When Cheap is Not Cheap: How to Choose Your Cabinets

By Mary Ann Skweres, Rock Counter Kitchen and Bath

Cabinets account for a large percentage of remodeling budgets. Flippers, landlords, and homeowners, often focus on price during kitchen renovations. Although cabinets made of different materials might look the same on the outside, what the cabinet is made from and how it is constructed, can have long-lasting implications, impacting not only aesthetics, but durability, environmental footprint and ultimate cost.

The least expensive cabinets are generally made of medium density fibreboard, MDF, an engineered product is made by breaking down hardwood and softwood residuals into fine particles, combining them with resin and wax, then applying heat and pressure.

There are several disadvantages to MDF.  Water absorption is one. MDF soaks up water like a sponge. If exposed to damp or humid environments, it can swell, losing structural integrity resulting in sagging,

MDF’s fine particles also make it difficult for screws to hold, cracking or splitting when screwed into the edge of the board. Although MDF’s smooth surface is good for painting and finishing, veneered or laminated MDF products are prone to chipping around the edges and often cannot be repaired.

Health risks are associated with MDF because it contains volatile compounds (VOC), such as urea-formaldehyde, that irritate eyes and lungs. It is important to wear a dusk mask when cutting or sanding to avoid inhaling the material. Be sure that there is good ventilation.

Although more expensive, cabinets made with plywood boxes, wood doors, and wood drawers can be worth the additional costs, not only in the price of cabinets themselves, but also in the labor to repair or replace damaged cabinets.

The strength and durability of furniture-grade plywood benefits structural applications, handling heavy loads such as when used for the box of a kitchen cabinet. The layered structure of plywood provides a secure grip on screws. When treated properly, plywood holds up well to water exposure.

Wood doors bring warm, natural beauty to cabinets. Although able to be painted any color, the unique grain patterns and rich colors of wood perfectly conform to the current trend of stained kitchen cabinets, widening the range off finishes available.

Wood doors are highly durable and long-lasting. They can also be sanded and refinished multiple time to update their appearance and expand their lifespan. Solid wood dovetail construction on all sides of the drawer box has superior strength and durability. Higher end cabinets also come with metal drawer glides and soft-close mechanisms.

Unlike other materials that may warp or degrade over time, wood cabinets will continue to function properly for many years.