If you're planning or thinking about having a kitchen makeover, you might be feeling a little lost when it comes to all the materials. So, what are kitchen cabinet doors made of?
Kitchen cabinet doors are the first thing you notice when you walk into your kitchen, so it's important that they look their very best. Let's peel back the layers and have a look underneath the veneer, in our ultimate guide to understanding cabinet materials.
What are the types of kitchen cabinet materials?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of those materials?
What are kitchen doors made of?
How do you pick the right style for your kitchen refurbishment?
What are the types of kitchen cabinet materials?
Hardwood
Plywood
Particleboard
Hardwood
Solid hardwood, particularly solid wood cabinet doors, is at the top of the bespoke ranges of kitchen cupboard doors and drawers. You will pay more for hardwood doors. But they last much longer than laminated board, and are perfect for a traditional style kitchen with the emphasis on real quality.
Solid hardwood kitchen cabinet doors will last for decades, and be robust enough to put up with the wear and tear of everyday life, as well as the knocks and bumps that all kitchen cabinet doors are subjected to – especially if you have a young family or pets.
Advantages of hardwood
Very long lifespan - a stunning investment for years to come
Natural material from trees gives a beautiful look - from oak to birch
Won’t damage easily - so nothing to worry about
Disadvantages of hardwood
Can be expensive because it’s so popular - but at Kitchen Magic, we do everything for a fraction of the cost of a kitchen refit!
Can be heavy - which is why our experts ensure your kitchen design structure is solid enough for hardwood doors
Solid Wood Doors
Solid wood doors are a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to their natural beauty and durability. These doors are crafted from a single piece of wood, often sourced from hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry. The natural wood grain is visible, adding a touch of warmth and character to your kitchen. Solid wood doors can be stained or painted to match your desired color and style, making them a versatile option for any kitchen design.
Advantages of solid wood doors include:
Timeless beauty and natural charm
Durable and long-lasting
Can be stained or painted to match the desired color and style
Can be repaired and refinished if damaged
Disadvantages of solid wood doors include:
Expensive compared to other materials
Prone to warping and cracking due to humidity changes
Requires regular maintenance to keep the wood healthy and protected
Solid wood doors are an excellent investment for those who appreciate the natural elegance and durability of real wood. With proper care, these doors can last for decades, adding a touch of sophistication to your kitchen.
Plywood
Plywood is a cabinet material that’s made from different layers of hardwood. It can be painted on or laminated if you prefer. But it’s incredibly solid and has fantastic strength to weight ratio. That means it’s perfect for installing as kitchen door material. For those who prefer a different aesthetic, plywood can be an alternative to painted doors, which offer customizable color options and a balance between traditional charm and modern personalization.
Advantages of plywood
Disadvantages of plywood
Must be using the right thickness of material for plywood cabinet doors. For example, thiner plywood is used for cabinet backs, whereas thicker plywood tends to go on the drawer bottoms and sides.
Our kitchen experts can advise on which is best for your kitchen.
Particleboard
Particleboard is sometimes known as low-density fibreboard (LDF) or chipboard. It’s often sealed with laminate or a wood veneer to add a nice, smart finish to it. Unlike traditional wooden cabinets, which are made from solid hardwood and can be costly and high-maintenance, particleboard is more affordable and requires less upkeep.
Advantages of Particleboard
high quality particleboard is very sturdy, durable
lightweight so ideal for cabinets and drawers
easy to be installed into small spaces
Disadvantages of Particleboard
Plywood has a better construction. The material can hold screws, fasteners, and glue better as compared to particleboard.
What are kitchen doors made out of?
Vinyl-Wrapped Doors
What are vinyl wrapped doors? Vinyl wrapped doors are compressed or composite wood doors, with a vinyl wrap overlaid on top.
Vinyl wrapped doors are one of the most popular choices because they:
are extremely resistant to humidity and moisture
aren’t affected by temperature changes
are low maintenance
highly durable
won’t chip
very easy to clean
are one of the affordable kitchen door types
In contrast, solid wood kitchen cabinets offer a more traditional and durable option, showcasing the natural beauty and strength of wood. They come in a variety of finishes and can be customized to fit any kitchen style, though they can be more expensive and sensitive to humidity, which may cause wood expansion and contraction.
Vinyl wrap gives you a huge range of colours, designs and patterns – perfect if you want to use them to add a pop of colour to your kitchen and particularly good in contemporary designs.
Bright, primary colours such as red or electric blue are hugely popular, but you can also go a little more sophisticated with gloss black vinyl wraps for an ultra-chic finish.
Glass doors
If you're someone who loves taking pride in their kitchen and the way everything looks, glass kitchen doors are a gorgeous, classy option. They give you a sophisticated, but spacious feel to your kitchen.
They're made from toughened safety glass so have the added advantage of allowing you to see exactly what's in your cupboards without all that opening and closing!
However, you do need to practice some good housekeeping and keep the insides of your cupboards tidy and neat if you're going to keep that smart, well-organised look going.
Glass kitchen doors are:
Melamine-faced kitchen doors
What are melamine faced kitchen doors? They're also known as MFC doors, and they're made with different parts of wood, and then have a layer of melamine to give it its finish.
These give you the look of hardwood – without the price tag! Melamine faced doors are a great budget option if you want to create a classic ‘country kitchen' look. They also come in both natural and contemporary colours, so you can create a unique effect that suits your décor.
They can be heavy to install, but our kitchen makeover experts are qualified to transform your room!
Medium Density Fibreboard
What is medium density fibreboard? Medium fibreboard is made from particles of other types of wood. It’s more dense than plywood and particleboard. Stainless steel kitchen cabinets offer a modern and durable alternative to medium density fibreboard, providing benefits such as durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to heat and humidity.
Is medium density fibreboard good? Yes, it’s ideal for kitchen cupboard doors because it looks stunning, it’s easy to cut and drill without any damage.
What does medium density fibreboard look like? It doesn’t have the appearance of wood grain. Instead it’s a light brown colour with no strong pattern. It’s also very hard and smooth.
Laminate Doors
Laminate doors are a cost-effective alternative to solid wood doors, offering a blend of durability and style. These doors are made from a composite material, typically a combination of wood fibers and resin, which is then laminated with a decorative surface. Laminate doors are known for their resistance to scratches and fading, making them a practical choice for busy kitchens.
Advantages of laminate doors include:
Affordable and budget-friendly
Durable and resistant to scratches and fading
Easy to clean and maintain
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
Disadvantages of laminate doors include:
May not have the same natural beauty as solid wood doors
Can be prone to delamination if exposed to excessive moisture
May not be suitable for high-traffic kitchens
Laminate doors provide a versatile and economical option for those looking to update their kitchen cabinets without breaking the bank. With a variety of colors and patterns to choose from, you can easily find a style that complements your kitchen décor.
Acrylic Doors
Acrylic doors are a modern and sleek option for kitchen cabinets, perfect for those who want a contemporary look. These doors are made from a combination of acrylic and MDF, providing a durable and water-resistant surface. Acrylic doors are available in a range of colors and styles, making them a versatile choice for any kitchen design.
Advantages of acrylic doors include:
Modern and sleek appearance
Durable and water-resistant
Easy to clean and maintain
Available in a range of colors and styles
Disadvantages of acrylic doors include:
May be prone to scratches and fading
Can be expensive compared to other materials
May not be suitable for traditional or rustic kitchen designs
Acrylic doors are ideal for those who want a stylish and low-maintenance option for their kitchen cabinets. Their glossy finish and vibrant colors can add a touch of modern elegance to any kitchen.
High gloss finish
The perfect partner for a contemporary or minimalist look, high gloss kitchen cupboard doors also add the illusion of extra space by reflecting the light, making them particularly good for smaller kitchens. The finish is achieved by spraying several layers of paint onto a base - usually composite wood - so that it has that robustness and durability. The surface is then polished to a mirror finish, making high gloss doors particularly popular in modern homes.
