Choosing The Right Material For Your Customized Modular Kitchen
Choosing The Right Material For Your Customized Modular Kitchen
Having a modular kitchen would make cooking easier besides adding to the aesthetic value for the home.
But how much do we actually understand about these kitchens?
In contrast to conventional kitchens, they are built by mixing a number of modules to meet the kitchen’s size and usefulness. Therefore, they might be created in a factory and then put together at home. These kitchens may be disassembled and reassembled since each kitchen cabinet is a distinct module rather than a single fixture.
This article will take the material of a customized modular kitchen into detailed consideration and talk about the best material that you can use for your modular kitchen.
If this is your area of interest, read on!
What Is A Module Made Of In A Modular Kitchen?
The carcass, or body, of the module, consists of panels joined by a crossbar. The plinth feet on the base modules can be raised or lowered, and skirting is used to hide the legs. The carcass serves as the main structure on which hinges, fasteners, and shutters can be attached.
Now that we’ve separated the components of a cabinet let’s look at the modular kitchen supply list.
What Kinds Of Materials Are Utilized To Make Modular Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets are made of many materials, including:
- Wood
- Stainless steel
- MDF Particle
- Board Plywood
Best Material For Modular Kitchen
The finest material for modular kitchens, according to industry experts, is stainless steel, followed by wood and plywood. Modern urban homemakers now favour stainless steel kitchens over wooden ones because of their upscale appearance and fire resistance. They are also more hygienic.
Before you decide on the material for your kitchen cabinets and shelves, you need to decide on the type of cabinets you need. Let’s delve into that first.
What Types Of Kitchen Cabinets You Want?
Kitchen cabinetry is made up of many components that are flawlessly combined to maximize the use of your kitchen space.
Let’s examine the many cabinet types that are utilized in kitchen cabinet design.
- Kitchen base cabinets
Your kitchen cabinetry is built around the base cabinets. They support the countertop while standing directly on the ground. Given that they serve various storage purposes, the base kitchen cabinet design must be adaptable.
- Wall cabinets for kitchens
These cabinets are wall-mounted. The wall cabinets are an option as opposed to the base cabinets, which are necessary because they hold the countertop. They contribute to the kitchen’s increased functionality by providing extra room for useful storage.
- High kitchen cabinets
They are also known as utility or pantry cabinets, and they are typically seen in large, spacious modular kitchens. These tall cabinets, which may be separated into shelves, can reach all the way to the ceiling. The designs of tall kitchen cabinets can be utilized for bulk storage, or they can be made to accommodate built-in kitchen equipment like the oven or microwave.
Additionally, available options for modular kitchen cabinets include bespoke drawers and sliding trays.
Most Suitable Material For Modular Kitchen
Here is a list of every material you can choose from when building your kitchen:
- Wood
Although more expensive, real wood can be used to build a modular kitchen. In fact, it is one of the most popular materials for modular kitchens. However, flaws like knots and splinters could affect how the item looks as a whole. Termites could pose a serious threat to the timber. However, if your home is made of real wood, you can take these measures to guard against termites. Termite control and moisture control techniques frequently lose their effectiveness after a few years.
Pros: Wood cabinets may be painted or re-stained to provide a fresh look, and nicks and scratches are readily repaired.
Cons: Moisture absorption, termites, high cost, less resilient, difficult to clean. Cannot tolerate exposure to the humidity and steam that are constant in any kitchen.
Expert Recommendation: You could use wood for your kitchen cabinet material if you have a reasonable budget and don’t mind the drawbacks.
- Plywood
Due to its robustness, plywood is chosen.
This is engineered wood, which is produced by pressing veneer sheets with resins. This material is the most used in kitchens despite being a little more expensive because of its durability. Due to its water resistance, it offers varieties that work well in kitchens, such as Boiling Water Resistant Ply and Moisture Resistant (MR) Ply.
Pros: Resists water, doesn’t shrink, and is more durable than other engineered wood.
Cons: Not a good option for intricate drawings; pests; bugs; expensive; less lasting; difficult to clean; cannot withstand steam exposure. It can also become a hindrance to a customized modular kitchen.
Expert Recommendation: Boiling Water-Resistant (BWR) plywood may be preferable to commercial plywood because kitchens are frequently exposed to steam and water. They work well in kitchens because of their resistance to water. It can, however, bend or droop over time, which is a problem that many Indian homes frequently experience. The layers of plywood may separate when subjected to water for a long time.
- MDF
If money is tight, choose an MDF.
Tiny hardwood fibres that have been hot-pressed and resin-glued together make up a medium-density fiberboard. This is an inexpensive substitute that can have any finish put on it. It has a smooth surface and is more resistant to termites because it is engineered wood.
Pros: MDF is more durable, less expensive, and resistant to temperature changes, making it good for customized modular kitchen
Cons: MDF can be challenging to deal with when creating bespoke designs. MDF absorbs water and expands; it struggles to hold screws and nails. Termites, with their absorption of moisture, are less resilient, difficult to clean, and cannot withstand prolonged steam exposure.
Advice from the experts: You may always use BWR ply for the cupboards below the sink if you want an MDF kitchen.
- Particle board
Particleboard works well in the kitchen when there is little work to be done.
One of the reasons why particleboard’s quality is questioned is that it is made from sawdust and scrap wood, making it the cheapest material available. This material can’t withstand extra weight because it is so hefty. Kitchens that are solely used for light cooking should utilize it.
Pros: Smooth surfaces, low cost, and lightweight
Cons: Extremely poor durability. It is toxic by nature and readily expands, warps, and changes color. Moisture absorption, termites, Not water-resistant, and do not tightly retain screws and nails.
Expert Advice: Since particleboard is made from leftover wood from the production of other engineered woods, it reduces landfill waste in addition to being economical. However, particle board is more appropriate for lightweight, ready-made furniture than often-utilized kitchen areas.
- PVC
Kitchens made of PVC are not suited for continuous usage.
PVC is one of the most economical materials for kitchen cabinets since it is easy to maintain and clean. There are now two types of PVC boards for kitchens: hollow boards and foam. The latter is lighter and more affordable, while the former is heavier and more robust. PVC kitchens have a variety of colors and are easy to install, which is one of their main advantages.
Pros: CustomizableCustomizable design to meet needs
Cons: Moisture absorption, termites, high cost, less resilient, difficult to clean, cannot withstand prolonged steam exposure
Expert recommendation: Foam board is preferable to hollow PVC boards since it is stronger and can support more weight. However, PVC should only be used as a temporary fix because it is not as strong as other materials.
Conclusion
Choosing the best modular kitchen and wood can be a complex decision. It might be challenging to select the best option when there are so many to consider. Even though purchasing a new house can be stressful, interior decorating shouldn’t be. Choose to work with experts of Stories Design studio and be assured that you will get the best recommendations and designing for your customized modular kitchen concept.
