Are you looking to install new cabinets? Are you confused about what type to get and what material to use? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this article is for you. Below you will find a helpful guide on the types of cabinets as well as the most common materials used.
Cabinet types:
Ready to Assemble-
These cabinets are readily available and constructed with cost in mind. They are purchased already boxed, the selection is narrow in style, size and material, and they require assembly. You can save a significant amount of money on ready to assemble cabinetry. However, these cabinets don’t have very good long term durability. If you are considering purchasing ready to assemble cabinetry and installing it yourself make sure you are well versed in constructing and installing cabinetry which can be very tricky, even for a skilled professional.
Stock-
Stock cabinets are purchased pre-sized from their manufacturer. These cabinets are a basic and economical option. They are mass produced, available in fixed sizes and cannot be altered. However this also makes them less versatile for existing spaces because they are size specific and measured in 3 inch increments. Stock cabinet materials range from plastic laminates or melamime to solid wood, depending on the manufacturer. Thoughtfully purchased stock cabinets can offer attractive and affordable style without sacrificing quality.
Semi-Custom-
These cabinets offer a broader selection in both style and material, and semi-custom cabinetry generally marks the mid range option in terms of price point. Semi-custom cabinetry allows for some size adjustments and usually offers better quality cabinet construction. Semi-custom cabinetry has an extensive selection of styles, finishes, storage solutions and decorative enhancements. They consist of everything from stock cabinets fitted with custom doors to made to order cabinets selected from a catalogue of featured styles, materials and finishes.
Custom-
On the high end custom cabinets are completely made to order. They offer the most diversity when it comes to style, material, finishes and accessories. Custom cabinets are one of a kind with tailored sizes and innovative design to fit even the most unique spaces. While the design options are endless, these high price cabinets can quickly exhaust a budget.
Primary cabinet materials:
Solid wood –
Solid wood cabinets are solid homogeneous wood all the way through. The only variation might be boards or panels that are several pieces of solid wood joined together.
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) –
MDF cabinets are a engineered wood product that is made up of wood fibers. The fibers are combined with an adhesive under pressure and formed into boards and panels. It’s used in cabinet doors, shelves and cabinet boxes.
Stainless steel –
Stainless steel is used to make complete cabinets although it is much less common than wood cabinetry. There are whole cabinets made from stainless steel and there are also some manufacturers that will produce stainless steel doors for wood cabinets.
Plastic laminate –
Plastic laminate cabinets virtually use the same material that’s used on laminate countertops although it is usually thinner when used on cabinets. It is basically a plastic product that is formed by fusing paper and plastic resin together under heat and pressure. Laminate is used for covering cabinet boxes and cabinet doors to provide a easy to clean surface.
Melamine –
Melamine is another plastic based product that’s also used to cover cabinet surfaces. It is a popular material for covering particle board panels that are used in making cabinet boxes. One type of construction you may see involves cabinet boxes made with melamine and wood veneer over particle board. The melamine is on the inside part of the cabinet and the wood veneer is on the outside of the cabinet box.
Thermofoil –
Thermofoil cabinets have a very thin vinyl film covering the boxes, doors and drawer fronts. The vinyl usually starts as a rigid film that is heated and formed over the substrate material. Thermofoil simply implies that the cabinets are covered with the thermofoil material. The base material will usually be one of the engineered wood products.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about purchasing or installing cabinets.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.