When it comes to kitchen cabinetry there are a lot of options. Is it better to go with solid wood or veneer; stainless steel or glass; paint or thermofoil? Each one has its good points and bad, so do some research before making a decision.
Painted Cabinets
The best thing about paint is the variety of choices. There's a wide range of colours and finishes so you can achieve many different looks. It tends to be inexpensive and is a quick and easy way to get a fresh new look. Paint is usually washable which makes it great for the kitchen, but it will get marked and chipped over time, making upgrades necessary. Using a spray lacquer will give the smoothest finish, while brushes and rollers will be a little bumpier. Wood will accept paint best, while melamine and laminates will be a little trickier.
Solid Wood Cabinets
Wood is desirable because of it's strength, durability, and beauty. However it's important to remember that wood grains and colours can vary, so you won't always be able to get a perfect match. Wood can also warp in humid conditions. If there's a lot of moisture in your kitchen (if you do a lot of steaming or run the dishwasher frequently) take this problem into consideration.
Wood Veneers
Wood veneers can give cabinets the look of solid wood at a much lower price. Keep in mind though that you get what you pay for: cheap veneers look cheap, while more expensive ones look much better. Veneers are great because it's easier to get a uniform look thanks to the fact that they're usually cut from one piece of wood. It can also be fairly easily repaired or replaced if damage occurs. The problem with veneers is that they can sometimes lift and crack making repairs a more regular occurrence.
Cabinets Made of Melamine
Melamine is an affordable material that's available in a wide variety of finishes. It's easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. It's not as durable as some of the other options such as wood, but the easy care makes it worth it. If it gets damaged, melamine can be difficult to repair, so sometimes replacement is necessary. Like with veneers, you get what you pay for. Melamine has a tendency to look cheap.
Stainless Steel Cabinetry
Stainless steel kitchen appliances have been popular for a while, but stainless steel cabinets have only recently become more commonplace. They're very durable and resistant to corrosion, but keeping them free of fingerprints can be a pain. Stainless steel can also scratch easily so you have to be careful with them. They look quite high-tech, making them quite stylish in modern kitchens. They're expensive though, so take a careful look at your budget before deciding on stainless steel kitchen cabinets.
Laminate and Thermofoil Cabinets
These options are relatively affordable and come in many different colours and styles. They're more durable than melamine but not as durable as wood. They can be difficult to repair if they get scratched or damaged because the colour is only one layer deep (the material gets pressure moulded over MDF).
Before deciding on a material and finish, go to a kitchen store or home improvement store and take a look at each of the options. Consider your lifestyle as well as the style you desire before making a decision.
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