Correcting the Record on Laminate Cabinets
In some circles, laminate kitchen cabinets have gotten a fairly mixed reputation. This isn’t entirely without merit—some processes for creating laminate in the past have produced low-quality products. But the current method using high-quality materials can and does turn out beautiful cabinets that endure for years.
Laminate Cabinets Explained
There are various methods for surfacing kitchen cabinets, with varying quality and effect. The laminating process features highly among these in affordability and material durability. When resin and paper are combined by pressing under intense heat and pressure, the laminate produced can last far longer than thermofoil, for example.
Some products on the market are advertised as simple, DIY self-adhesive laminates, but they are more of a temporary measure (and more trouble than they’re worth).
Many of these individuals have performed their laminating, which may be responsible for some perceptions of their poor quality. Some laminates can be quite brittle against the grain of the underlying wood surface, leading to chips or small breaks after laminating. However, the final product is reliable when laminating is performed in an industrial setting with specialized equipment.
While thermofoil may be cheaper in an immediate sense, the long-lasting nature of laminate means that your costs over time will be lowest. With all of the textures, colors, and finishes available, it is an extremely desirable option for families looking into affordable and enduring options.
Laminate Cabinets or Wood?
So, with all this said, does laminate clock in as an inferior product to basic wood? Your mileage will obviously vary depending on the final visual you desire. If you really want an authentic wood grain with its unmistakable texture, then that can’t be fully reproduced with any surfacing alternatives. If that is the case, then stick with wood. But otherwise…
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