DESIGN + SELECT: Cabinets

The cabinetry in your kitchen will have a huge impact on the overall feel of the space and will also comprise a large portion of your budget. Therefore, selecting cabinet finishes is a big decision, and there are many factors to bear in mind.

2 Pac

2 Pac is a unique and innovative finish that features a film on the surface of the wood. It combines the look of vinyl with increased durability (it’s more durable than traditional paint or stain) and it can be applied over existing finishes. On top of the expansive colour and finish options available, 2 Pac paint doesn’t peel off and it’s also super easy to clean.

Veneer

Veneers are slices or sheets of solid wood that are pasted over a composite substrate, just like laminates. These sheets are then stained and polished to achieve a desired colour and texture. Veneers truthfully reflect the refined grains and beauty of natural wood. Whilst not as durable as solid timber, veneers are environmentally friendly, and super easy to maintain.

Solid timber

Solid timber is an extremely durable, long-lasting material. Its grain offers an attractive natural look you won’t find in other options. Whilst it is one of the most expensive kitchen cabinet materials, it is super durable and really easy to maintain – any scratches or marks can be sanded away, and then you can restain the cabinet!

Vinyl/thermolaminate

Thermolaminate is another covering, like laminate, but made with vinyl instead of plastic. It’s applied by running a piece of plywood or MDF through a machine that heats and vacuum seals the vinyl to the exterior. This material is relatively inexpensive and easy to keep clean by wiping down the cabinets with a damp cloth as needed. Thermolamiate cabinets are resistant to warping and fading, although it can be a little more sensitive to heat, moisture, and abrasive damage when compared to other cabinet materials. 

Melamine

Melamine boards are one of the most durable engineered wood materials available for kitchen cabinet construction. Using melamine boards for kitchen cabinets is an excellent option as it costs less than solid wood or plywood, without sacrificing durability. Additionally, this kitchen cabinet material is resistant to water, heat, staining, and warping, ensuring that the cabinet will remain in good condition through years of regular use.

Laminate

Laminate is essentially a resin combined with paper to produce the desired color, design, style, or pattern. Using laminate for kitchen cabinetry is a good way to keep costs low. However, the durability of the product relies heavily on the quality of the material. Low-pressure laminate (LPL) tends to be more prone to cracks or chips than high-pressure laminate (HPL), so it’s recommended to invest in high-pressure laminate for kitchen cabinet construction.