Kitchen Design 101: Materials
As you start to pick out the colors & materials for your kitchen, there’s a lot to consider. The finish you pick can make a huge difference in both the look and durability of your cabinets. Let’s dive into the four most common kitchen cabinet finishes, and I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each one. Think of this as your cheat sheet to making a more informed decision!
WOOD VENEER
Veneer is a thin layer of real wood that's applied to a substrate, like MDF or plywood. It gives you the look of natural wood without the cost of solid wood.
Pros:
Authentic Look: It provides the warm, rich appearance and feel of real wood… because it is real wood!
Cost-Effective: It’s less expensive than solid wood cabinets because it just uses a thin sheet of the wood.
Variety: It’s available in many species & cuts of wood and comes in many stains or other finish applications.
Cons:
Durability: It can peel, fade, or warp if not properly cared for or if it’s exposed to extreme elements (think direct sunlight or high humidity.)
Natural Variation: Veneer is a natural material, so there will be variation in the grain and color of the material and it will likely change color over time.
Repair: Repairing veneer can be tricky if it gets scratched or damaged.
MATTE OR GLOSS LACQUER
Lacquer is a painted finish that’s sprayed onto the cabinet surfaces, creating a smooth, opaque finish in matte or gloss.
Pros
Opaque Finish: The smooth, solid appearance of high quality lacquered finishes gives a sleek, clean appearance.
Durability: Most lacquered doors are finished 360° and include a top coat in clear lacquer, offering a hard, durable surface that’s resistant to heat and stains.
Easy to Clean: The smooth surface makes it easy to wipe off fingerprints and grime (p.s. it’s best not to use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on lacquered materials.)
Cons
Maintenance: High gloss lacquer is more likely show smudges, scratches, and finger prints.
Limited Vendors: Not every kitchen cabinet provider will be able to do a high quality lacquered finish due to the machinery and space required.
Quality Control: Low quality lacquers can have an “orange peel” finish (instead of a smooth finish) and/or can yellow overtime with exposure to sun & humidity.
LAMINATE
Laminate is a synthetic material that’s bonded to a substrate, like particle board or MDF, giving a durable, easy-to-maintain surface.
Pros
Durability: Due to the manmade nature of the materials, it’s highly resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts.
Versatility: Laminates can mimic an endless range of materials including wood, metal, concrete, stone, and solid surfaces.
Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly than wood or lacquer finishes.
Cons
Varying Quality: Low quality laminates can have a dull, flat, fake-looking effect; whereas, high quality laminates can have a rich, 3D-effect that very closely mimics natural materials.
Edges: Can be prone to peeling or chipping at the edges, especially with extended exposure to moisture & humidity.
Pattern Repeats: Laminates are essentially a photo of a material printed on a manmade surface, so you will have to be mindful of this pattern repeating and looking unnatural. Similarly, most laminates won’t be able to be grain-matched across a run of cabinets or wall cladding.
PAINTED
Painted cabinets are finished with a layer of paint, which can be applied in a variety of colors and finishes (matte, satin, gloss).
Pros
Variety: Painted finishes can be specified in any paint color, including specialty paints, and can be applied to a vast range of door styles.
Customizable: Easy to refresh with a new coat of paint if you want a change in the future.
Uniform Finish: Provides a clean, cohesive look across a kitchen or home.
Cons:
Maintenance: Painted surfaces can chip or scratch more easily.
Texture: Depending on the substrate and the provider, painted surfaces may have more texture than a lacquered surface. For example, you may be able to see brush strokes or the wood grain through the paint.
Choosing the right cabinet finish depends on your style, budget, and how much wear and tear your kitchen sees. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek look of lacquer, the warmth of stained wood, or the durability of laminate, each finish has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Take some time to think about what matters most to you and how each finish fits into your kitchen dreams.
If you’re feeling a bit lost in the world of finishes, it might be worth consulting with a kitchen designer. We can help you navigate your options and choose the finish that’s just right for you. Happy designing!