Wood vs. Laminate Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing between wood or laminate cabinets can be a kitchen dilemma. Laminates allow you to add color into your kitchen design and easy maintenance. Wood cabinets give a kitchen an air of warmth, character and value. Weigh the advantages of both, and determine which material will give your kitchen the look you want and the qualities you need at the price that fits your budget. Does this Spark an idea?
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Wood Cabinet Advantages
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Wood cabinets are durable and give a kitchen warmth. Wood cabinets have advantages in terms of longevity and durability. Certain woods, such as ebony and cherry, complement a large, estate-style home and give the kitchen a refined, classic look. Wood is a sturdy material that can hold the weight of heavy countertop materials, such as marble and granite. You also have options in terms of changing the look by painting, staining or even refacing the cabinet with laminate if you choose.
Laminate Advantages
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Laminate cabinets arguably give a kitchen a more modern, sleek and stylish look. Black laminate cabinets give a loft apartment an upscale, high-tech appearance. White laminate cabinets give a kitchen a clean and open look. Manufacturing and technological advancements are providing buyers with many options in colors, styles, finishes and textures. Laminate choices are no longer restricted to a "flat" finish. Choices include high-gloss finishes manufactured under a rigid thermal foil (RTF) process for strength and durability.
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Similarities and Differences
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Both wood and laminate cabinets can be purchase in prefabricated forms or customized. Prefab choices will be less expensive. Opportunities also exist to shop for prefab cabinet doors at liquidation and closeout retail stores for substantial savings. If you're remodeling or building a new home with the kitchen of your dreams, you can also have wood or laminate cabinets custom-made.
Cleaning
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Solid wood cabinets should be cleaned with products specifically made for wood. You cannot use abrasives on wood because they will remove the finish and dull the appearance. Laminate outshines wood when it comes to cleaning. You can use common household water-based cleaners and diluted abrasives and clean cabinet doors and drawers with a sponge to easily wipe everyday splatters away.
Durability and Repair Differences
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Wood cabinets are solid. Laminate cabinets are comprised of layers of materials glued together. Over time, the glue can loosen adhesiveness, leading to peeling door facings and side trims. If a laminate cabinet door is dented or chipped, repairing the cabinet can become more complicated and even require replacing an entire cabinet door. White and colored laminates can also yellow with age. You can complete some repair jobs for wood cabinets as a do-it-yourself project.
Cost Factors
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Generally speaking, laminate cabinets will be less costly. However, you should weigh the pros and cons of durability, the style of the home and how you use the kitchen. A homeowner may opt to make the investment in wood cabinets. A property owner may find off-the-shelf laminate cabinets sufficient for a rental property. A style-conscious couple living in a loft or condominium may choose a high-end laminate. Consider your budget, housing needs and factors specific to your situation to resolve a buying decision between wood or laminate cabinets.
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Resources
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