Amazing facts you need to know about plywood kitchen cabinets
Amazing facts you need to know about plywood kitchen cabinets Introduction
Every kitchen should have well-functioning kitchen cabinets that serve as both functional storage units and aesthetic elements that uplift the overall design of the kitchen space. Kitchen cabinets can be of various materials. In this blog, we will be focusing on plywood kitchen cabinets.
You might be wondering what is so special about plywood cabinets. They are crafted from layers of thin wood veneers that are glued together which provides durability and strength. They are also known for their versatility, making them a popular option for modern kitchens. We will be further discussing the types of plywood kitchen cabinets, the advantages of plywood kitchen cabinets and what you can do to protect these plywood.
Types of plywood used in kitchen cabinets
Hardwood plywood cabinet: These plywoods are made from layers of hardwood veneers. These plywood cabinets are known for it’s strength and durability which makes them an excellent choice for storage boxes and structural components in the kitchen.
Softwood plywood kitchen cabinet: Softwood plywood like pine or fir is more budget-friendly compared to hardwood plywood. They don’t bring out the aesthetic view in the kitchen so they are mostly used for cabinet backs or other non-visible areas.
Marine plywood kitchen cabinet: If you are looking for a waterproof kitchen marine plywood is the best option for you. These plywoods are highly water resistant due to their special adhesive, making them suitable for kitchen areas where the plywood cabinet is more exposed to water or moisture.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): This is not technically a plywood but MDF is commonly used in kitchen cabinet doors and panels. It is a smooth material that brings out a good finish.
Baltic Birch plywood kitchen cabinet: This is a high-quality plywood that is made from birch. Like hardwood this plywood also has multiple layers of thin veneers, making it sturdy and stable. This is often used in making custom plywood cabinet doors and drawers.
Melamine plywood kitchen cabinet: These plywoods have a melamine finish which is easy to clean. They have a smooth and consistent appearance which gives an aesthetic look to your kitchen. This is used in cabinet interiors as well.
The choice of the best plywood for your kitchen cabinets will depend on the budget you have fixed for your kitchen, the intended use of the cabinets and the aesthetics that you would like to have for your kitchen. It is also important to get waterproof plywood for high-moisture areas in the kitchen. The strength of the plywood kitchen cabinet is an important factor to be considered if you have heavy kitchen items.
Advantages of plywood kitchen cabinets
- Strength and Durability:
This is the hallmark advantages of plywood kitchen cabinets. As these plywood are constructed from layers of wood veneer and are tightly bonded together, they can withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen. This strength will avoid any type of warp or sag that can be caused by heavy kitchen equipment and they also resist cracking and splitting. These plywoods are built to last for a long time. They are known to have a longer life span compared to other materials. To add on, their stability in changing environmental conditions minimises issues like misaligned cabinet doors or cabinets getting jammed. Be it supporting heavy appliances or undergoing daily impacts, the strength and durability of plywood kitchen cabinets make them a reliable and long-lasting choice for kitchens.
- Moisture Resistance:
Kitchen and bathroom areas in a house are more prone to moisture surrounding. When you choose a plywood kitchen cabinet you will have waterproof plywood cabinets. In a place where steam, water spills and humidity are common, the use of waterproof plywood is invaluable. Properly treated or veneered plywood can be highly resistant to water damage. This waterproof quality not only helps preserve the cabinets’ structure but also helps prevent issues like warping, delamination, swelling, etc., ensuring that the kitchen maintains its aesthetics and functionality in high-moisture areas. This is a key factor that adds to the longevity of plywood kitchen cabinets.
- Customisability:
Plywood can be easily cut, shaped and carved with detailed finishes which makes it a best choice for customised plywood kitchen cabinets. Plywood can be crafted in a modern look or even a traditional look which makes it an excellent canvas for tailored designs. This adaptability can be extended to various door styles helping you get the right kitchen look for your house. If you are looking for a unique look, plywood would be the best choice for bringing out the specific look of your kitchen cabinets. This is useful for creative homeowners and designers.
- Aesthetics:
If you are looking for a natural finish to your kitchen then plywood cabinets give you the calm and natural aesthetics to the space. It enhances the overall look of the kitchen. The smooth and consistent surface gives options to choose from various colours to the look of elegant wood veneers. The layers and grain patterns of the plywood add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. This can easily go along with various types of interior designs. Whether you choose a classic look or a modern hue, plywood kitchen cabinets provide a visually pleasing and adaptable solution.
- Cost-effective:
With all the characteristics of the plywood, you might wonder if it will stay within your budget. And the answer to that is yes. This is why plywood is an attractive option for people who want the aesthetic look of their kitchen without having to go over their budget. Plywood kitchen cabinets are a practical and economical choice for homeowners who are looking for proper kitchen functionality and also to bring out the aesthetics.
- Eco-friendly option:
Now more than ever plywood cabinets are considered an eco-friendly option. Various manufacturers provide plywood made from sustainably harvested wood sources which will reduce environmental impact. In addition to this, some plywood varieties are available with low levels of formaldehyde emission, which makes the indoors healthier. This is mostly opted by homeowners who are environment conscious. This makes plywood kitchen cabinets an eco-friendly option in various parts of the world.
- Resistance to pests and decay:
The worst fear of any homeowner is a pest infestation or the decaying of the furniture. However, plywood kitchen cabinets will not face this issue due to its construction and manufacturing process. They are inherently less susceptible to issues like pest infestations and decay of the wood compared to other kitchen cabinet materials. The kitchen is an area that can attract various types of insects and pests, but this resistance ensures that the cabinets are not infested that easily. And to add on, it provides longevity as they won’t decay over time.
- Easy maintenance:
The smooth and consistent surface makes these plywood kitchen cabinets simple to clean and take care of. Kitchens are cleaned on a regular basis using a damp cloth and as most of the plywood cabinets are made of waterproof plywood, it withstands the moisture and reduces any sort of water damage. These are a low-maintenance option as they show resistance to staining and warping. In a busy kitchen where constant cleaning is required plywood kitchen cabinets ensure that the kitchen is tidy just by superficial cleaning. And that is why minimum effort is required for maintaining plywood cabinets.
Overall plywood kitchen options are a good choice for homeowners. They can stand the test of time while providing customisation options and also stay as a budget-friendly option. This helps you get the kitchen aesthetics that you always wanted.
Things you can do to protect your plywood kitchen cabinets
It is a constant fear that most people go through when it comes to taking care of a kitchen. There are various things that can damage a kitchen. Here are a few things that you can do to protect your plywood kitchen cabinets.
Regular cleaning: Cleaning up after doing anything can be a tedious process. That is why most people look for options that only require a little work, especially in cleaning. Even though plywood cabinets require low maintenance, dust and food particles can accumulate over time. You can use lint-free or microfiber cloth to wipe the plywood cabinets. These can be damped in warm water or normal water and wiped down the cabinets. It is important to clean both the exterior and the interior. It is best to avoid clothes that are rough or hard sponges on these surfaces. If there is a spillage on your counters or cabinets it is always good to immediately clean it as this can avoid any kind of stain damage.
Dry cabinets: Even though the kitchen is prone to dampness it is always good to ensure that plywood kitchen cabinets are dry most times. It is better to clean the cabinets to remove the moisture if it is present. Avoid leaving wet or damp items in the cabinet as this can save it from water damage that can happen over time. Keeping your cabinets dry is not just good for your plywood cabinets but also keeps your kitchen utensils clean.
Usage of cabinet liners: Always consider using cabinet liners in drawers and shelves. This not only protects your plywood cabinets from scratches but also helps you with your cleaning process. These liners can especially be used in drawers or shelves that have kitchen utensils. These cabinet liners are mostly made up of plastic which will protect the wooden surface.
Protection against heat: Plywood is a strong material but sometimes it is best to be aware of extreme heat. It is best to avoid keeping hot vessels directly on the plywood cabinet, instead, you can use trivets, hot pot holders and heat-resistant mats. Direct contact with hot vessels can damage the finish of the wood and sometimes might leave burn marks on the surface.
Prevent Sun exposure: The heat damage need not just be from the hot pots. It can also be caused by hot pans and pots, Sun can also affect the surface. If exposed to constant sunlight these plywood kitchen cabinets can start fading and sometimes cause discolouration. Using curtains or blinds can help prevent direct sunlight from falling on the plywood cabinets.
Handle with care: Even though plywood cabinets require low maintenance, you should be careful as to how you use the drawers and cabinet doors. Avoid slamming the doors instead be gentle while opening or closing cabinets. Harsh use can cause wear and tear on the hinges.
Organise and declutter: Organising your cabinets can help in protecting your plywood cabinets. Organising will help in avoiding overloading of the space making it easier for you to take your vessels and also avoiding any damage that is caused due to overloading. Placing heavy utensils on the top cabinet or the top drawer can cause damage to the cabinets as sometimes they might break. It is best to maintain an organised cabinet.
Regular inspection: It is essential to inspect your cabinets frequently to check for any pest infestation, crack in the wood, or any other damage that the wood has been taking over time. Frequent inspections will help your kitchen stay clean and healthy.
Pest control: Kitchens will always have leftover food crumbs or open food packets that can easily attract insects like ants, cockroaches and so on which can later start biting through the wooden surfaces as well. It is best to keep an eye out for any pest infestation to avoid major issues later. You can use repellants or constantly clear out the leftover foods to keep these pests away.
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