A kitchen is the centre of a family’s health. It is where legacy recipes come together and many fond memories are created. A durable, functional and inviting kitchen is always a good investment. When considering a kitchen remodel, one of the most important aspects to pay attention to is the kitchen cabinet material. 

Since cabinets comprise at least half of a kitchen’s layout, ensuring they are resilient will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. When choosing materials for cabinets, some of the factors to consider are:

  • Durability 
  • Sensitivity to weather
  • Water and heat resistance
  • Price
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Aesthetics 

Let’s look at the different options available in the market and how they measure up. 

Types of Kitchen Cabinet Materials 

  • Natural Wood

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

Many modular kitchens use natural wood like oak, teak and rosewood. While they are aesthetically impressive, especially when paired with traditional décor, high temperatures and humidity can ruin their shelf-life. Termites may also become a problem, but a chemical treatment can solve that. If you want natural wooden cabinets, it is best to have temperature and humidity control installed at home.

  •  Plywood

Plywood is an engineered alternative to natural wood. Thin wood layers or veneers are glued together to create a single sheet. A special kind of moisture-resistant (MR) plywood is great for cabinets. Boiling water-resistant (BWR) grade plywood, which is weather-proof in addition to being water-proof, is another option to consider. Plywood is one of the most popular cabinet materials for modular kitchens in Chennai because it is strong, moisture-resistant, durable and affordable.

  • HDHMR Boards

High-Density High Moisture Resistance (HDHMR) boards are a good eco-friendly option. They are made from wood and agricultural waste, fibre chips, etc., that are tightly bound to create a strong board. This makes them moisture-resistant, temperature-resistant and also termite-resistant. For a tropical climate like India, they are a great sustainable and affordable option for kitchen cabinets. With a glossy finish, they can be quite easy on the eyes too!

  • Fibreboards

Fibreboards are engineered wooden boards. They are made using recycled fibres, wood particles, resin, and wax compressed together. There are two kinds of fibreboards: high-density fibreboards (HDF) and medium-density fibreboards (MDF). MDF is common in mass-produced cabinets like the ones at IKEA. While they may not be as durable as plywood, both are cheaper than plywood and eco-friendly too! They are easier to paint over, making them perfect for cabinet shutters.

  • Particleboard

Particleboards are made of wood chips combined with adhesives to create panels. They have very low density. These are some of the least-recommended materials for a modular kitchen in Chennai because they can’t hold up much weight and are also not moisture-resistant. However, they are pocket-friendly.

  • Metal

Metals like stainless steel or aluminium as kitchen cabinet materials can create a unique aesthetic. They are also durable, don’t stain easily and are easier to clean. However, metal is heavy, making it harder to install than wood. They also tend to be much more expensive.

Get Vibrant 

Getting expert advice for your kitchen interiors is a good idea if you want to make the right choice. Vibrant Spaces can help transform your kitchen, taking care of everything from picking out the perfect kitchen cabinet materials to the final installation. With a 10-year warranty, expert advice and the ability to work with any budget, Vibrant will create your dream kitchen in no time!