How to Choose the Right Materials and Finishes for Your Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Don't know what materials to choose for your custom kitchen cabinets? It's a tough choice. Whether it's by design, for utility, or because a friend recommends a material, you may have an idea. 

Luckily, here at Paveli, we want you to make the best decision. Therefore, we will provide you with some tips to help you choose the right material for your cabinets. Ready? Start.

Don't forget this when selecting the material for your custom kitchen cabinets

When installing custom kitchen cabinets, you should select a material that best suits your home. To do this, there are some points that you should analyze carefully:

• What environmental conditions prevail in your kitchen? Is it very humid or is it relatively dry? You should analyze details such as ventilation and temperature .

• What is the finish you want to implement? You may prefer a modern style or something somewhat rustic.  

• Will you be consistent with maintaining your cabinets, or do you need something sturdy on its own?  

• Most importantly, how much are you willing to spend? Your budget is also important  
  

These 4 points can help you define what material to use and what finish to give to your cabinets.

Evaluate the characteristics of each material

Based on the above, we will decide on the best material. Each one has characteristics and disadvantages that will guide us to make the best decision:

Natural wood

First of all, we have rustic woods such as oak, maple, and cherry. Some advantages to highlight are the following:

• Useful life is its greatest virtue. You can get over 20 years old in perfect condition.

• A material that ages quite well, obtaining a striking darkening.

• It tends to deform in humid environments. 

• It can be repaired through procedures such as sanding and varnishing 
  

Natural wood for custom kitchen cabinets is usually elevated. Homeowners who prefer to invest in durable materials will love this option. 

MDF

We continue with MDF, which is widely used today. Some details about this material are as follows:

• It's relatively inexpensive, costing up to $50 per square meter

• You can enjoy a smooth surface that is easy to clean and paint

• It swells when it comes into contact with water. It is preferable not to place it near the sink

• It provides a modern design with the opportunity to customize the finish
  

There is also the HDF, which is more complex and heavier. For the greater durability of your custom kitchen cabinets, it is essential to keep the MDF well-sealed.

Plywood

This material is also known as multilaminate due to its construction, also referred to as plywood. Some features to highlight are the following:

• It is considered a material of balance between cost and advantages, being worth between 100 and 200 dollars per square meter

• It is not as strong as solid wood

• Thanks to its cross-slat design, it is a very stable material that resists moisture well

• It can be customized or painted, even over time
  

The durability of custom kitchen cabinets is directly proportional to the number of layers of wood. However, this influences the price and the ease of working with this material.

Stainless steel

Beyond wood, the stainless-steel option is also quite attractive for custom kitchen cabinets. Here are some features:

• Waterproof material and resistant to bacterial and fungal infestation

• It is also flame retardant

• It is not intended to be aesthetic, given its industrial appearance
  

Steel is a material most commonly used in environments such as restaurants or businesses. After all, extra protection is required, more than just a visually appealing design.

Melamine

We could also talk about melamine. A material that stands out for its smooth surface and wear resistance:

• Economical and can be purchased with a wide variety of finishes

• It resists both moisture and heat exceptionally well

• It can splinter in the face of shocks, and if that happens, repair is usually complicated
  

It is an excellent, durable material that also requires careful handling. Avoid hitting or throwing objects on it to prevent deterioration.

Some tips for choosing the best finish

Now that you have an idea about the materials used for your custom kitchen cabinets, let's explore some tips. This way, you can make the best decision regarding which one to use:

• If you are not going to worry too much about maintenance, it is best not to use solid wood with a rustic finish. It will need varnish from time to time to maintain its finish. 

• When you live with young children, it is preferable to use matte or satin finishes. These hide stains and also scratches. Using a high-gloss finish in these cases, especially in low cabinets, will be a loss. 

• If the cabinets are near damp areas and are made of solid wood, apply sealant before varnishing. It is preferable to opt for HPF in these cases. 

• When you're on a budget, it's best to invest in melamine. It is very economical and imitates the luxury finish quite well. 

It is best to go with an expert in kitchen furniture. Thus, you can select the best material option for your custom kitchen cabinets. Luckily, you are right on the website of the specialists in this. 

The best materials and finishes in Paveli

Here at Paveli, we provide a comprehensive service in designing custom kitchen cabinets, but we don't stop with appearances. We want your kitchen furniture to be resistant, durable, and practical. 

Do you want to know what the best material is for your kitchen? It's as easy as contacting us. We will be happy to answer all your questions! We don't just design furniture, we create the kitchen of your dreams.

Frequently asked questions

1- What is the best material for wet areas?

High-pressure laminates, or HPL, are best suited for wet areas. There is also water-repellent MDF, but it is recommended to avoid standard MDF.

2- Can I achieve a luxury look with inexpensive materials?

Yes. Acrylic cabinets and sheets of faux wood and marble can recreate a luxurious finish.

3- What is the most durable material?

Solid wood is the best option. Oak is a wood known worldwide for its hardness.