A cabinet enhances the utility of your area while reflecting your own sense of style. The choice of materials is important when it comes to modern cabinets, which is why at Askin Cabinets we only offer the best materials along with excellent service and a variety of design options. Not only do we give you quality service but we also give you information on the top materials with the pros and cons!
Wood
Wood is still the traditional and most widely used material for cabinets, even with a variety of different material options. Wood cabinets add a touch of organic design to the kitchen or living area with their natural warmth and assortment of grain patterns and color possibilities.
Pros:
- Timeless style that complements practically any design theme.
- Can raise resale value in comparison to synthetic materials.
- Robust when taken care of appropriately and kept out of excessive moisture.
- Reparable in case of dents or scratches.
Cons:
- More costly than cabinets made of thermofoil or laminate.
- Needs some upkeep to keep it from fading or cracking.
Quarter-sawn oak, cherry, walnut, hickory, and maple are common wood types used to make modern cabinets.
Laminate
European-style laminate cabinets can be a great choice for modern spaces that have a seamless appearance and clean lines. Over composite wood, laminate is a plastic layer that forms a non-porous surface.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced in comparison to numerous other materials.
- There are hundreds of solid hues and designs available.
- Easy to maintain and keep clean.
- resistant to scratches and impacts.
Cons:
- Not as luxurious or elegant as wood.
- Colors can only be replaced, they cannot be restained.
- It can be difficult to fix any chips or cracks invisibly.
The best laminate with the most durability is high-pressure laminate.
Thermofoil
For modern kitchens and bathrooms, thermofoil cabinets offer a seamless appearance akin to laminate but with a glossier finish, which many homeowners prefer. Over-engineered wood products, a vinyl covering is used as thermofoil material.
Pros:
- An economical choice that is usually less costly than laminate.
- A non-porous, smooth surface doesn’t show seams.
- Low upkeep and simple to clean.
- Available in patterns with a woodgrain appearance and solid colors.
Cons:
- If broken or chipped, it cannot be fixed.
- May eventually turn yellow when exposed to heat or sunlight.
- A glossy surface makes fingerprints more noticeable.
Modern extruded aluminum thermofoils are a great choice for people who adore the glossy beauty of thermofoil but prefer a more robust material.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the best material for cabinets that are modern and industrial-inspired. Stainless steel cabinets are extremely sturdy, smooth, and easy to clean.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable and difficult to damage or dent.
- A smooth, non-porous surface doesn’t allow bacteria to grow.
- Simple to maintain and easy to disinfect.
- Higher end, modern appearance and feel.
Cons:
- Displays smudges and fingerprints very easily.
- Among the priciest options for cabinetry materials.
- Can appear excessively commercial or industrial for certain types of homes.
- Limited color selection compared to brushed or polished finishes.
Combined with other contemporary materials like concrete, tile, or butcher block counters, stainless steel cabinetry creates a visually striking appearance.
Glass
Glass front doors and panels with tints or back painting have become very popular for genuinely distinctive and eye-catching modern kitchen cabinets.
Pros:
- A sleek, premium designer look
- Items within cabinets can be seen thanks to glass fronts.
- flat surface that is easy to clean.
- The paint behind the glass offers countless color combinations.
Cons:
- Without proper care, glass can chip or shatter.
- More costly and challenging installation procedure
- Any disorganization within the cabinets can be seen by the light
- On the glass, fingerprints are plainly visible.
When combined with solid cabinet boxes that have a wood, laminate, or lacquered finish, glass cabinet doors look very stylish.
High-gloss paint or Lacquer
When it comes to extremely glossy finishes, high-gloss painted or lacquered cabinets are rather popular in fancy modern kitchens and bathrooms. On cabinet doors and boxes, these glossy painted surfaces produce a smooth, uniform appearance.
Pros:
- Sleek, modern design.
- Available in any preferred color.
- Flawless finish free of any patterns in the wood grain.
- Can create a pricey, designer appearance.
Cons:
- Easily shows dust, smudges, and fingerprints.
- Chips on a high-gloss surface might be difficult to fix.
- Requires accurate spraying to achieve a perfect application.
- Pricier than normal painted cabinets.
Though new matte lacquered finishes are becoming more and more popular for people seeking a modern style without too much sparkle, high-gloss white and colored lacquered cabinets are still popular.
Know What Materials You Want Now?
Contact Askin Cabinets now for all the high-quality materials and outstanding service on any of your design, installation, and customizing needs we exclusively use premium materials from trustworthy suppliers like Laminex, Hettich Australia, and Essastone® from Laminex. So get a quote at Askin Cabinets and get your quality designs and materials!