Thinking about renovating your kitchen or bathroom? New custom cabinets are one of the best ways to update your home and add personality, functionality, style, and colour. Making an informed decision requires understanding cabinet construction and the materials involved.
Cabinets are generally composed of two main parts: the “box” and the “doors.” Each can be made from different materials to optimize cost, durability, and design, ensuring your new kitchen or bathroom cabinets meet your needs and preferences.
Cabinet Box: The “box” is the main structure of the cabinet. It is sometimes referred to as the “carcass” and includes the sides, back, top, bottom, shelves, and interior partitions. Particle board and plywood are both used for cabinet construction and can be paired with doors made from a range of materials.
Cabinet Doors: The doors are the most prominent feature of a cabinet, significantly influencing its overall aesthetic. Cabinet doors can be crafted from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), solid wood, or other popular cabinet materials like polyester or thermofoil to meet various styles, needs, and budgets. Some materials are perfect for detailed designs, others have smooth finishes ideal for staining or painting, and some are best suited for laminate or other bonded overlays.
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Particleboard Cabinets
What is Particle Board?
Particle board is made from a blend of wood chips and fibres bonded with resin. Thanks to advancements in the manufacturing process, high-quality particle board has evolved significantly over the years—it is now extremely dense, stable, and eco-friendly, with a smooth surface that’s easy to machine.
Understanding Particle Board Cabinetry
The premium-grade particle board used by custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry manufacturers like Laurysen Kitchens is robust and built to last. With a much higher density, it is a far cry from the cheaper, “single-use” material used in DIY projects, which is prone to sagging, structural issues and damage from screw use.
Today’s high-end particle board is engineered with the strength to hold screws securely. As a result, screws can be inserted and removed without compromising the material, an important factor when attaching heavy items like cabinet doors or shelves. Also, compared to other materials, particle board’s lighter weight makes it much easier to handle and install.
A common misconception is that all particle boards are particularly susceptible to moisture, but in a well-maintained kitchen with proper ventilation and no leaks, quality particle board holds up extremely well.
A unique aspect of premium particle board is the variety of interior finish options available. A melamine finish can be bonded to the surface, offering a choice of textures and colours to perfectly match any design vision, including the option to customize drawer and cabinet interiors with a different shade.
And, because premium particle board remains more affordable than plywood or solid wood options, it’s a practical and cost-effective choice. This frees up room in a homeowner’s budget to explore upgraded door options, cabinet and drawer hardware and organization systems.
Plywood Cabinets
What is Plywood?
Plywood is an engineered wood material made of thin sheets (or “plys”) of natural wood glued together, resulting in a robust and durable panel. The outer layer, or face veneer, of plywood is typically of a higher grade than the core veneers.
Understanding Plywood Cabinetry
Due to its strength and durability, plywood has traditionally been used for cabinet box manufacturing. However, with its multi-layered construction, it is heavier than particle board, requiring more effort during installation and added reinforcement to support its weight.
Unlike particle board, the top wood veneer layer of plywood features a natural wood-grain appearance with inherent variations. Plywood quality can vary from budget-friendly to premium, and a detailed grading system exists to delineate the levels. Consequently, it’s important to work with a reputable supplier to ensure a uniform and high-quality finish.
When properly sealed, plywood is reliably moisture-resistant and able to withstand everyday kitchen and bathroom environments, though, like any cabinet material, significant moisture exposure can still cause delamination and other issues.
Plywood cost tends to be higher and should be taken into account when working with a strict budget.
Cabinet Material Selection
Find the perfect cabinet finish and colours for your dream kitchen.
Ultimately, the best choice for your cabinets depends on your individual priorities, and we’re here to help you make that decision with confidence.
At Laurysen Kitchens, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, finely crafted cabinetry tailored to your home. We offer both semi-custom and custom kitchen cabinets to suit a wide variety of budgets and needs.
Work with Laurysen’s Cabinetry Experts
Talk to one of our award-winning design professionals today.
Our team of designers and experts will guide you in selecting the best materials and designs for your kitchen or bathroom, ensuring you find a look you’ll love.
