Cons of laminate cabinets
Damage: Despite their durability, laminate kitchen cabinets are prone to damage. Because the laminate is pressed together, it may start to lift. Additionally, thermofoil cabinets can be sensitive to excess heat and moisture, so it is best to keep this in mind when thinking about placement.
One of the great advantages of laminate kitchen cabinets is the ease with which they can be cleaned. All you'll need to clean laminate cabinets is a water-based household cleaner and a damp sponge. In terms of durability, laminate places second to most wood species.
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.
Solid Wood Cabinets
Solid natural wood cabinets are the gold standard when it comes to strength and longevity.
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.
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 Cabinets
In semi-custom and custom lines, you'll find a range of colors and finishes. Textures may be matte, granular, or glossy. Pros: Affordable and durable, laminate resists dings, nicks, and stains. Cons: It's not impenetrable: Deep cuts and cracks are impossible to repair.
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.
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.
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.
Which kitchen laminate colour combination is best for a modular kitchen ? Some of the top kitchen laminate colour combinations for modular kitchens are - Blue and white, green and brown, and yellow and dark tone like black or deep red among others.
Durability: If well looked after, laminate can be expected to last around ten years, however, you are more at risk with laminate tears, damage and gouging caused by furniture and pets. Because it cannot be sanded or fixed, the only solution to considerable damage is having your laminate floor replaced.
So why should you choose laminate cabinets for your kitchen remodel or cabinetry refacing? 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.
High-grade hardwood cabinets can even last up to 50 years. On the other hand, materials like laminate, melamine, MDF, and particleboard are less expensive and generally don't last as long as wood cabinets. Although they can be more cost effective and easier to maintain, they usually last 10 to 15 years.
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.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
Use lighter colors.
A light color on the walls and cabinets instantly brightens a space making it look larger and in turn, more expensive. Light colors reflect light and hide a multitude of sins, including those scratches, dings and dents in your old cabinets.
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.
Laminate is a picky surface, so you'll need a high-quality laminate-specific primer. If you aren't sure which one is best, consult your paint store professional. A good primer will prevent future peeling or lifting in the paint.
A major advantage of matte surfaces is that fingerprints or scratches are much less obvious as compared to glossy finishes. Furthermore, the colour of matte finish cabinets can look more consistent as there is no reflection of light to make some areas look brighter or darker than others.