A Guide to Choose the Best Cabinetry for Your Home

You’ve decided it’s time to replace some cabinetry, and have likely been focused on the door style and finish options. These are both important decisions that will shape the look of the entire space, and absolutely should be thought through carefully. However there is another important factor to consider - what are your cabinets going to be made out of? What is the best choice for your project and budget? Simply put, you want to choose the best and highest quality material your budget will allow, as the material chosen will dictate many factors including strength, durability, maintenance and lifespan.

We’re back to break down the four of the most popular options, and will provide you with pros and cons for each so you can make the best decision.

HARDWOOD

Hardwood cabinets are solid wood through and through, and are the most popular material choice because of their natural beauty and strength. If you're planning to do a stained finish cabinet, hardwood is going to be your best bet. It will look the most natural and give you the ability to refinish them down the road if you so choose.

They’re considered to be a premium option, and are priced accordingly. Since no two pieces of wood are alike, the same goes for hardwood cabinetry. The most commonly used wood species are oak, hickory, cherry and maple.

Pros

• Natural beauty

• Durable and long-lasting

• Easy to customize and repair

• Large variety of color, grain and finish options
  

Cons

• Expensive

• Not moisture resistant

• Can warp due to expansion and contraction

• Can fade/darken depending on light exposure

PLYWOOD

Plywood is the strongest of the engineered wood options. These cabinets are made up of thin layers of wood slabs (also called plies) and oriented strand board (also called OSB) which are glued together. They’re often covered with wood veneer to give a solid wood appearance, so they can be painted or stained. One important thing to note is that there are different grades of plywood, which will greatly affect the cabinet’s performance. If you’re considering this option we recommend asking the manufacturer or supplier what grade(s) they have available.

Pros

• Affordable

• Holds shape against temperature and humidity changes

• Durable and flexible

• Water resistant

Cons

• Thinner versions can warp

• Construction may lack consistency (ie gaps & holes)

PARTICLEBOARD

Particleboard is a low-density fiberboard that's made by pressing wood fibers (things like saw dust and small wood chips). These fibers are held together with synthetic resin and pressed into boards. It's a very popular material in the furniture industry because it's lighter and less expensive than solid wood.

When it comes to cabinets, particle board options are topped with wood veneer (for stained finishes) or laminate (for painted finishes).

Pros

• Inexpensive

• Lightweight

• Made of recycled materials

Cons

• Not moisture friendly

• Can sag over time

• Not very durable

• Chips easier than other options

MDF

MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard and is made up of wood fibers that are mixed with wax and resins heat-pressed into sheets.

It's a great option for painted cabinets as it's very smooth and allows for a great finished look.

Pros

• Affordable

• Lightweight

• Strong and durable

• Resists warping

• Nice smooth finish - easy to paint

Cons

• Not eco-friendly

• Emits formaldehyde gas

• Sensitive to high heat and moisture

We hope you’re feeling more educated on the ins and outs of cabinetry! If you still feel unsure you can always ask your contractor or local suppliers what they recommend. We’re here for you too! We can help coordinate beautiful options for you that will accent your home and make it stand out from the rest.