Best Material for Cabinets

Cabinets for your bathroom and kitchen are most traditionally made with hardwood (oak, cherry, and ash for example) and there are many advantages to using this material, however it’s not the most affordable and there are other options available on the market. In fact, there are so many different material for cabinets nowadays that the modern homeowner has more choices than ever before!

Hardwood

Hardwood as long been seen as the prominent material for cabinets, but it can be an extremely expensive choice. In order to be more budget-friendly you can instead opt to have a thin layer of hardwood over a substrate.This brings the cost down considerably.   The type of hardwood you choose is completely up to you –  just remember it’s important to consider the grain, construction, and finish of the wood as well as the type. The most popular woods include: cherry, maple, oak, hickory, birch, ash, and pine. You should also consider the color of the wood – many woods come in different shades and you can stain them to fit the rest of your decor.

Wood Composite

Another option is to choose wood composite materials which don’t have the same shortcomings as wood (ie. more water resistant and less susceptible to warping). They are made in numerous different ways, but are basically engineered to be stronger (and cheaper). There are different levels of quality when it comes to  wood composite – plywood is generally considered the most desirable, followed by MDF and then particleboard. The great thing about wood composites is they can imitate the look and overall effect of hardwood without having to pay the large amount that comes with it.

Aluminum

If you are looking for a contemporary feel to your kitchen or bathroom, aluminum might be the material for you. It’s super sleek, modern, and strong, and unlike wood it’s not affected by moisture. You’re also not limited to silver/grey – it comes in many different shades. It doesn’t come in anywhere near the amount of style as wood/wood composites, but it’s worth looking into if you favor modern decor.