One of the most important and exciting parts of kitchen remodeling is custom kitchen cabinet installation. Replacing all the cabinetry – as opposed to refacing or replacing the cabinet doors – is an opportunity to choose materials that balance style and structural support. Eren Design and Remodel takes a look at the best materials for building kitchen cabinets.
Veneer vs Wood
Some kitchen cabinets are made out of solid hardwood, while others are built using a wood veneer installed over a substrate material such as plywood. The latter costs less, achieves a consistent look more easily and is sufficiently durable for most cabinet styles. Ask a remodeling contractor like Eren Design and Remodel if they can provide a cross-section of the materials for you to compare. The plywood should be made of layers of wood containing no gaps filled with adhesive or wood filler. Of the two types of veneer, the first is laminate, which consists of paper backing, printed material that mimics wood grain and a transparent plastic laminate. This is installed using adhesive. The other, thermofoil, is a vinyl film applied using heat and pressure.
Hardwood, on the other hand, is exceptionally durable. If built by a skilled craftsman, hardwood cabinets are unparalleled in terms of beauty. If you’re choosing the hardwood option, note that care must be taken to ensure the wood is treated against moisture, otherwise it will warp under humid conditions. This is especially important if you’re considering using the same materials for bathroom cabinet renovations.
Wood Types
There are many hardwood types that are ideal for kitchen cabinets. Red oak and white oak are especially popular hardwoods thanks to their pronounced grain that’s suitable for traditional designs. If you’re after light-colored wood, hard maple and hickory have distinctive blond tones that work best with a clear finish. If you’re looking for fine-grain wood, cherry and birch are the best choices, and are also more durable than most other hardwood types. However, they do require staining, as both cherry and birch have naturally irregular colors.
To learn more about our complete home renovation services, call Eren Design and Remodel today at (520) 885-2500. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Catalina Foothills, AZ, and surrounding areas.