The kitchen cabinet design is not the only thing you should consider when getting one. It is a storage space for your kitchen, and the quality of the material is important. It shouldn't be taken lightly when getting one for your kitchen. Particle board and plywood cabinet is the most common wooden cabinet in your kitchen.
Particle board and plywood cabinet have their own unique feature. Each has its pros and cons, which you want to know better. It is not only a matter of preference but also which suits your lifestyle. There are many things to consider.
If these two materials are on your list and you have difficulties in choosing them, you will want to read on. You should understand the features of each material before deciding on the one you need. In this article, we will discuss the difference between these two materials. It will help you decide which one can align with your needs.
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer. These thin layers of wood veneer are glued together with adjacent layers positioned at the right angle. Plywood is an eco-friendly choice, and the beauty of the wood can be long-lasting.
Plywood usually won’t split, warp, or expand easily. Compared to other cabinet materials, plywood is more durable. Also, plywood can withstand water better than particle board.
What Is Particle Board?
Particle board is commonly used in furniture and cabinets. It is a product that uses high temperature and pressure to compress wood chips, wood shavings, or sawdust. In the end result, the material is dense and flat.
Particle boards may not be as safe as other materials. Some manufacturers will use urea-formaldehyde in the manufacturing process. It will release toxic formaldehyde gas when it breaks down. Exposure to it will cause health issues for humans. It also can't withstand moisture well.
Plywood Cupboard Pro & Cons
Plywood is known for its durability. The layers of wood veneer done during the process provide significant strength. It provides the ability to resist to cracking and bending.
Veneer is required for plywood cupboard due to the appearance. You will often find plywood cabinet often veneered on one side with hardwood. Another benefit is the resistance to moisture. Kitchen is often expose to moisture, making plywood cabinet an excellence choice for the space.
The weight of the plywood cabinet boxes are lighter than those made of particle board. If you are considering to install wall cabinet, it will be easier to install as you need to lift it high. Another factor that you should use plywood cabinet for wall cabinet is because it can hold screws well. The hinge on plywood cabinet usually remain solid.
But when it comes to the cost, plywood cabinet will be slightly more expensive than particle board. You need to ensure that it is within your budget.
Particle board may not be as safe as other materials. Some manufactures will use urea-formaldehyde in the making process. It will release toxic formaldehyde gas when it breaks down. It will cause health issues when human are exposed to it. It also can't withstand moisture well.
Particle Board Pro & Cons
Particle board is cheaper than plywood. It is a good choice if you have a tight budget. It is a very common choice for homeowners to use it for their kitchen.
Particle board does not do well with moisture. Once it gets wet, there will be damage to the cabinet as it will swell up. So, it can't be use anymore once it is wet. The only option will be replacement and it will be costly to do it. But as long as you keep it dry and well-maintained, it can still last for years.
Factors To Consider When Deciding Particle Board Or Plywood Cabinet
1. Quality
When choosing the right kitchen cabinet material, the quality of the material is important. Whether which material you go for, ensure that it has the highest quality to stand the test of time.
As a storage space for your kitchen, it need to withstand the moisture in your kitchen space and take the weight of your appliance that you keep in it. With the highest quality, it can go a long way and handle the condition in your kitchen.
2. Installation
The installation plays an important part when you get your kitchen cabinet. How you install your cabinet can impact how it looks in your kitchen. If you install it properly, you may not even realize if it is particle board cabinets or plywood.
The way you install the cabinet will also have an impact on its durability. For example, you have decided to buy plywood cabinets for your kitchen because their durability is better than particle board. But if it is not done correctly during construction or installed properly, it will still affect durability. It is just a matter of time before it breaks down.
3. Price
There are different types of particleboard and plywood kitchen cabinets. Different qualities will have different prices. Decide on how much you want to fork out or how much you can afford to ensure that you get the one that is within your budget.
Plywood cabinets will be more expensive than particle-board cabinets. Do some research and reviews on the manufacturers before you decide on which want to contact. Some may offer a better price for a higher-quality kitchen cabinets.
4. Availability
The availability of the kitchen cabinet is another factor you need to consider. Some may not be available during the period when your kitchen renovation project starts.
Particle board cabinets will be easier to get than plywood. If you prefer to buy plywood cabinets, check the availability before ordering. The chances of getting the plywood cabinets on the same day you order are low.
