How To Choose Kitchen Cabinets That Will Last
Posted on: 26 April 2023
Replacing the cabinets in your kitchen is not cheap. It also takes a while and can be a lot of work, even if you hire professionals to make and install the cabinets. As such, you want the cabinets you install to really stand the test of time. Not only do you want them to last and stay in good shape, but you want them to look great for years to come, too. Here are some tips to help you choose kitchen cabinets that last.
Look for hardware made from brass, stainless steel, or wrought iron.
Some less-expensive cabinet hardware is made from nickel or aluminum. You want to avoid these materials. Even though they might look nice when they are new, they are not all that durable. Not only may the hardware break prematurely, but it may put more stress on the cabinet doors themselves because the hardware is too weak to take too much force itself. Hardware made from a stronger metal, like brass, stainless steel, or wrought iron will last longer and help the rest of your cabinets last longer, too.
Choose hardwood or MDF doors.
Cabinets and cabinet doors made from pine or plywood tend to be the least expensive. But neither of these materials tends to be very durable. If you want your cabinets to last, you will be better off with ones made from either MDF or a hardwood. MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard. It's made from wood pulp and a blend of adhesives. It's really tough and makes for cabinets that last. If you would prefer real wood cabinets, then go for a hardwood such as cherry, oak, or walnut. These woods are less prone to scratches, scrapes, and dings than softwoods like pine.
Go with a natural finish.
Instead of going with painted cabinets, choose ones with a natural finish, like a stain. This way, if you ever change your mind and want the cabinets to be a different color, you can generally paint over the finish. If the cabinets already had a layer of paint on them, painting them again would results in a thicker layer of paint that may not be that attractive. Painting over a stain or natural sealer tends to look better and results in cabinets that you can change more easily so they can continue to fit your needs in terms of appearance.
If you want your kitchen cabinets to last, go with the options above. Talk to a cabinet maker to learn more about kitchen cabinetry.
Share