Although they're overall more durable than wood cabinets, laminate cabinets' coating can peel away and weaken over time, and it can be challenging to repair them. This means you may need to replace them after some time.
Wood Lasts Longer, But Laminate is Easier to Clean
If your cabinets get dirty often or are more prone to scratches, you might consider laminate cabinets over wooden cabinets. Wooden cabinets are made with a much softer material and, as a result, get scratched more often. But, wooden cabinets are far easier to repair.
The laminate material is very durable and scratch-resistant, making it an ideal material for kitchen cabinets. However, it is not indestructible. How long your cabinets last will depend on the quality, the amount of use they get, and how well you maintain them.
Laminate Cabinets
Here are the pros and cons of laminate cabinets: Pros: Aesthetic possibilities and durable—laminate protects against scratches, stains, etc. Cons: Laminate isn't invincible, so any damage done is likely irreversible. Price can vary depending on variety.
Formaldehyde exposure may potentially cause a variety of symptoms and adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions.
While laminate flooring has many strong points, its most significant downside is its poor resistence to water. Laminate flooring can tolerate some water on top surface but it should not be allowed to pool and remain for long. Otherwise, the water may seep below and affect the sensitive core layer.
Laminate cabinets are durable and resistant to scratches, moisture, and stains, and when edge banded correctly the sides and edges will never chip or peel.
Wood Veneer and Laminate. Whenever you have a laminated or veneered material, you run the risk of delamination. For example, it is not uncommon for furniture made of hardwood veneer bonded to a solid wood core to begin peeling after a few years.
Solid Wood Cabinets
Solid natural wood cabinets are the gold standard when it comes to strength and longevity.
Plywood: The highest quality kitchen cabinets are made of cabinet-grade multi-layer plywood. Plywood cabinets are strong, easier to install and considerably lighter in weight than MDF or particleboard cabinets. While more expensive, plywood cabinets are a good choice if you expect to own the house for a long period.
Laminate withstands heavy use. It is less susceptible to color change from UV-ray exposure. It holds a uniform stain color, making the cabinets look exactly alike. Additionally, laminate can be relatively easy to install.
With a glossy and seamless shine, laminate cabinets add a perfect sense of modernity and elegance to any kitchen. Also, it is easy to maintain and clean, scratch-resistant, and completely waterproof.
Some people are concerned that laminate could look 'cheap', but in fact high quality laminates are now widely available, which feature realistic designs, and even register embossing where the wood grain is mirrored by imprinting on the surface of the plank.
As long as you address the overriding concern of moisture, you can install laminate flooring in the kitchen. If you want to eliminate worries about moisture, install sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). In terms of appearance, LVP is a close contender with laminate and it is 100-percent waterproof.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, acids, and powdered cleansers that can have the same damaging effects. Popular natural cleaning solutions often include white vinegar or baking soda. At best, vinegar can help in removing soap scum and mineral deposits, which are most likely not a problem on cabinets.
Cabinets made from laminate and plastic are also quite durable and can last for up to 10 years. These materials require little to no maintenance and are resistant to water and humidity, so they are ideal for kitchens that are often exposed to moisture.
Laminate countertops are made from plastic resins that make the countertops very easy to clean and resistant to stains. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that's normally required. They can, however, be scratched if abrasive cleansers are used on them.
Highly Durable Compared to Paints
When compared to laminates, paints usually do not give the same long-term results. And although laminate is more expensive compared to paint, they are more resilient and long-lasting than paint. Thus, in the long run, they will equalize the expense.
While acrylic looks aesthetically beautiful because of its glossy finish, they are costly when compared to laminates. Acrylic is great for lending a high-end sophisticated look to your kitchen. But if you want an edgy and bold design for your kitchen, then stone-finish or wood-finish laminates can be your go-to choice.
So then, does laminate flooring add value to your home? If your old floors are in bad shape, any new flooring will help. While solid hardwood flooring would add more value, laminate will give your home the look of hardwood at a much lower cost, will look good for years, and your return on investment should be solid.
Affordability. For homeowners who want durable and attractive flooring, laminate flooring is a great and affordable option. The cost of laminate flooring varies depending on factors like the quality of the material, the brand and the location. It is also significantly less expensive than hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring lasts between 15 to 25 years on average. The exact lifespan will vary depending on the product quality of your floor, how well you maintain and care for it and the overall wear-and-tear it receives. In some cases, laminate floors can last over 25 years.