Damon Mcknight
Kitchen cabinets are an essential part of any kitchen, providing storage space and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the room. When choosing the materials for kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider both style and functionality, selecting materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. There are various materials available for kitchen cabinets in Australia, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common materials used for kitchen cabinets in Australia include solid wood, plywood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), laminate, acrylic, and metal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Solid wood, plywood, metal, laminate, acrylic, veneer, MDF, poly, particle board |
| MDF construction | MDF is an engineered hardwood product made from highly ground and pulverised wood fibres bonded with resin and compressed under high pressure |
| MDF finish | Smooth and uniform, ideal for painting or lacquer |
| Plywood construction | Thin sheets of wood veneer layered and glued together under high pressure and temperature |
| Plywood finish | Moisture-resistant, strong, flexible and durable |
| Laminate construction | Thin layers of printed paper sealed and protected by thermosetting resins, bonded/laminated onto large sheets of MDF using advanced high-pressure machinery |
| Laminate finish | Hard-wearing, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, versatile, cost-effective |
| Acrylic finish | Lustrous, colour-fade-resistant, UV-resistant, VOC-free, recyclable |
| Poly finish | Prone to chipping |
| Veneer finish | Ornamental, sealed with clear two-pack |
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What You'll Learn
Solid wood
When choosing solid wood kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider the construction of the drawers and their lining. Drawers can be made from thinner plywood, with the sides typically made from 12mm thick ply and the bottom from 6mm thick ply. For heavy-duty drawers, thicker ply can be specified. Particle boards, which are made primarily of pressed wood fibres and adhesives, can also be used for drawer construction.
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Metal
When choosing metal kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider the functionality and aesthetics you desire. Metal cabinets can provide a sleek, professional look, especially in stainless steel. Additionally, metal drawer slides and glides made of metal or plastic ensure smooth opening and closing, bearing the weight of the drawer contents.
Overall, metal is a stylish and durable option for kitchen cabinets in Australia, offering a range of benefits, from easy maintenance to versatile design options.
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Laminate
Overall, laminate is a great choice for kitchen cabinets in terms of durability, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility.
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Plywood
When selecting plywood for kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider the service area's wetness conditions. Different bond types, such as A-Bond, B-Bond, C-Bond, and D-Bond, offer varying levels of moisture resistance, from fully weather-resistant to suitable for internal dry areas. Marine-grade plywood or exterior-grade plywood with A-Bond glue is recommended for outdoor applications, providing high resistance to moisture and protection from UV rays.
The appearance of plywood kitchen cabinet doors is also a consideration. Plywood doors may have exposed or treated edges, and selecting plywood with an attractive finished edge can eliminate the need for an edge band, simplifying manufacturing and finishing. Plywood doors can also be decorated with inserts and beaded grooves to enhance their visual appeal.
The construction of drawer boxes and their lining in plywood kitchen cabinets may differ. Thinner plywood is typically used for drawer fronts, with the sides made from 12mm thick ply and the bottom from 6mm thick ply. However, for heavy-duty drawers, thicker ply can be specified to accommodate heavier weights.
While plywood offers many advantages, it is important to note that good-quality plywood can be expensive in Australia. Baltic Birch plywood, in particular, is known for its high quality, providing a perfect substrate for veneers and offering benefits such as two clear sides, no voids, and a higher number of plies for the same thickness. However, it may be more costly compared to other options.
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Acrylic
One unique characteristic of acrylic is its separate edging piece, which is mounted to the board after the panels have been cut to size. This edging is typically available in matching colours, glass bead, or an aluminium finish. While acrylic is usually offered in a high-gloss finish, some brands now offer a low-sheen, satin/matte option for those seeking a more subtle look.
Replacing your existing cabinet doors with acrylic alternatives is a cost-effective way to quickly modernise your kitchen. Acrylic's sleek and shiny appearance pairs well with a contrasting matte finish on surrounding surfaces, creating a stylish and contemporary kitchen design.
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Frequently asked questions
Kitchen cabinets in Australia are typically made from plywood, solid wood, laminate, acrylic, MDF, or a combination of materials.
Plywood is made by gluing together thin sheets of wood veneer under high pressure and temperature. It is durable, moisture-resistant, and can be finished with laminate, veneer, or paint.
MDF stands for medium-density fibreboard. It is an engineered wood product made from highly ground wood fibres bonded with resin and compressed under high pressure. MDF is smooth, making it a good surface for painting or lacquer finishes.
Laminate is made from layers of printed paper sealed with resin and bonded to MDF board. It is hard-wearing, heat-resistant, and cost-effective. Acrylic has a mirror-like finish and is UV-resistant and eco-friendly. However, both materials cannot be wrapped around corners, so the edging is a separate piece.
Other materials used for kitchen cabinets in Australia include solid timber, particle board, veneer, and metal.
