Plywood vs particle board kitchen cabinets (2024)

When designing a kitchen, cabinet material selection is important. Durability is essential; the right cabinet material can make your kitchen look beautiful and last years. This is plywood vs particle board kitchen cabinets.

Plywood and particle board are two common materials used for kitchen cabinetry. Plywood comprises layers of wood veneer glued together, alternating the wood grain for stability. Furniture particle board cabinet boxes are made of wood fibers glued and pressed together, sometimes using a mold.

Key Takeaways

Cabinet material selection is crucial in kitchen cabinet design, affecting your kitchen cabinets’ durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetics.

Plywood and particle board are common materials used for kitchen cabinets. Plywood is higher-end, more attractive, and offers better durability and resistance to moisture and warping. Particle board is cheaper but less durable and more susceptible to moisture damage.

Plywood cabinets have advantages such as structural strength, moisture resistance, higher resale value, and ease of customization.

Particle board cabinets are cheaper, have a smooth surface for veneers, and are lightweight and easy to work with. They lack structural strength and durability, are susceptible to moisture and warping, and have a lower resale value.

When choosing cabinet material, factors include budget constraints, kitchen environment and moisture concerns, longevity and durability requirements, and resale value considerations.

3. Plywood Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet grade plywood is a strong and durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. It is also resistant to moisture and humidity, making it ideal for use in kitchens with a lot of moisture.

Advantages of Plywood Cabinets

Plywood cabinets have long been praised for their durability, strength, and adaptability. Delving into their benefits, we will explore their structural advantages, resistance to moisture, resale value, call quality, and ease of customization.

Higher resale value

Plywood cabinets have a higher resale value than other materials. If you ever decide to sell your home, having plywood cabinets can increase the value of your home.

Structural strength and durability

Plywood cabinets are praised for their strong and durable structure. They are made by gluing layers of wood veneer together, providing stability and strength to cabinet box construction. The overall quality of the glue used in the construction also impacts the overall cabinet quality.

Resistance to moisture and warping

Another advantage of plywood cabinets is their resistance to moisture and warping. Plywood comprises layers of wood veneer glued together, alternating the wood grain for stability. This construction method makes plywood cabinets more moisture-resistant and warping than other materials.

Ease of customization

Plywood cabinets are also easy to customize. You can choose from various finishes and colors to match your kitchen decor. Depending on your needs, you can also choose from different types and grades of plywood.

Disadvantages of Plywood Cabinets

Plywood cabinets have drawbacks, such as being susceptible to water damage, leading to warping and deterioration over time. They might lack the premium aesthetics of solid wood cabinets, making them less visually appealing for some homeowners.

Higher cost compared to real wood or particle board

One of the disadvantages of plywood cabinets is that they are more expensive than particle boards. Particle board is a cheaper alternative to plywood and is made from wood chips and sawdust in thin layers that are glued together.

Potential for visible layers on exposed edges.

Plywood cabinets are the edges of the plywood that may be visible and not look as good as other cabinet materials. However, this can be remedied by using edge banding or veneer tape to cover the edges of new cabinets. So, try not to get low-quality plywood.

4. Particle Board Kitchen Cabinets

Particle board is one of the most commonly used materials for furniture pieces like cabinets. It offers the following benefits, according to most cabinet manufacturers and choicecabinet.com:

Cheap: Particleboard furniture is much cheaper than plywood and solid wood since it is primarily made of wood particles, screws, adhesives, and other mechanical fasteners.

Pre-laminated: Particleboard glue is pre-laminated, meaning it can be painted or stained to match any decor.

Easy to clean: Particleboard is easy to clean and maintain.

Using particle board cabinet boxes has some disadvantages as well. According to designingidea.com, some of the disadvantages of building cabinets with particle board cabinets include: Not as strong as

plywood construction or durable as plywood: Particle board is not as strong as plywood good, or durable as plywood and is more susceptible to moisture damage.

Not environmentally friendly: Particle board is made from wood chips and sawdust glued with formaldehyde-based resins, which can harm the environment.

Advantages of Particle Board Cabinets

Particle board is one of the most commonly used materials for furniture pieces like cabinets.

Smooth surface for veneers and laminates

The particle board has a smooth surface ideal for veneers and laminates. This makes it a popular choice for furniture pieces like cabinets.

Lower cost compared to plywood

Particle board is cheaper than plywood and solid wood since it is primarily made of wood particles and adhesives. According to designingidea.com, particle board vs. plywood cabinets – Particle boards can cost 8-12% less than plywood cabinets.

Lightweight and easy to work with

The particle board is lightweight and easy to work with. This makes it easier to install and move around. According to woodiswood.com, particle boards are good for kitchen cabinets because of being lighter than wood and plywood.

Disadvantages of Particle Board Cabinets

Particle board is not as strong as plywood and can sag or break under heavy weight. So, if you’re planning to store heavy items in your cabinets, particle boards or board-quality plywood may not be the best choice. but because of its composition, it has more weight than plywood.

Susceptibility to moisture and warping

Particle board is susceptible to moisture and warping. It is not moisture-resistant and can swell or warp when exposed to water.

Lower structural strength and durability

Particle board has lower structural strength and durability than plywood and solid wood. It is not as strong as plywood and can sag or break under heavy weight.

Lower resale value

Particle board cabinets have lower resale value than plywood kitchen cabinets and solid wood cabinets. This is because particle board is less durable than other materials and can easily damage when exposed to water or high temperatures.

5. Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Material

The most important factors include durability, weight, maintenance, looks, and budget. The most popular material choice is solid wood cabinets in cider, oak, cherry, maple, or other wood types. Cabinets can also be made from steel.

Budget constraints and priorities

If you are on a tight budget, consider cabinets made from man-made materials, including medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, and metal. These materials tend to have a lower price compared to solid wood and stainless steel.

Longevity and durability requirements

The durability of kitchen cabinets will depend on several factors. The most durable kitchen cabinets are made from solid hardwood, such as cherry and maple. MDF and plywood cabinet boxes/plywood boxes are less expensive choices.

Resale value considerations

Resale value is an important consideration when choosing kitchen cabinets. Some materials are more valuable than others. For example, solid wood cabinets are generally more valuable than MDF or laminate cabinets.

Kitchen environment and moisture concerns

Moisture is a major concern when it comes to kitchen cabinets. Cabinets that are exposed to moisture can warp or become damaged over time. Some materials are more resistant to moisture than others. For example, MDF is made with wax and resin, making it watertight and resistant to moisture.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is plywood better than particle board?

Plywood is made from thin sheets of wood that are glued together. It is strong, durable, and resists warping and cracking better than particle board. Plywood is also more expensive than particle board, but it is a good choice if you want your cabinets to last for a long time.

Are IKEA cabinets made of particleboard?

Yes, many IKEA cabinets are made of particleboard. However, IKEA also offers cabinets from other materials, such as solid wood and MDF.

Before buying IKEA cabinets, thoroughly read the product descriptions to know the materials they are made of, and consider reaching out to an IKEA representative for further information on their cabinet materials.

What are the disadvantages of particle boards?

One of the biggest disadvantages of particle board is that it is not as durable as other materials. Particle boards can warp and crack over time, especially if exposed to moisture. It is also more susceptible to damage from impacts and scratches than other materials.

Which board is best for kitchen cabinets?

Solid hardwood cabinets are the most durable, long-lasting option and are expensive. Plywood is another strong and durable option that is less expensive than solid hardwood

7. Tips for Choosing the Right Cabinet Material for Your Kitchen

Assessing your kitchen’s specific needs and conditions is important in choosing the right cabinet material.

Consider factors such as the amount of use your kitchen gets, the amount of moisture in the air, and the overall style of your home.

Balancing budget, durability, and aesthetics is key when choosing the right cabinet material for your dream kitchen top.

Solid hardwood cabinets are the most durable, long-lasting option and are expensive. Plywood is another strong, durable option less expensive than solid hardwood.

Working with a professional designer or cabinetmaker can be a great way to ensure you choose the right cabinet material for your kitchen.

A professional can help you assess your specific needs and preferences and recommend materials that work well for your space. They can also help you choose materials that fit your budget and style.

8. Alternative Cabinet Materials

If you’re looking for alternative cabinet construction methods and materials, there are options to consider.

Solid wood is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets because it is durable and long-lasting.

Several types of solid wood are commonly used for cabinets, including oak, maple, cherry, and hickory. Each type of wood has its unique look and texture, so you can choose the one that best fits your style.

MDF is a favored option for kitchen cabinets due to its affordability compared to solid hardwood and plywood, along with its resistance to warping and cracking, making it a durable and versatile material that can be easily customized with paint or stain to suit any style.

Stainless steel cabinets are a modern and sleek option for kitchens. They are easy to clean and maintain and resistant to heat, stains, and water damage. One of the downsides of stainless steel cabinets is that they can be noisy. They tend to make more noise than other materials when you open and close them.

Find the Perfect Cabinet Material for Your Dream Kitchen

Consider your preferred style and maintenance needs, including moisture resistance, when exploring materials like MDF, laminate, solid wood, or stainless steel for your kitchen.

Plywood cabinets provide benefits like strength, durability, moisture resistance, higher resale value, and customization options, but they can be more costly and may have visible layers. Particle board cabinets have cheaper, offer a smooth surface for veneers, and are lightweight but have lower strength, durability, moisture resistance, and resale value than plywood cabinets.

When designing your ideal kitchen, carefully considering the materials used for cabinets is crucial. Plywood cabinets offer strength, durability, resistance to moisture, and customization options, while particle board cabinets provide affordability, a smooth surface for veneers, and lightweight construction.

When deciding on kitchen cabinets, you must consider your personal preferences and practical needs, ensuring your kitchen reflects your style and accommodates your daily routines. Consider the functionalities, storage space, and overall look you want for your kitchen.