Popular Types of Kitchen Cabinet Materials & Finishes



If you have a small kitchen and do not continually use it to prepare meals and cook, then a low-cost alternative, such as particle board, would be a great choice. It is not the most robust material; hence, take care you don’t treat it with excess weight. Nonetheless, you can use particle board kitchen cabinets for creating slimline designs, a handy choice for smaller kitchens. Be aware that particle board is not water-resistant, so you must clean them using specific cleaning agents fit for the type of finish.

Melamine is a budget-friendly material used in most modular kitchens and is a reasonably durable choice for kitchen cabinets. Melamine material comprises pressed wood, MDF, plywood or other natural heat-sealed materials. Melamine is treated with chemicals to shield it from heat and moisture, making it a fabulous choice for busy kitchens. Carpenter-made custom kitchens do not prefer using this material as it is hard and expensive to mould melamine other than in a factory setting.

Plywood is available in different varieties; some are more robust, weather-resistant and durable than others. For instance, there is a preference for moisture-resistant plywood over regular plywood, which is widely used for making kitchen cabinets. As plywood is made using engineered wood, it is robust and durable. Plywood is resistant to termites, so you won’t have to get anxious about insect damage. You can determine the finish you want for the wood veneer, and cleaning and maintaining is a breeze even if left natural (and stained).

Wood is brilliant for durability, oozing natural appearance, and has a timeless appeal. It perfectly suits traditional and modern kitchens. Wood is available in an array of textures, earthy tones and grains. The use of solid wood for kitchen cabinetry is recommended if appropriately sealed to safeguard the material against moisture, heat and stains. When wooden kitchen cabinets are stained or polished, they are relatively easy to clean and maintain.

 Laminate as kitchen cabinet finish is a durable, heat and moisture-resistant and budget-friendly option. You can clean and maintain laminate with ease using water and plain soap. The laminate finish is available in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes and an array of colours and patterns.

PVC sheets are made from composite plastic and are robust and cost-effective finish. They are grease and water-resistant, and you can easily clean them with water and soap. PVC sheets are available in white and other light shades and wood grain finishes.

 You can achieve an elegant high-gloss finish for kitchen cabinets using polyurethane. These are acrylic paints, available in diverse colour options and can effectively resist grease and water. PU is more expensive than most kitchen cabinet finishes; however, its luxurious appeal and durability make it a desirable option. 

Veneer closely resembles natural wood, making it a popular kitchen cabinet finish. It is a robust and durable material that you can easily clean cautiously using minimal water and specific cleaning agents to eliminate stains and grease. It provides the visual appeal of wood while costing much less than natural timber cabinets.