane finish is the ideal answer. It is an easy-to-maintain and hard-wearing finish. You simply need to wipe it with a damp cloth to keep it spotless. Plus, it is not as costly as an acrylic finish.
Membrane finish is moldable that can easily wrap around the base material with high vacuum pressure. With this feature, it makes an ideal choice for cabinet panels that contain grooves and designs.
Maintenance - High
Ideal for - Kitchens, Wardrobes, TV Units with grooves
Veneer
The veneer finish appears luxurious and is surprisingly cost-effective!
Veneer is a thin layer of natural wood that is cold-pressed onto the chosen core surface with strong adhesives. It features unique grains that help add a luxurious look to the kitchen cabinets. Veneer-finished kitchen cabinets add a rich appearance to the modular kitchen and can be selected from trendy options like natural veneer, dyed veneer, and more!
Maintenance - High
Ideal for - Kitchens, Wardrobes, Storage Units
PU Paint
PU finish adds a premium look to the cabinets!
PU finish allows for painting over the cabinets and offers a sleek and smooth finish. It is long-lasting and adds to the aesthetics of your modular kitchen. You can select the PU finish in glossy or matte finishes.
Maintenance - High
Ideal for - Kitchens, Wardrobes and Storage Units
Glass
The glass finish adds a reflective touch and is easy to maintain!
One of the common design elements of modular kitchens is to add wall kitchen cabinets with glass shutters. You can select glass shutters in interesting options like plain, fluted, or frosted types that allow you to locate your kitchen essentials easily. Plus, you can also display your costly serveware in the glass cabinets and amp up the modular kitchen look!
Maintenance - Moderate
Ideal for - Wall Kitchen Cabinets
FAQs:
1. What is the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
Ideally, you should go for a combination of materials for kitchen cabinets that ensure you have a durable kitchen design with the best quality within your stipulated budget range.
2. Which Material is commonly used for Kitchen Cabinets?
MDF is commonly used for base modules and laminate is added for cabinet finishes.
3. Which is the better option, MDF or Solid Wood?
MDF is a budget-friendly and eco-conscious choice over solid wood, but solid wood is known for its durability
