Melamine cabinets are currently all the rage – they’re super affordable, they look great, are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, and are very durable. But why are they so popular?
Aside from the price, which, let’s face it, is a big deciding factor, melamine cabinets are renowned for their very impressive durability. Resistant to heat, stains, and other damage, they’re a cabinet made for the regular household, designed to withstand the pressures and stressors of everyday life.
So, this blog post will explain more about melamine cabinets, including what melamine cabinets are, the pros and cons, and we’ll finish with a short FAQ.
What are melamine cabinets?
Melamine is a laminate manufactured by heat-sealing a substrate such as medium-density fiberboard, plywood, or pressed wood. The result? A material that looks like wood but is super durable.
Naturally, if you know anything about melamine already, you know that the organic compound is somewhat unsafe. However, melamine used to construct kitchen cabinets is chemically bound with formaldehyde – creating a much safer chemical product. This is, therefore, safe for use in the kitchen.
And thanks to the manufacturing process, melamine cabinets are super robust – you certainly get your money’s worth.
What are the advantages of melamine cabinets?
We’ve briefly touched on a few of the pros of melamine cabinets already. However, other advantages include:
- Super affordable
- Easy to maintain
- Very robust
Super affordable
One of the main advantages of melamine cabinets is the price – they’re super affordable and widely accessible.
Easy to maintain
Although your cabinets may sustain a few chips and scratches, typically, they’re pretty easy to maintain overtime.
Very robust
The manufactured design creates a very robust material – it’s the perfect choice for withstanding the heat (and other intense elements) of the kitchen.
What are the disadvantages of melamine cabinets?
Okay, now that we’ve covered the advantages, let’s talk potential downsides.
- Susceptible to water damage
- Prone to chipping
- Sometimes difficult to install
Susceptible to water damage
Melamine is more susceptible to water damage than other cabinet materials. And while this shouldn’t be too big of a concern, it is something to keep in mind.
Prone to chipping
The melamine material is more prone to chipping than other cabinet options. A little TLC goes a long way, so consider refreshing your cabinets by sanding them down and repainting them every few years.
Sometimes difficult to install
Finally, these cabinets can sometimes be difficult to install. But in most cases, these will be installed for you. Either way, it’s something to take note of – if you’re planning to install them yourself, set aside a few days to ensure a quality installation job.
What is better, plywood or melamine?
Overall, melamine kitchen cabinets are better than plywood cabinets. But it does depend on what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for a durable but more water-resistant option, then plywood is likely the better option. On the other hand, if you’re just searching for a robust cabinet at an affordable price, then melamine cabinets are the way to go.
To summarise
Melamine cabinets are a great material for kitchen cabinets. It’s super durable, withstands the heat and other tough elements in the kitchen, and you can purchase a full set of cabinets without breaking the bank.
Are you in the market for new cabinets? Check out the full Designer Cabinets range. We have something to suit all budgets, styles, and dream kitchens. Take a look for yourself.
FAQs
Do melamine cabinets peel?
Melamine cabinets may peel depending on the finish. However, the damage is easily fixed, so it’s usually nothing to worry about.
Which is better, MDF or melamine?
Although both types of manufactured wood, melamine is typically stronger and more water-resistant than MDF.
What type of kitchen cabinet is best?
Your choice of kitchen cabinet depends on various factors, such as your budget and style. If you’re not looking to break the bank and want a very durable cabinet, then melamine is a great material to go with.
Are melamine cabinets better than wood?
Melamine cabinetry is a great option when compared to alternatives, often preferred when compared to wood. But solid wooden cabinets will never go out of style – there’s a reason they’re so popular!