If you’re looking at redecorating or renovating your kitchen, the type of kitchen cabinet and cupboard doors you choose will have an influence over your budget. Kitchen cabinets are the first thing people will notice when they walk into a kitchen, so you want to make sure you’ve chosen a material and style that reflects who you are and suits your budget.
We’ve peeled back the layers and have looked at what kitchen carcasses and doors are made out of, so that you can choose the right materials.
Melamine-faced kitchen doors
Melamine-faced kitchen doors (also known as MFC doors) give the aesthetic of hardwood at a cheaper price. Created from a combination of compressed wood particles and encased in a resin and paper finish, these doors come in a wide range of styles, such as the PWS range, and colours, making it easy to create a bespoke look to suit your kitchen.
Pros of melamine-faced kitchen doors
- Great for those on a budget.
- Come in a wide range of colours and styles.
- Has a sleek uniform finish.
Cons of melamine-faced kitchen doors
- Hard impacts will result in chipping and cracks on the wood coating.
- If there are any cracks and water gets in, this will further damage the doors.
- Less choice in colours and accessories.
Hardwood kitchen cabinet doors
If you’ve always dreamed of a traditional kitchen, (such as a shaker style), then hardwood is a great choice. Whether you want oak, ash, cherry, pine or hickory, this type of material will look fantastic. What makes hardwood such an excellent choice is that this material lasts for decades and can withstand the wear and tear that’s expected in a kitchen – perfect for those who have pets and/or kids! However, hardwood is a little more expensive than other types of kitchen cabinet doors.
Pros of hardwood kitchen cabinet doors
- Hardwood cabinets are easy to repair if cracked or scratched.
- Hardwood is durable.
- Hardwood comes in a wide range of styles, colours, types, and finishes.
- Hardwood can be customised.
- Cabinets can be re-stained or painted to give a new aesthetic – great for future redecorating.
Cons of hardwood kitchen cabinet doors
- Higher product cost.
- Usually restricted to standard sizes.
- Hardwood expands and contracts in the heat, which can result in warping over time.
- Hardwood requires specific cleaning products.
Vinyl-wrapped kitchen doors
Vinyl-wrapped kitchen cupboard doors are made from cut MDF panels that have been routed, profiled, glued and then covered with vinyl that has been attached using heat and a vacuum. This style of door has no joints as the wrap covers the front and sides. At Kitchen Door Hub, you can view our Zurfiz range for more vinyl-wrapped doors
Pros of vinyl-wrapped kitchen doors
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to clean.
- Uniformity in colour and look.
- Wide selection of finishes and styles.
Cons of vinyl-wrapped kitchen doors
- If the units are abused, the vinyl can peel and delaminate.
- Doesn’t offer the ‘natural’ wood look that people prefer.
- More limited in colour options than a paintable finish (though paintable vinyl is available).
Glass kitchen cupboard doors
Choosing glass cabinet doors is a great way to upgrade the look of your kitchen, but should only be used if you keep the inside of your cabinets smart and well organised. While glass doors have been around for a while, they haven’t always been in fashion, but look great when done properly.
You can really add depth and style to your glass and wood cabinets when you add cupboard lighting. That being said, glass doors can be costly and very heavy, although on offer now are acrylic doors, which would be lighter. Glass kitchen cupboard doors come in a range of core materials, from solid wood, to MDF and MFC.
Pros of glass kitchen cupboard doors
- There are a range of styles available – from Georgian framed to a simple frame.
- Multiple options for glass, including bronze, mirror, frosted and standard.
- Glass can be substituted for acrylic in some ranges, reducing cost and weight.
- Glass doors give the illusion of a bigger kitchen.
- Glass doors are super easy to clean.
Cons of glass kitchen cupboard doors
- This type of door is very heavy, thus making it tricky to install.
- Glass kitchen doors are expensive.
- You can see clutter through a glass cabinet door.
- They’re fragile.
- Not all styles offer glass as an option.
High gloss kitchen doors
High gloss kitchen doors are created in a range of different types – laminate, thermofoil or high gloss painted wood or lacquered wood. Applied in a similar way as vinyl, high gloss cupboards offer depth and look great in a two-tone kitchen.
Pros of high gloss kitchen doors
- The light reflecting off the surface makes the room look bigger.
- High gloss cabinets are more water resistant.
- Because of the surface, high gloss cabinets are easy to wipe down.
Cons of high gloss kitchen doors
- Due to the reflective nature of the surface, marks, fingerprints and scratches are easily visible.
- This style of cupboard will need more cleaning due to the nature of the door.
- High gloss costs a little more due to its popularity.
Browse our extensive range of replacement kitchen doors and cabinets or contact our team today to find out more.
