Are you tired of your old cabinets? Are they worn down, hard to maintain or just not the right style anymore? Whatever your reasoning, if you feel you need new cabinets, you have many options. Cabinets can completely change the look and feel of a space, so it’s important to find cabinetry you love.
Laminate cabinets have many benefits, which makes them an excellent option for kitchen remodels. Learn everything you need to know about laminate kitchen cabinets, from the pros and cons to the various materials and styles, in this complete guide.
Laminate is a synthetic or engineered wood product ideal for cabinetry, flooring and more. Laminate is multilayered with a strong core and a thin, designed outer layer. Generally, the core layer is a mixture of compressed wood or wood particles. The core layer may also be made of melamine. The thinner layer is the part of the cabinet you see. This layer is usually made of paper and resin or thermofoil, and it comes in a variety of colors, designs and patterns. Laminate cabinets have a completely seamless design, making them a beautiful addition to your home.
Depending on the manufacturer, laminate cabinets may be made slightly differently. For example, Wellborn Cabinet uses medium-density fiberboard (MDF) as the cabinet core. Our WellCore MDF has a smooth surface that is great for bonding to laminate. Wellborn Cabinet also uses a variety of laminate veneers, including embossed melamine, heavy textured melamine and designer laminates to meet a variety of needs and desired finishes.
Laminate cabinets are rising in popularity among homeowners, and for a good reason. There are several benefits of adding laminate cabinetry to your home. From its low-maintenance and durable properties to the wide range of designs and price points, you can’t go wrong with laminate cabinets.
It’s easy to clean laminate cabinets. A simple all-purpose cleaner is all you need to wipe down laminate cabinetry. Laminate cabinets are resistant to stains, so there should be no scrubbing or deep cleaning required. Wiping the cabinet occasionally is sufficient. For busy families, a low-maintenance cabinet option can be a game changer.
Laminate cabinets may look like wood, but they’re actually much more durable than traditional wood cabinetry. Cabinets made of laminate are more resistant to scratches than solid wood cabinets. Plus, laminate is less likely to warp or rot, which is a big concern with solid wood. When comparing the durability of laminate vs. wood cabinets, laminate is the clear winner.
If you have a certain cabinet design in mind, it’s likely there is a laminate option. Laminate cabinets are especially great for sleek, modern designs, but they are also available in textured options if you prefer a bamboo or wood grain look. No matter your design style, there is sure to be a coordinating laminate cabinet option for you.
Not all laminate is the same. While laminate overall is a durable, low-maintenance option, there are still varying levels of quality. More affordable laminate cabinet options will, of course, be more budget-friendly, while higher-quality laminate cabinets will have longer life spans and higher-quality finishes. So, regardless of your budget, there will be a laminate cabinetry option for you.
No cabinetry is perfect, and laminate cabinets are not an exception. Laminate cabinets have a few weaknesses you may want to consider before you begin your installation. Being aware of these potential issues can help you maintain and protect your cabinets for a longer life span.
Laminate cabinets are extremely durable and resistant to scratches and stains. However, it’s still possible that your cabinets can become damaged. If your cabinet does happen to take a deep cut, you’ll be looking at a full replacement. Laminate cabinets are extremely difficult to repair, and in some cases, making repairs is impossible. However, since laminate is so durable, it’s likely you may never even experience a damaged cabinet. Just be sure to be extra careful when handling sharp objects around your cabinets.
Depending on the type of laminate cabinet you install, your cabinet may be sensitive to excess heat or moisture. Thermofoil cabinets are the most vulnerable to moisture and heat damage. Frequent exposure to moisture and heat can cause the thin, decorative layer of your cabinets to lift. Keep this in mind for cabinets placed over the stove or other areas in your kitchen that may experience excess heat and moisture.
Melamine is technically considered a laminate product, but it is different enough to be classed as its own cabinet type. Melamine is made of a plastic coating that can be used as a surface for fiberboard or plywood. Like laminate, the outer layer or melamine cabinets is made of paper and resin. This means melamine cabinets also have a wide variety of color and design options available.
There are various melamine quality types and price points — similar to laminate cabinets. However, melamine cabinets tend not to last as long as laminate cabinets.
The best laminate kitchen cabinets for you will depend on your kitchen design style and aesthetic. That’s why we offer a variety of cabinet colors and finishes at Wellborn Cabinet. From Heavy Textured Melamine to Designer Laminate and Embossed Melamine materials, we’ve got you covered.
Choose a High Gloss Super White finish from our Aspire product line for a sleek, modern look. Or bring warmth to the room with Brindle Walnut embossed melamine cabinets. We have over 30 color options available to help you bring your cabinet vision to life.
If you’re unsure of the right color or cabinet material for you, your local Wellborn Cabinet dealer can help walk you through the various pros and cons of different cabinet choices.
Are you looking to upgrade or refresh your kitchen cabinets? Wellborn Cabinet’s high-quality, durable and low-maintenance laminate cabinets can help. With so many design options available, we will work with you to find the right fit for your kitchen, bathroom or other cabinet-filled rooms.
Start planning your cabinet upgrade and request a free Wellborn Cabinet catalog today. If you need some extra guidance or you’d rather take a look in person, find a Wellborn Cabinet dealer near you. Our dealers are well-educated on our products to help you through the decision-making process. Schedule an appointment with your local dealer or browse our site to start planning your dream renovation today.
