Cabinet guide
Kitchen cabinet materials and finishes, compared
A cabinet is two things: the box and the door. Plywood boxes hold screws well and handle moisture better; particleboard and MDF are flatter and cost less. Door finishes range from painted and lacquered wood to wood veneer and melamine. Ask what each line is made of before you compare prices.
Two cabinets can look identical in a photo and be built very differently. These are the terms you'll hear, what they mean, and the questions worth asking.
Box materials
| Material | What it is | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Thin wood layers glued in alternating directions | Strong, holds screws well, handles moisture and small leaks better | Costs more |
| Particleboard | Wood particles pressed with resin | Flat, stable, affordable; usually covered in melamine | Swells if water gets in at the edges; screws strip if overtightened |
| MDF | Fine wood fibers pressed with resin | Very smooth and flat; ideal for painted doors | Heavy; also dislikes standing water |
| Solid wood | Real lumber | Used for face frames and door frames | Moves with humidity, so rarely used for large panels |
Sink base: the cabinet under the sink sees the most water. Whatever you choose elsewhere, a plywood sink base, a cabinet mat, or both are worth asking about.
Framed vs frameless
- Framed (face frame): a solid-wood frame on the front of the box; doors attach to it. Traditional American construction.
- Frameless (European or full-access): no front frame, so doors cover the whole box and you get slightly more interior space and a cleaner, modern look.
Either can be good quality. What matters is the materials, the hardware and how it's put together.
Door finishes
- Painted: usually over MDF panels with wood frames. A smooth, solid color; touch-ups are possible.
- Lacquer and high gloss: a hard, reflective finish. Very modern, easy to wipe, shows fingerprints.
- Wood and wood veneer: real wood grain; stained or clear-coated. Every door is a little different.
- Melamine and textured laminates: a printed, resin-hardened surface. Durable, consistent, easy to clean and budget-friendly; modern textured versions look like real wood.
Hardware matters as much as the box
- Soft-close hinges and drawer slides stop doors and drawers from slamming.
- Full-extension drawer slides let you reach the back of the drawer.
- Drawer boxes: dovetail wood or metal boxes last longer than stapled ones.
Questions to ask in any showroom
- What is the box made of, and the sink base?
- Framed or frameless?
- What's the door made of, and what's the finish?
- Are hinges and drawer slides soft-close and full-extension?
- Is the cabinet in stock, or how long does it take to order?
- Does it come assembled, and how is it delivered?
Questions
Are plywood cabinets better than particleboard?
Plywood is stronger and handles moisture better, especially under the sink. Good particleboard cabinets with sealed edges perform well in dry areas and cost less.
Is MDF good for kitchen cabinet doors?
Yes. MDF is very flat and smooth, which makes it a good base for painted and lacquered doors. It's less forgiving of standing water, so wipe up spills.
What is the most durable cabinet finish?
Melamine and quality factory lacquers are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. Painted finishes look great but can chip at the edges with heavy use; touch-up is possible.