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.
Laminate cabinets are easier to clean than wood, they offer more durability over time and tend to conceal fewer scratches than solid wood cabinets and cabinet doors. There once was a time when there weren't many options when it came to designing kitchen cabinetry.
Why we love laminate cabinets: Super sturdy and durable. Easy to clean. More stain- and scratch-resistant that solid wood.
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 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.
Laminate cabinets are one of the most common, budget-friendly options for kitchens. You have several different types to choose from that will suit your style and needs.
Hardwood. Arguably the most durable material for kitchen cabinets, hardwood is solid wood. Some hardwood types, such as hickory or maple, will resist scratching and denting more than softwood species like walnut and mahogany. However, the former will cost more due to durability and overall quality.
Laminate cabinets are generally significantly less expensive than wood cabinets, making them an attractive option for those looking for a contemporary style and operating on a budget.
The main difference is that veneers comprise thin layers of wood that are pressed on a plywood base while laminates are manufactured by pressing together layers of flat paper and plastic resins under high pressure.
The least expensive option is painting laminate cabinets. Laminate is not an ideal surface to paint, but it can be done.
MDF forms a solid core underneath the laminate, and it's a better substrate for painting than particleboard, which is a loose conglomeration of wood chips that are likely to separate and crumble when you pull off the laminate.
Formica is non-porous, which makes it a smooth material, and hence it is not easy to apply paint on it evenly. Read on! Painting kitchen cabinets by hand is the best option for laminate cabinets. It makes them look a lot better than the original finish.
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.
The fundamental differences between thermofoil and laminate stem from their terminology. Laminate refers to any type of material used in the laminating process, whereas thermofoil constitutes a very specific type of PVC vinyl coating. Thermofoil comprises just one of the numerous laminates used in and around the home.
Laminate cabinets cost between $5,000 and $8,000 on average for materials and installation. Depending on the quality and grade selected, high-end laminate cabinets can cost up to $15,000. Laminate cabinets are made from HDF (high-density fiber) with a layer of the laminate of top to resemble real wood.
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.
Laminate cabinets are easier to clean than wood cabinets. However, it is also easier for grease and food deposits to dirty a laminate cabinet, too. Therefore, while laminate cabinets may be easier to clean than their wood counterparts, they may be in need of more frequent, albeit quick, attention.
The best material for kitchen cabinetry is solid wood. However, solid wood contracts and expands, so we recommend choosing cabinets made of engineered wood. The best wood for kitchen wall cabinets is engineered wood because it's one of the most reliable materials. Also, it is less expensive than solid wood.
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.
You've asked the question, “can you paint Formica?” You've learned the answer is yes! The next part may be the most exciting – choosing your Formica paint color. Make sure to choose a semi-gloss or high-gloss enamel paint.
You can sand, prime and paint laminate as if it were a solid wood piece of furniture! It's easy to skip the sanding step, because sanding is a drag… but it's especially important with laminate. Because it's often somewhat glossy-looking, and important to sand it down until the finish is very dull before priming.
Paint your formica countertops with epoxy-based paint. Due to its dry nature, it is harder to use and more durable than other regular paints, and it will last longer. Epoxy paints are also available in a variety of colors and styles, making them an excellent choice for painting.