Types of Material Used in Cabinets

When you are purchasing ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets, it is important to understand what they are made out of. Not all cabinets are alike, so it is especially critical to know what each type of material is and does. This will help you make the best choice when it comes to your own kitchen cabinets. Use the guide below to help you evaluate your choices and select cabinets that are going to meet your needs and budget.

Solid Wood
Many RTA cabinets are lacking in solid wood components. If you are searching for high-quality RTA kitchen cabinets, it is important to identify ones that have at least a solid wood door. Not only does this give you a better, more natural finished look, but it also gives you the ability to paint or stain the cabinets at a later point. If the cabinet front is just a veneer, for example, it can be next to impossible to paint it or change the look to one that is more pleasing over time.

Plywood
If you are not familiar with the difference between plywood and solid wood, it is a good time to learn about the characteristics of each before you purchase your cabinets. While solid wood is made from a single cut of wood, plywood is composed of many thin layers that are glued together at an angle. This gives the material extra strength and is ideal for the sides and base construction of your cabinets. While it can be painted or stained, it does not have the same final look that a solid wood will have after being refinished. It is especially good to have base cabinets that will be supporting the heavy load of the countertop and small appliances be made of plywood. There is also less instance of high-quality plywood warping as can happen with solid wood.

Particle Board
While not the best choice, lower-grade cabinets can be constructed of particle board. Unlike solid wood or the stronger plywood, particle board is made from small pieces of wood pressed and glued together. It lacks the strength of plywood, because it is made of smaller pieces as opposed to reinforced sheets. Particle board can be thought of as the product made of the leftover material. It has a tendency to dent, and even break apart, if screws are not inserted carefully or hammers are accidentally bumped against its surface. It would not be a good choice for a base cabinet, as it has the tendency to warp and bend over time. There would be nothing worse than finally getting your kitchen remodeled, only to have the cabinets fall apart after a few months of use.

It can be more costly to invest in RTA cabinets made of solid, strong materials, but the longevity of the kitchen itself is worth it. Not only will the room look more appealing, but it will hold up over time. When you are investing a lot of money into a kitchen remodel, you want to make sure that you choose your products wisely and that you purchase the highest quality materials you can afford.

Metal-Wall-Art.com regularly features articles by Alyssa Davis on decorating with door toppers metal wall art and Tuscan metal art.