Choosing the right material for your cabinet is just as important as the style you select. You need to consider many factors, including your budget, taste, and if it will complement your decor.
Solid Wood
The most well-known and traditional choice for a kitchen cabinet is solid wood. They have a very long lifespan, are durable, and can even be a selling point for your home. They do come with a higher price tag to match, but again this price varies based on the type of wood you choose. These include:
- Red Oak (strong, more affordable, often used for traditional/customisable cabinets)
- Maple (popular and used in many contemporary styles)
- Hickory (a lighter, creamy, natural wood great for simple, rustic styles)
- Cherry (very strong, often stained to create a uniform color)
- Birch (more affordable and can give the appearance of a more expensive wood)
Wood Veneer
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to solid wood, you can instead opt for wood veneer. This ingenious style of cabinet is actually made from a cheaper material (such as plywood) but has an outer layer of hardwood, giving a deceptive illusion for a fraction of the price. Wood veneer comes in pretty much any design that a hardwood does, and is just as pleasing to the eye (though it won’t last as long).
Stainless Steel
Many professional kitchens opt for stainless steel cabinets due to hygiene and longevity, but more and more homeowners are considering this contemporary material for their homes. It’s certainly more suited to modern, industrial decor, and if you’re not quite ready for the full steel cabinet you can add touches to your countertops instead to achieve a similar tone.
Glass
Having glass details in your cabinets can really open up your kitchen and create the illusion of light – as well as providing a place to display items. You may also want to install lighting to help illuminate different areas of your kitchen. More modern kitchens lean to frosted glass, whereas a more traditional style complements ornate leading.
