One of the most exciting things about remodeling your kitchen is the endless possibilities of custom cabinets. Today’s top kitchen trends all over the place, ranging from sleek all-black cabinets to two-tone colors including jewel tones and calming neutrals.
Long before you choose colors, though, you need to choose your kitchen cabinet material. Unlike the days when your parents or grandparents were remodeling their kitchens, there are infinite material options on the market. But choosing the right material for your new cabinets is tricky when you don’t know what to look for.
With years of industry experience under our belts, we’ve narrowed down our preferred choice of material to work with: high-density fiber (HDF) doors.
In the end, you need reliable, durable, and visually appealing cabinet doors that can handle the constant temperature changes that come with culinary territory. The last thing you want to do is spend thousands of dollars on cabinetry that is high-maintenance or that crumbles during construction. None of these pitfalls is associated with HDF cabinet doors.
We’ve highlighted a few tricks of the trade to consider as you pick the right material for your new cabinets.
What Are HDF Cabinet Doors?
HDF cabinet doors are machined from solid pieces of material. This means there are no joints to risk a cracked finish. The material is commonly grouped in with medium density fiber (MDF) doors, but the two could not be more different. The density of HDF doors is 900KG/M3, compared to only 700KG/M3 for their MDF counterparts. This means HDF cabinet doors can withstand higher temperatures and better resist moisture.
HDF Cabinets Play Nice With Custom Kitchens
One of the reasons HDF cabinets are preferred across the board is their customizability. High density provides longevity that cheaper materials cannot offer. HDF doors also offer a smooth surface that’s instantly compatible with any paint finish. Your cabinets will look just as vibrant and inviting in 20 years as they do the day of installation.
We at Artisan Doors And More work with clients to design their dream custom cabinets. With a variety of options to choose from, we promise you the opportunity to express your personal style, be it rustic, farmhouse “X”s to modern “Z” doors, with industry-leading turnaround every time.
MDF Doors Are Cheaper, But Still Come At A Cost
There’s no denying that MDF cabinet doors are cheaper than HDF doors, or doors made from other materials such as solid wood. But in kitchen renovations, as in everything else, you get what you pay for. Don’t sacrifice quality material for lower cost. The reduced density of MDF doors results in lower water resistance, and on top of that, this material is notorious for being unable to hold screws and nails – making it less than ideal for custom cabinet builds. If you choose to go with MDF doors, you may end up paying more in the long run to deal with cabinet defects or damage during installation.
What Not To Choose For Your Kitchen Cabinets
No matter what your preferences are, steer clear of solid wood. Solid wood is typically the worst option for painted cabinet doors. Why? The organic material is highly sensitive to humidity and temperature change. This creates a higher risk of warping, which is extremely difficult to correct. Solid or hardwood cabinet doors are also inconsistent by nature. Think about it: Different woods have different grains, colors, and textures. If you’re in love with the idea of consistently clean-looking cabinets, solid wood is the polar opposite. Not to mention, it’s one of the most expensive kitchen cabinet materials on the market. And the upkeep? We’re talking about high-maintenance daily cleaning. If you prefer not to dust your cabinets seven days a week or protect them with pricey wood-friendly cleaning products, you may want to reconsider going with a more reliable option.
Stay True To Yourself When Selecting Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet material is just another way to express yourself and your unique style when you remodel your kitchen. Remember to factor in overall cost for initial installation and ongoing maintenance needed. If you’re the kind of person who loves cooking, it’s probably best to choose cabinets that can handle the heat, as well as any other potential water splashes and food splatters. HDF cabinets are made to last and are easily customizable with paint, door styles, and more. Remember to explore all of your kitchen cabinet material options and choose the right one for your lifestyle!
We’re Here To Help
If you have additional questions about kitchen cabinet material or the process in general, our team of experts are here to help. Learn more about how cabinet selection works or start shopping for your custom cabinets today.
