Choosing the right material for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is an important decision that affects aesthetics, functionality, and budget. With the help of an experienced cabinet maker, you can select the ideal cabinet material to suit your home and lifestyle. Read on for the key factors to consider when deciding between various cabinet materials.

Consider Your Design Goals

Think about the overall look and feel you want before selecting cabinet materials. Do you envision a sleek, contemporary style or a cozy, traditional kitchen? Certain materials like glass lend a more modern edge, while wood options like oak are more classic. If your goal is to highlight natural textures and grains, wood is likely your best choice. Discuss your design vision with our reputable cabinet maker to choose options that bring your personal style and preferences to life.

Assess Your Functionality Needs

How you use your kitchen or bath should also inform your cabinet material selection. For instance, if you do a lot of cooking and need surfaces that can handle heat and stains, durable solid surfaces are a practical choice. However, we like to remind customers that if you need more storage space, wood cabinets can be customized with extra interior organizational features. Consider factors like moisture resistance, accessibility, storage, and ease of cleaning based on how you utilize the space. Our cabinet maker can recommend materials suited for your unique functional needs.

Factor in Your Budget

According to HomeGuide, cabinets typically account for roughly 28% of total kitchen remodel costs. Keep this sizeable expenditure in mind when evaluating your cabinet materials. Custom solid wood options are premium, while other materials are more budget-friendly. Get accurate material and installation quotes from our cabinet creators to find options that don't blow your budget. Keep labor costs in mind too, as some materials require more intricate installation than others.

Know Your Maintenance Expectations

Consider how much upkeep you're willing to put into your cabinetry when choosing your materials. Real wood requires regular sealing, staining, and polishing. However, other materials can be highly resistant to wear-and-tear and may need minimal maintenance. Evaluate your care commitment honestly so that you pick a material that stays looking like new with the level of upkeep you plan to provide.

Consider How They Complement Countertops

Your cabinet material decision impacts the look and feel of your countertop as well. A busy granite pattern might clash with intricately-grained wood cabinets. Various types of cabinets can provide a nice contrast to a warm granite. Think about finishes, too. Different cabinets pair nicely with high-shine quartz, while other materials complement more earthy wood countertops better. Talk through different combinations with your cabinet maker to make sure your cabinets and countertops cohesively work together. Having our experts take a look and providing our experience with past installations can save you a world of trouble and frustration later.

Assess Your Environmental Factors

Today's cabinet options range from eco-friendly to highly toxic, so consider indoor air quality when choosing materials. Solid wood from sustainably harvested sources represents an environmentally safe choice. However, our experts know that other kinds of products contain formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. If you're using any wood materials, speak with us about the potential for using water-based glues for the lowest VOC emissions.

Consider Their Longevity

Finally, make sure to evaluate how durable different cabinet materials are over the years. We've seen that solid wood stands the test of time when it's properly maintained. We've observed that other materials can sometimes be prone to swelling and chipping when exposed to lots of moisture. That said, please talk with us about lifespan and performance data to pick an option that stays in tip-top shape as a long-term investment. We're happy to be the cabinet maker experts who provide you with that type of guidance.

With some careful consideration of these factors, you're sure to end up with gorgeous, functional cabinets made from the ideal materials to suit your home. Lean on the expertise of our knowledgeable cabinet creators to guide you to the perfect choice. When you're remodeling a bathroom or a kitchen, we can help you with your custom cabinets. Reach out to us to start designing the perfect cabinets, including selecting the right materials for them. Give Cutting Edge Custom Cabinets, Inc a call or stop by today.