Thinking about renovating your kitchen or bathroom? New custom cabinets are one of the best ways to update your home and add personality, functionality, style, and colour. Making an informed decision requires understanding cabinet construction and the materials involved.
Cabinets are generally composed of two main parts: the box and the doors. Each can be made from different materials to optimize cost, durability and design, ensuring your new kitchen or bathroom cabinets meet your needs and preferences.
Cabinet box: The box is the main structure of the cabinet. It is sometimes referred to as the carcass and includes the sides, back, top, bottom, shelves and interior partitions. Particle board and plywood are both used for cabinet construction and can be paired with doors made from a range of materials.
Cabinet doors: The doors are the most prominent feature of a cabinet, significantly influencing its overall esthetic. Cabinet doors can be crafted from medium-density fibreboard (MDF), solid wood or other popular cabinet materials like polyester or thermofoil to meet various styles, needs and budgets. Some materials are perfect for detailed designs, others have smooth finishes ideal for staining or painting, and some are best suited for laminate or other bonded overlays.
Particle board cabinets
What is particle board?
Particle board is made from a blend of wood chips and fibres bonded with resin. Thanks to advancements in the manufacturing process, high-quality particle board has evolved significantly over the years — it is now extremely dense, stable and eco-friendly, with a smooth surface that’s easy to machine.
Understanding particle board cabinetry
The premium-grade particle board used by custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry manufacturers like Laurysen Kitchens is robust and built to last. With a much higher density, it is a far cry from the cheaper, single-use material used in DIY projects, which is prone to sagging, structural issues and damage from screw use.
Today’s high-end particle board is engineered with the strength to hold screws securely. As a result, screws can be inserted and removed without compromising the material, an important factor when attaching heavy items like cabinet doors or shelves. Also, compared to other materials, particle board’s lighter weight makes it much easier to handle and install.
A common misconception is that all particle boards are particularly susceptible to moisture, but in a well-maintained kitchen with proper ventilation and no leaks, quality particle board holds up extremely well.
A unique aspect of premium particle board is the variety of interior finish options available. A melamine finish can be bonded to the surface, offering a choice of textures and colours to perfectly match any design vision, including the option to customize drawer and cabinet interiors with a different shade.
And, because premium particle board remains more affordable than plywood or solid wood options, it’s a practical and cost-effective choice. This frees up room in a homeowner’s budget to explore upgraded door options, cabinet and drawer hardware and organization systems.
Plywood cabinets
What is plywood?
Plywood is an engineered wood material made from thin sheets (also called plies or plys) of natural wood that are glued together, resulting in a robust and durable panel. The outer layer, or face veneer, of plywood is typically of a higher grade than the core veneers.
Understanding plywood cabinetry
Due to its strength and durability, plywood has traditionally been used for cabinet box manufacturing. However, with its multi-layered construction, it is heavier than particle board, requiring more effort during installation and added reinforcement to support its weight.
Unlike particle board, the top wood veneer layer of plywood features a natural wood-grain appearance with inherent variations. Plywood quality can vary from budget-friendly to premium, and a detailed grading system exists to delineate the levels. Consequently, it’s important to work with a reputable supplier to ensure a uniform and high-quality finish.
When properly sealed, plywood is reliably moisture-resistant and able to withstand everyday kitchen and bathroom environments, though, like any cabinet material, significant moisture exposure can still cause delamination and other issues.
Plywood cost tends to be higher and should be taken into account when working with a strict budget.
Cabinet material selection
Ultimately, the best choice for your cabinets depends on your individual priorities and experienced industry professionals can help you make that decision with confidence. You’ll find that reputable cabinetry manufacturers offer both semi-custom and custom solutions to suit a range of budgets and design goals.
Speak with a trusted kitchen and bath designer today to find a look that you love that’s built for how you live.
