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.
On average, semi-gloss oil-based paint is the most durable finish for kitchen cabinets. Because of its sheen, semi-gloss paint can reflect light and remain durable for a long time.
Cabinet boxes should always be made of quality plywood (typically maple or birch), MDF, or rigid and dense particle board. Quality cabinetry companies may still offer a high-quality melamine product laid upon particle board – as it is a suitable fit for many projects.
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.
MDF is an engineered product made from soft and hardwood residuals (such as sawdust) and is held together by glue or resins. The materials and production process make MDF much heavier than most woods but also give it a smooth surface that is perfect for painted cabinets.
WPC boards are very helpful for use in kitchen shelves and also in washrooms. Although it can't hold much weight, it is best to use it in a place where no such weight is applied. On the other hand, HDHMR is very good and the best quality for your house, also for construction.
PVC board for kitchen cabinets are of two types: PVC hollow boards and PVC foam boards. As the name implies, PVC hollow boards are hollow inside whereas PVC foam boards are thicker and sturdier than hollow boards.
Unlike MDF, which is quite soft, plywood anchors screws well. So if your kitchen cabinets have a plethora of screws and nails, plywood is the best way to go. Changes in temperature and humidity will not affect plywood--it won't contract, warp or expand even under extreme temperature changes.
When inspecting the cabinet boxes, look out for whether products are made from plywood or particle board. Among these two, plywood is the strongest option. The best quality cabinets will have plywood sides and backs.
Many professionals now use latex paint, citing the improvements to the formula and the as-good-as finish they can get on most surfaces. We actually prefer a third type of paint for cabinets, the hybrid enamel.
Thermofoil fronts are a lot more stable to MDF being used as the core; however, because of the nature of how they are made, they can be susceptible to heat. Extended exposure to a heat source will result in the plastic material peeling away from the core and discoloring.
Oak and hickory are some of the strongest, most reliable wood species available for custom cabinet doors. They generally cost more, but they mix beauty with long-lasting reliability. If you want doors that resist impacts and warping, these two would be good choices.
Materials such as Commercial Plywood, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), High-Density Fiberboard (HDF), Boiling Water Proof Plywood (BWP), High-Density High Moisture Resistant (HDHMR) are materials made of wood composites engineered to achieve specific structural and durable properties otherwise not found in natural wood ...
The main difference between MDF and WPC is that MDF boards have less durability as compared to other wooden boards. On the other hand, WPC boards have much more durability than MDF boards. MDF is majorly used for interior works while WPC can be used for both, indoor and outdoor works.
HDHMR or High-Density High Moisture Resistant boards and sheets are ideal for kitchen spaces and other spaces exposed to high moisture content. If you are looking for a heavy-duty, waterproof material for your interiors, you should consider getting HDHMR sheets.
While solid wood makes the cabinets strong, sturdy and long-lasting, MDF offers a smooth finish. MDF withstands changes in heat and humidity better than solid wood. Solid wood expands and contracts both horizontally and vertically when temperatures and humidity rise and fall.
Around the 5-7 year point, an MDF kitchen will exhibit significant age and wear signs. Although an MDF kitchen may be a less expensive option for a quick refresh, read on if you want something that will last!
The surface is equal in hardness to oak and has similar density so they are durable as well. MDF takes paint better, and doesn't have the same seams as wood, will not crack and split the paint where would might.
Contrary to solid wood - engineered hardwood flooring is perfect for the kitchen, as it is much more durable and able to resist fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This is due to 2- or 3-layers construction, which ensures strength and stability.
MDF weighs more than plywood.
This can be a major issue if you'll need to lift, hold, or clamp panels in place or construct something that requires an overhead reach, such as elevated shelves.
Engineered hardwood typically lasts between 20 and 30 years. Because they do have a top layer of hardwood, like solid hardwood, they are susceptible to scratches. If scratch resistance is important to you, look for engineered hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant top coat.