Cabinets are a huge part of kitchen design, taking up most of the room’s visual space and receiving everyday use. The materials you choose will not only affect the overall look of the room but also how long your cabinets will last.
In this post, we’ll examine some of the most popular kitchen cabinet materials to determine which offers the best durability, longevity, and value for money.
What Are Kitchen Cabinets Made Of?
Kitchen cabinets are made of various materials, but the most common are solid wood and engineered wood like plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and particle board. In kitchen or bathroom remodelling projects, doors or drawer fronts can be made of wood veneer, laminate, thermofoil, and stainless steel. Below, we detail the most common kitchen cabinet materials and their pros and cons.
Common Kitchen Cabinet Material Types
Solid Wood
Solid wood has plenty of properties that make it an excellent choice for custom kitchen cabinets. It’s naturally strong and durable, with the potential to last you a lifetime. However, because it is a natural material, it is also prone to water and moisture damage and can warp and crack in changing temperatures.
That being said, most forms of damage are fairly easy to fix, and warping can be prevented with proper sealing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong and can withstand heavy use | Generally more expensive than other materials |
| Can be manufactured to specific sizes and shapes | Generally not as strong as natural hardwoods |
| Less prone to warping, cracking, or splitting compared to solid wood | May not have the same natural beauty as solid wood, though high-quality veneers can enhance appearance |
| Often made from recycled wood products | Not durable enough for placement in high-impact areas |
| Ideal for painting and finishing | May require regular sealing or finishing to protect against moisture and wear |
| Consistent in quality and appearance | Scratches on composite woods are difficult to repair |
Composite
Composite wood, also known as engineered wood, is a man-made material created from wood fibers, particles, or veneers bonded together with adhesives under heat and pressure. It is designed to mimic the appearance and properties of natural wood.
| Pros | Cons |
| Generally more affordable than solid wood | Can swell or degrade if exposed to water |
| Offers a natural, high-end look with unique grain patterns | Requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best |
| Can be stained or painted in a variety of colours | Heavier than other materials, which can make installation more difficult |
| Long-lasting and can be refinished multiple times | Some suppliers do not source sustainably |
| Increases the value of a home due to its high quality | Can expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature |
| Scratches and dents can be sanded out and refinished | Susceptible to termite infestations |
| Available in a wide variety of colours and shades | |
| High-quality options with a hardwood core offer better strength and durability |
Manufactured woods like MDF, chipboard, plywood and laminate are often seen as second-rate materials for kitchen cabinets, but they actually come with plenty of benefits. Don’t let their low price point fool you because many composite woods are almost as durable as solid wood and are also less susceptible to damage.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Made from wood fibers mixed with resin and compressed. Smooth surface, ideal for painting. Affordable and stable but susceptible to water damage.
- HDF (High-Density Fiberboard): Denser and stronger than MDF. Used for higher quality furniture and cabinetry. More resistant to impact and warping.
- Chipboard (Particle Board): Made from wood particles and adhesive. Lightweight and cost-effective. Less durable and more prone to moisture damage.
- Plywood: Constructed from multiple layers of wood veneer glued together. Strong, durable, and resistant to warping. Available in various grades.
- Veneer Core: Plywood with a core of solid wood or composite wood, overlaid with hardwood veneer. Combines the strength of solid wood with the stability of plywood. Offers a high-quality finish but can be more expensive.
Laminate
Laminate is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a versatile, budget-friendly, and low-maintenance option for their kitchen cabinets. It consists of multiple layers fused together under heat and pressure. It offers a durable, cost-effective alternative to solid wood and is available in a variety of colours and finishes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers the look of solid wood at a lower cost | Can be less durable than solid wood |
| Available in many colours, patterns, and textures | Lower-quality laminates may delaminate or chip over time |
| Cost-effective compared to solid wood | Lacks the natural beauty and warmth of real wood |
| Easy to clean with regular household cleaners | Edges and corners can be susceptible to damage |
| Lightweight, making installation easier | May feel less solid and premium compared to wood options |
| Provides a uniform, consistent appearance | Limited ability to refinish or sand down if damaged |
| Customizable with various finishes and styles | Prone to showing wear over time in high-traffic areas |
For high-traffic kitchens, opt for High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) for its superior durability. For cost-effective options, Low-Pressure Laminate (LPL) and Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) offer good resistance to scratches and moisture. Melamine provides a variety of colours and patterns, ideal for budget-friendly renovations.
- Melamine: Made from resin-saturated paper laminated onto particle board or MDF. Durable, heat, and moisture-resistant, but prone to chipping and peeling. Not
- HPL (High-Pressure Laminate): Composed of multiple layers of paper and resin, fused under high pressure. Extremely durable, resistant to scratches, impact, and heat. Most premium option, but still prone to edge chipping.
- LPL (Low-Pressure Laminate): Similar to HPL but made with lower pressure, usually fused to particle board or MDF. Less durable but still scratch and moisture-resistant. More affordable, and suitable for less demanding applications.
- TFL (Thermally Fused Laminate): Made by fusing resin-saturated paper directly to a substrate like particle board or MDF using heat and pressure. Cost-effective with a wide range of designs. Chips easily compared to HPL.
Wood Veneers
Wood veneers are thin slices of wood glued onto core panels, such as MDF or particle board, to provide the appearance of solid wood without the associated cost and weight. They offer the aesthetic appeal of natural wood and can be finished in various styles and colours.
| Pros | Cons |
| Resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture | Can be difficult to repair if damaged |
| Available in a wide range of wood species and finishes | Susceptible to moisture damage if not properly sealed |
| Eco-friendly, using less wood than solid wood construction | May delaminate if exposed to excessive moisture or heat |
| Lightweight and easier to work with than solid wood | Can be difficult to repair if damaged |
| Provides a consistent grain and colour |
Wood veneers are a popular choice for homeowners who desire the aesthetic of real wood without the high price tag. They are versatile and can be used in various kitchen styles, from modern to traditional. Proper maintenance, such as sealing and avoiding excessive moisture, can enhance their longevity and appearance.
- Rotary-Cut Veneer: Produced by peeling the log in a circular motion, making it an economical option. Provides a broad, bold-grain pattern suitable for contemporary designs.
- Sliced Veneer: Created by slicing the log along its length. More expensive but offers a more uniform and attractive grain pattern, often used in high-end cabinetry.
- Rift-Cut Veneer: Cut at an angle to the wood grain, reducing the “fleck” patterns common in certain species like oak. Results in a straight, consistent grain ideal for sophisticated and modern designs.
Thermofoil
Thermofoil is a type of vinyl material that is heated and vacuum-pressed onto MDF or other engineered wood cores. It provides a smooth, seamless surface that can mimic the appearance of painted wood.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective and budget-friendly | Can peel or bubble if exposed to excessive heat |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Limited colour and texture options compared to wood veneers |
| Resistant to moisture and stains | Not as heat-resistant as solid wood or high-quality laminates |
| Provides a smooth, seamless finish | Repairs can be challenging if the surface is damaged |
| Mimics the look of painted wood | May not offer the same high-end aesthetic as real wood |
Thermofoil cabinets are a practical choice for busy kitchens due to their low maintenance and resistance to moisture. They are particularly well-suited for modern and contemporary kitchen designs. However, it is important to keep them away from heat sources like ovens and dishwashers to prevent potential damage.
PVC
PVC is an affordable kitchen cabinet material that’s lightweight, easy to install, and fire, corrosion, and moisture resistant. It is perhaps the easiest to clean and maintain, requiring no specialist cleaning products. It is also available in many different colours without the need for expensive finishing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly resistant to moisture and stains | Not as aesthetically pleasing compared to wood |
| Durable and long-lasting | Limited colour and design options compared to laminates and veneers |
| Easy to clean and maintain | May emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) over time |
| Affordable and cost-effective | Not as heat-resistant as solid wood or high-quality laminates |
| Lightweight and easy to install | Can look less premium compared to other materials |
While PVC is a budget-friendly option, it’s far from the most durable and is rather prone to damage and scratches. If you do opt for PVC, foam board is much sturdier than hollow board (which is also not thermal or fire-resistant). If you are not planning on staying in your home for many years to come, PVC kitchen cabinets can still be a great temporary solution that won’t break the bank.
- Foam Board: Lightweight and consists of a foamed PVC core. Durable, water-resistant, and easy to work with, making it suitable for budget-friendly kitchen cabinets. May not be as strong as other materials and can dent under heavy impact.
- Hollow Board: Made with a hollow core, making it even lighter than foam board. Highly resistant to moisture and corrosion, but its hollow structure can make it less sturdy than solid materials. Often used in less demanding applications.
Metal
Stainless steel and aluminum, along with thermofoil and PVC, are considered among the latest materials for kitchen cabinets. They used to be found only in professional kitchens, but thanks to their contemporary look, they are becoming more popular in home environments.
Metal’s inherent properties make it a great option for kitchen cabinets. Stainless steel, in particular, is best suited for restaurants or food service businesses that need to pass food safety standards. It is naturally highly durable and easy to clean, and unlike wood, it doesn’t expand and contract with temperature.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly durable and long-lasting | Can be more expensive than other materials |
| Hygienic and easy to clean | Prone to showing fingerprints and smudges |
| Modern and sleek appearance | Can feel cold or industrial for some home kitchens |
| Resistant to moisture, heat, and stains | Limited colour and texture options compared to wood or laminate |
| Non-porous and resistant to bacteria | May dent or scratch under heavy impact |
Stainless steel and aluminum cabinets tend to be more expensive than the other materials on this list. They are also susceptible to scratches, though these can usually be concealed, and they can be dented if accidentally knocked with a heavy pot or pan.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, hygienic, and offers a modern, sleek appearance. Highly resistant to heat, moisture, and stains. Can show fingerprints and smudges easily and may dent under heavy impact.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Does not rust, which adds to its durability in humid environments. Offers a modern look, but can be less sturdy than stainless steel and prone to denting.
Choosing the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets
There is no single definitive answer on what the best material is for kitchen cabinets since what works for you will depend on your circumstances, budget, desired aesthetic, and lifestyle. For materials, it’s generally a good rule of thumb to go for the best quality you can afford, as you will usually be rewarded with greater durability and a much longer lifespan.
With this in mind, solid wood or metal are top of the list, with high-quality composite woods coming in a close second if budget is one of your top concerns. For a short-term fix, PVC is still a great choice as long as you don’t expect it to be in tip-top condition several years down the line.
Every material, no matter how expensive, has its pros and cons. As long as you go into your decision being aware of both, then you can feel confident that you’ve made the right choice.
