Made of pressed wood, MD, or plywood topped by a layer of paper coloured with a heat-fused melamine resin, melamine is the least expensive cabinet material. Variety. The assortment of colours and patterns is enormous, including a rather convincing faux wood grain and textured melamine option.
The most affordable cabinet material for your kitchen is often particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a laminate finish. These materials are cost-effective and commonly used in budget-friendly kitchens.
Material. Most inexpensive cabinets come in either particle board, laminate, or metal. Particle board and laminate are the most popular due to their lower costs and wide range of finishes.
The least expensive type of wood used in kitchen cabinets tends to be pine. Cherry is a slightly more expensive option, while oak is usually about as affordable as its counterparts. Maple is the most expensive type of wood available for kitchen cabinets.
Solid wood cabinets, particularly oak, are the most durable kitchen cabinet material due to their strength, resistance to wear and tear, and ability to withstand moisture without warping. Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are also durable, economical options.
Durability and Strength: Plywood is much stronger than MDF and MFC, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications and load-bearing furniture. Moisture Resistance: Plywood can handle exposure to moisture better than MDF or MFC, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor furniture.
Pine is an affordable and lightweight option, making it a good choice for budget-conscious projects. It's easy to work with and takes stain and paint well. However, pine is a softer wood that can dent and scratch more easily than hardwoods. Its light colour and visible knots might not suit all design preferences.
Solid wood cabinets are known for their durability, natural beauty, and timeless design. They're crafted from authentic wood, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking both functionality and style. These cabinets can elevate your kitchen's look while offering long-lasting value.
PVC kitchen cabinets are more affordable than solid wood, laminate, or metal gear. Since PVC is not as expensive as some other options, homeowners looking to make a budget-friendly purchase don't have to make many sacrifices when it comes to their dream kitchen design.
Due to the wide-ranging differences in materials and quality, new kitchen cabinets typically cost anywhere from $2,500 to $24,000. However, most new cabinet prices average between $5,500 and $13,000. This wide price range can be divided into three cabinet categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom.
Stock cabinets
IKEA keeps its costs low because they are sending your order to you in pieces and because the materials they use are very inexpensive.
MDF is the most economical and budget-friendly cabinet door option, but also the material with the greatest limitations. It is heavy and has low moisture and heat resistance. Plywood: Plywood is made from thin layers of wood and is one of the most commonly used materials for cabinet doors and components.
You might find that particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) cabinets are typically the cheapest options, but they may not offer the longevity or visual appeal of solid wood alternatives.
Thermofoil cabinets are made from MDF board covered with a vinyl film, while laminate cabinets are made from particleboard or MDF covered with melamine resin impregnated with paper. Melamine cabinets are also made from particleboard or MDF but are surfaced with a resin coating.
Pine (softwood)
One of the most abundant species, pine is always cheaper than most others. It is very versatile but not as hard-wearing as hardwoods.
Because it grows natively across the United States, pine is more affordable than many other natural woods. In general, pine wood cabinets will be significantly less expensive than the tier of oak, maple, and birch.
MDF cabinets are more susceptible to damage, and their smooth surfaces show scratches prominently. Worst of all, it is difficult to repair MDF doors because of their uniform composition. You would need to fill, sand, and paint the damaged area to make it completely disappear.
What Color Cabinets Have The Best Resale Value? Light neutrals are generally the best colors for resale because they appeal to the most people. But choosing shades of navy, deep green or even black can work depending on the house's style.
Stock and semi-custom cabinets are affordable alternatives to fully custom cabinetry. Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and designs, making them readily available and budget-friendly.
One of the most significant advantages of melamine is its cost-effectiveness. As shown in the table below, melamine is generally cheaper than natural wood, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Medium and High-Density Fiberboard (MDF and HDF), created from wood fibers, resin, and wax, are celebrated for their versatility, smoothness, and affordability. These materials can be painted or veneered, allowing them to be used in various structures, including cabinet doors and panels.
Moisture and Water Damage:
Plywood is a composite wood material made up of thin layers of wood veneer glued with the core materials together. Over time, moisture can cause the core layers to peel apart, and the cabinets can become warped or uneven.
Plywood is more expensive than MDF and of course, the higher the grade and depending on the species of wood, it can increase in price. Because of the layers that show on the edge, plywood needs finishing with iron-on edge banding, pieces of timber or decorative mouldings.
Particleboard is very smooth, consistent, and holds screws and other fasteners well. MDF has a smoother finish, takes machining very well, but doesn't hold screws too well. Use dowels or other fasteners. MDF is heavier than particleboard.