Laminate cabinets are more affordable than traditional wood cabinetry, and they are very easy to maintain. They are also less vulnerable to heavy wear and tear, making them an ideal option for young families.
Kitchen cabinets should be replaced whenever they are in poor condition or whenever you feel that it's necessary to freshen up your kitchen's style as interior design trends change. High quality kitchen cabinets can last for up to 50 years. That is assuming the cabinets have been keep in good condition.
In terms of durability, laminate places second to most wood species. If a laminate cabinet is chipped, it can be difficult to repair, sometimes requiring the total replacement of a door or cabinet frame. Also, the glue that holds the layers of laminate material together can become loose over time.
Laminate cabinets are a cost-effective way to provide a visually appealing finish for cabinets. Although generally durable, the laminate can begin to peel back with age or potentially crack.
Generally speaking, wooden cabinets are just much stronger than laminate cabinets because they're made from stronger types of woods. A top-quality wooden cabinet could last for decades if you take care of it properly and protect the wood from moisture with the appropriate topcoats and polyurethane layers.
Comparing Wood and Laminate
When properly cared for, laminate cabinets have longevity, but wooden cabinets typically last longer. Laminate itself is very tough. It's hard to dent or scratch. Problems occur when edges or corners of laminate lift slightly.
Laminate Cabinets
Thermofoil is a vinyl laminate that is heated and pressurized onto an MDF core. This process leaves a completely smooth surface that does not show any seams. The lack of seams around the door's joints can be a clear indication that your cabinet doors are a laminate material.
With laminate or wood veneers laid over the existing cabinet boxes, you can change the style, color, wood type—even the associated historical era.
Yes, laminate cabinets can be refaced as long as the cabinet boxes are in good shape. But if the cabinet boxes are weak or damaged, you may need to replace your cabinets altogether.
Laminate cabinets consist of a strong core material typically created by compressing wood or wood particulate and melamine, which hardens the mixture into a sturdy plank. After that, a thin layer is attached. This layer can be printed with a variety of designs, patterns and look-alike options.
A sure way to recognize wood laminate is when the grain does NOT follow through your piece. Wood Veneer is a sheet or thin layer of 'quality-natural-hardwood' that is adhered to a lesser quality wood surface.
Laminates are priced at $4,000 to $15,000. Comparable to wood veneers, it's a budget-friendly option to wood. It is a man-made material that is placed on particleboard in both high pressure and low pressure method.
The least expensive option is painting laminate cabinets. Laminate is not an ideal surface to paint, but it can be done.
Durable: Not only do thermofoil kitchen cabinets look great, but they are also durable. The material used to create laminate cabinets can resist gradual erosion caused by mechanical, physical, and chemical actions.
Thermofoil vs.
Melamine and Laminate cabinets are often confused with Thermofoil, but they are not the same material. Melamine and Laminate are made of melamine plastic, Thermafoil is vinyl. You can tell them apart by the following: Thermafoil is thicker, softer feeling, peels off more easily, and is more flexible.
What makes MDF such a popular material for kitchen cabinets is that it is a good substrate to bond to. This makes it the preeminent material for a beautiful, long lasting painted finish, as well as other alternative finishes like thermofoil or oil-based polyurethanes.
When you have the doors made of wood, paint them to match the laminate on the cabinet base or choose a contrasting shade for a striking look. You can even leave them with a natural wood finish and let the laminate on the base add a pop of color to the space.
Things You'll Need
One of the advantages of laminate is that it allows for a wide range of different decorating choices. On the downside, it can look warn and dingy over time. You can revitalize laminate cabinets without peeling off the old laminate, as long as they're firmly affixed to the frame and in good shape.
Can you stain laminate cabinets? You can stain laminate cabinets using tinted polyurethane stain or gel stain. Since laminate isn't real wood, using ordinary liquid wood stains will leave you with a streaky and splotchy surface: that's because they won't get absorbed.
Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.
If your kitchen encounters frequent food spills and the pitter-patter of kids or pets, this durable surface may be the solution. Laminate mimics the look of hardwood or tile and comes with a lower price tag. The surface resists stains and scratches, and cleanup is a snap.
Of the three materials, Plywood is the best option for cheap kitchen cabinets. While you can still get nice MDF or particleboard cabinets, we would say to look for plywood. Our least expensive cabinets are plywood boxes with solid wood doors. They are quality construction for a cheap price.