Choosing your kitchen cabinet materials
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We’ve explained the common types below, as well as some of the pro’s and con’s of each;
The most common type of kitchen cabinetry material and probably the one that everybody knows a little bit about is MDF or medium density fibreboard for those who are more technologically minded. MDF is the most common kitchen cabinetry material because it is cost effective, durable and more environmentally friendly then other alternatives (made from recycled wood). One thing to be wary of if you select MDF for your kitchen cabinetry is that it is particularly prone to water absorption, so its best to select a high quality MDF with better water resistant capabilities.
All of the kitchen cabinetry that our manufacturer uses for the home extensions and renovations that we create is moisture resistant. Although this costs fractionally more than standard, we think it is worthwhile for the longevity. We know your home extension and/or renovation will look good for years, so we want to make sure that your kitchen cabinetry does too!

Another option for the new kitchen cabinetry in your home extension and/or renovation is for it to be thermally wrapped. Thermally wrapped cabinetry is essentially cabinetry that has been wrapped in a type of vinyl. It provides a smoother, more consistent finish then MDF which is especially suitable if you would like to incorporate glossy white cabinetry into your new kitchen design. Thermally wrapped cabinets are also easier to keep clean, as there is a smooth surface to wipe down and they are not as porous as the other types that we have mentioned in this blog post.
However, thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets are more heat sensitive and can delaminate and peel over time. Manufacturers are working to improve this, but it is definitely still a work in progress. It is also almost impossible to resurface thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets if required, typically the whole door has to be taken off and rewrapped. This is in contrast to painted cabinetry which can be touched up quickly and cost effectively if required.

Another option for the new kitchen cabinetry in your home extension and/or renovation is for it to be thermally wrapped. Thermally wrapped cabinetry is essentially cabinetry that has been wrapped in a type of vinyl. It provides a smoother, more consistent finish then MDF which is especially suitable if you would like to incorporate glossy white cabinetry into your new kitchen design. Thermally wrapped cabinets are also easier to keep clean, as there is a smooth surface to wipe down and they are not as porous as the other types that we have mentioned in this blog post.
However, thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets are more heat sensitive and can delaminate and peel over time. Manufacturers are working to improve this, but it is definitely still a work in progress. It is also almost impossible to resurface thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets if required, typically the whole door has to be taken off and rewrapped. This is in contrast to painted cabinetry which can be touched up quickly and cost effectively if required.
Another option for the new kitchen cabinetry in your home extension and/or renovation is for it to be thermally wrapped. Thermally wrapped cabinetry is essentially cabinetry that has been wrapped in a type of vinyl. It provides a smoother, more consistent finish then MDF which is especially suitable if you would like to incorporate glossy white cabinetry into your new kitchen design. Thermally wrapped cabinets are also easier to keep clean, as there is a smooth surface to wipe down and they are not as porous as the other types that we have mentioned in this blog post.
However, thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets are more heat sensitive and can delaminate and peel over time. Manufacturers are working to improve this, but it is definitely still a work in progress. It is also almost impossible to resurface thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets if required, typically the whole door has to be taken off and rewrapped. This is in contrast to painted cabinetry which can be touched up quickly and cost effectively if required.


Another option for the new kitchen cabinetry in your home extension and/or renovation is for it to be thermally wrapped. Thermally wrapped cabinetry is essentially cabinetry that has been wrapped in a type of vinyl. It provides a smoother, more consistent finish then MDF which is especially suitable if you would like to incorporate glossy white cabinetry into your new kitchen design. Thermally wrapped cabinets are also easier to keep clean, as there is a smooth surface to wipe down and they are not as porous as the other types that we have mentioned in this blog post.
However, thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets are more heat sensitive and can delaminate and peel over time. Manufacturers are working to improve this, but it is definitely still a work in progress. It is also almost impossible to resurface thermally wrapped kitchen cabinets if required, typically the whole door has to be taken off and rewrapped. This is in contrast to painted cabinetry which can be touched up quickly and cost effectively if required.
Finally, the most expensive option for your kitchen cabinetry is to select a painted finish. While this is the most costly due to the additional labour involved, it does produce the nicest finish. It’s also quite handy if you struggle to make decisions, as it can be easily repainted if you decide that you don’t like the colour five years down the track. This is not possible with MDF or thermo wrapped cabinetry – once you select that colour you are stuck with it for life (or until you sell your home, whatever comes first). The other thing to keep in mind with painted kitchen cabinetry is that it will take longer than MDF or thermally wrapped, so may not be suitable if you are looking to complete your home extension or renovation as quickly as possible.
