When we choose our kitchen, we want it to last (almost) forever. When we make a large financial outlay, we want to have made a good purchase. What do we mean by that? Well, we hope that our furniture will withstand knocks without eroding, that it will not crack with changes in temperature, that it will not become damp after a few months or lose any other of its qualities and functionalities. In short, we want them to look as good as the first day for as long as possible.
In this text, we are going to analyse the different materials in which kitchen furniture is made and what their advantages and disadvantages are, focusing on their resistance. Let's go there!
Most common materials for kitchen furniture
in what materials is kitchen furniture usually made? There are many, and with the passing of the years and research into new materials, many more options are emerging. However, focusing on the present day, we can reduce the most common to four.
Solid wood
Solid wood kitchens are always a success. They are elegant, timeless and give your home a lot of personality.
Of course, wood is a highly resistant material and repairing it, in case of scratches or impacts, is quite feasible. The same is true if we want to restore it or stain it to change its tone or colour. It also offers the option of lacquering or varnishing, the latter giving the surface extra hardness and protection.
However, wooden kitchens are more expensive and require more maintenance as it is a material sensitive to heat and humidity.
MDF or lacquered MDF
MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard, which literally translated means medium density fibreboard. Specifically, MDF is pressed wood fibres to which a lacquered finish, either gloss or matt, is usually applied.
These wood panels are solid and uniform and offer high resistance to heat and moisture. MDF kitchens are modern and the cost of chipboard is significantly lower than solid wood. However, they also have a shorter lifespan and water is their worst enemy, swelling the edges if a significant amount of liquid seeps in.
High Pressure Laminates
Also known as HPL, these laminates are composed of several layers of kraft paper glued together with phenolic resins and pressed through the application of heat. Its manufacturing system makes it a very durable material capable of stoically resisting changes in temperature, humidity and impact.
High-pressure laminates are inexpensive compared to other materials, require little maintenance as they are easily cleaned, and their finishes can mimic stone, wood and even metal.
However, although they may appear to be premium materials, up close they are not, which, coupled with the fact that they are almost impossible to repair if damaged, are their main disadvantages.
Stainless steel
who wouldn't want a stainless steel kitchen? This material gives the impression of professionalism, as if we were in the 'back room' of a great restaurant.
Stainless steel kitchens stand the test of time, withstanding heat, humidity and knocks without any problem. In addition, it is the most hygienic and convenient option when it comes to cleaning.
Of course, it also has its downside. Its resistance makes it considerably more expensive and its quasi-industrial appearance less welcoming. Likewise, constant maintenance is important to maintain its shine.
Factors to consider when choosing a resistant material
Although all these materials are the most common in the manufacture of kitchens, it is necessary to assess certain key characteristics:
Resistance to heat and humidity
The kitchen is the space in the house that undergoes the most abrupt changes in temperature and humidity. Ovens, glass-ceramic hobs, deep fryers, coffee machines and many other electrical appliances give off heat and water vapour, factors that add to the heat, cold and humidity of the environment depending on where you live and the time of year.
As we have already mentioned, there are materials that withstand these elements better and which should therefore be at the top of our list when choosing our kitchen.
Long-term durability
how much time do we spend cooking every day? What will we use our kitchen for? The average lifespan of the furniture will vary depending on the answer to these questions and, of course, the time we dedicate to its care and maintenance.
In addition, if you are one of those who like to renovate your home from time to time, you can opt for less robust materials with the idea of giving your kitchen a new look in a few years' time.
Comparison: Pros and cons of each material
| Resistance | Maintenance | Repair | Finish | Price | Durability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | High | High | Easy | Varnished, lacquered, stained | Medium-high | High |
| Lacquered MDF | Medium | medium | Difficult | Lacquered, uniform | Medium | Medium |
| High pressure laminates | High | Low | Very difficult | Varied. Imitates different surfaces | Medium-low | High |
| Stainless steel | Maximum | High | Medium | Assorted | High | High |
Recommendations for high-end kitchens
After this comparison, if we finally decide that we want long-lasting kitchen furniture that we can enjoy for many years and that maintains its original beauty and functionality, we should look towards high-end kitchens with premium materials.
The budget, the lifestyle of each home and the taste for one type of aesthetics or another will be decisive in this choice. A good option is to combine several materials, personalising our future kitchen as much as possible. In this sense, in OB Cocina we have an expert team that will advise you and accompany you throughout this process so that, finally, you have your dream kitchen.