Different Materials to Consider for your Modular Kitchen
If this is the first time that you are getting a modular kitchen installed, you must know that there are a host of considerations that you need to account for.
For example:
- What should be the shape of the modular kitchen?
- How many cabinets should I install?
- And most importantly, what is the right material to use on all these cabinets.
With a variety of choices to explore, here are a few guidelines that will help you select the right option that works best for your kitchen —
How Should I Choose a Material?
The top considerations that you need to make have to do with the look you intend to achieve, how the material feels when you work with it and the amount of usage your kitchen space goes through in general. You also want to take into account factors such as seepage, long-term maintenance and repair among other things when choosing a material for your modular kitchen.
Ideal Materials for your Cabinets
- Plywood
Plywood is typically an engineered wood product that is made with the help of thin layers that are stuck together. Also cheaper than wood, they tend to be a lot more robust, rigid and stable as compared to veneer, making them an option worth considering when budgets are low. Plywood that is Boiling Water Proof is especially useful for cabinets in your modular kitchen since they are constantly exposed to heavy fluctuations of humidity.
- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a perfect material to consider for your cabinets if you are worried about seepage. Not only is it non-porous but it is also popular for its bacteria and germ resistant properties when compared to other wooden and plastic options. Stainless steel is an extremely hygienic option as they do not react with food during preparation or cooking.
Ideal Materials for Shutters
- Solid Wood
This natural material is among the most commonly chosen ones among homemakers all across India. Most find it to be homogenous, simple and solid looking and hence prefer it over many other options. Depending on the style you want, choose between oak, birch, maple, pine or cherry wood. Want to add some texture to your cabinets? Consider staining them or using tints to bring about some variations for a more natural look.
- Wood Veneers
These are essentially thin sheets of wood that are pasted onto plywood. Often picked because of the fact that they are cheaper than wood but are known to give a similar look and fell. However, for those who are looking for a more durable and robust solution, this may not be it. It is often noticed that replacement turns out to be a better option than repair in the long-run.
- Pre-Laminated Shutters on Medium Density Fibre
Another engineered wood product, this material is made with the help of wood fibres that are stuck together with the help of adhesive under high pressures. Also cheaper than wood, many architects recommend against this material because of the fact that it isn’t very durable and also comes with risks of warping. However, with the help of pre-lamination, you can bring about an extra layer of strength and durability.
- Laminates with High Glossary
Are you on the hunt for a finish that does not look like wood? Laminates is ideal for homes that need to add a tinge of colour into the kitchen space. These are made out of resin soaked paper that is then sealed with the help of heat. Impressively strong and durable, the biggest advantage of laminates is that they can be easily textured or pre-coloured.
In addition to this, you may also want to consider using Melamine that is a mixture of resin, pressed wood and paper and is easily available in a variety of finishes and colours. Some modular kitchens also offer stainless steel and metal options that are temperature and humidity resistant.
