There’s a lot more to a kitchen renovation than you might think. Getting your kitchen renovated requires careful consideration of several things, starting with your kitchen cabinet designs! Select the materials and finishes for your kitchen cabinet should be keeping several factors in mind. For example, if you regularly cook, then water- and heat-resistant laminate kitchen cabinets might serve you best. On the other hand, if you want a show kitchen where you rarely cook elaborate meals, then you can opt for low-maintenance finishes, even if they are not fully waterproof.
Which Materials Are Best For Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Read on to find out the different kinds of kitchen cabinet materials popularly used in Singapore, and you can easily zero in on the ones that suit your home best.
#1: Make Kitchen Cabinet with Plywood for Durability
Plywood has been a preferred kitchen cabinet material for a long time. It is made up of thin layers of wood veneer glued together. Also, this common engineered wood binds wood fibre sheets and resin to make a composite material.
Pros: Tensile strength, termite resistant
Cons: Expansion on heat, not waterproof
#2: Opt for Melamine Kitchen Cabinet for Quality within Budget
Another preferred material is melamine. This material is for budget-conscious homeowners, and for good reason! Made by using procedures such as heat-sealing an organic material like plywood, MDF or pressed wood, this material is further chemically treated to be moisture resistant. However, this material is easier to mould in a factory. Hence, even though it is a common choice for a modular kitchen, you will hardly find it available at your local carpenter-made kitchens.
Pros: Resistant to heat, moisture and impact, budget-friendly and durable
Cons: Difficult to mould outside factories
#3: Feel Free to Choose Particle Board for a row of Lightweight Kitchen Cabinets
Particle board is another pocket friendly option that you can consider for your kitchen cabinet design. Also, made of wood chips and synthetic resin or a suitable binding agent, this material’s budget-friendly costs stem from the fact that it reuses lumber waste products. However, this material has a huge disadvantage: it’s not as durable as plywood or MDF. So if you want to craft your cabinet designs out of particle board, we’d suggest that you get it installed right the first time! Additionally, we recommend that heavy cooks avoid this material too.
Pros: Lightweight and pocket-friendly
Cons: Not very durable, not water-resistant and hard to repair
#4: Decide on Marine Ply Kitchen Cabinet Designs for Added Safety
Marine plywood is simply a superior grade of plywood that can be used for your kitchen cabinet. Additionally, it is commonly made from tropical hardwood. It can be an expensive kitchen cabinet option compared to the others but it is also water-resistant, even without any chemical treatments. If you regularly cook heavy meals for your family, you will not regret choosing marine plywood.
Pros: Water-resistant, resistant to common pests like termites and wood borers, and durable
Cons: On the expensive side
Which Finishes Should You Pick For Your Kitchen Cabinets?
While the carcass of a kitchen cabinet is important, another factor that determines the durability of your kitchen cabinet are the finishes. Below are some of the preferred finishes for kitchen cabinet designs:
#1: Experience Versatility with Laminate Kitchen Cabinets
Affordable laminate kitchen cabinets are the most popular choice for Singapore kitchens. Laminate kitchen cabinets are popular for their moisture- and heat-resistant nature, as well as their durability. They are also a budget option! Laminate kitchen cabinets are expansive in terms of colour and even give you options with matte or glossy finishes. If you’re looking for something that’s easier to clean, however, we’d recommend glossy laminates over matte ones, since the latter has more surface area to trap dust.
Pros: Moisture- and heat-resistant and durable
Cons: Heat causes the finish to peel off
#2: Make the Best of Veneer Kitchen Cabinet in a Dry Kitchen
If you are looking for wooden kitchen cabinet designs, opt for veneer finishes! With this finish, your kitchen cabinet will take on the warmth of wooden appearance, making the entire space look plush and luxurious. However, a kitchen cabinet manufactured with veneer finish is best kept away from water!
Pros: Visually appealing, increased strength and durability
Cons: Expensive, susceptible to damage by water, and develops cracks at high temperatures
#3: Afford Low-maintenance with Acrylic Finish Kitchen Cabinet Designs
If you are steering clear of acrylic finish kitchen cabinet design solely because of the cost factor, think again! This high-gloss finish is available in a variety of vibrant colours, and retains its smooth and untarnished appearance that stands the test of time. It also has scratch-resistant properties making it the best fit for busy kitchens.
Pros: Scratch-resistant, easy to clean and waterproof
Cons: Vulnerable to heat damage and hard-to-maintain lustre
#4: Spray with PU Finish for a Clean Kitchen Finish
PU or polyurethane is an acrylic-based kitchen cabinet paint spray that can be directly applied on the surface. This high-gloss finish is chosen for its elegant finish and versatile range in kitchen cabinet designs. The only downside is that attaining this finish is a labour-intensive process, making it one of the most expensive finishes of all. However the end result is a seamless finish and a unique design for your kitchen cabinet designs.
Pros: Water, oil and grease resistant, prevents growth of fungus or mould when paired with wooden cabinets, easy to clean and maintain, and unaffected by weather conditions
Cons: Can bubble out or peel if subject to extreme heat and absorbs water on prolonged exposure
You can pair any material and finish together depending on your budget, style sensibility and functionality. Now that you have found the right material and finish for your kitchen, do you need some design inspiration? Check out these Stunning Kitchen Ideas for Your HDB.
How Can Livspace Help You?
We hope you found our ideas useful! If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. Delivering safe home interiors has been our No. 1 priority. Click here to find out how interiors are being delivered following all safety protocols.
