Pros And Cons Of Real Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Years ago, almost all kitchen cabinets were made from natural wood. This is no longer the case. These days, many kitchen cabinets are made from medium-density fiberboard, melamine, and other synthetic materials. These materials have their advantages, but they have not completely displaced wood as a cabinet material. If you're thinking of getting new cabinets and are leaning towards wood, consider these pros and cons before making your choice.
Pro: Wood has a classic look.
There are materials made to look like wood, but you can tell the difference when you're close up. If you want your kitchen to have that traditional, country look, real wood cabinets are really the only choice. Wood looks at home in a Craftsman or cottage kitchen. Plus, if the rest of your kitchen is trimmed in real wood, the wood cabinets can be made to match.
Con: Wood cabinets cost more.
If you order cabinets made from MDF or another composite material, they will usually be cut using big, industrial machines. On the other hand, wood cabinets often still need to be handmade, which takes more time and effort. As such, wood cabinets typically cost more and may take longer to get in.
Pro: Wood cabinets can be refinished again and again.
Say you order wood cabinets with a natural sealer on them. Then, some years later, you remodel your kitchen and decide you want white cabinets. At that point, you can just have the wood cabinets refinished. And if you decide to refinish your kitchen again years down the road, you can re-paint the cabinets again! Most other cabinet materials have the color all through the material and can't just be refinished like wood cabinets.
Con: Wood cabinets may separate at the joints.
Wood is prone to contraction and relaxation as it is exposed to changes in temperature and humidity. Sometimes when this happens, the joints may open a little bit. A cabinet maker can adjust the cabinets and correct this, but it may still be a hassle.
Pro: Wood cabinets can be eco-friendly.
Wood is a natural material. When your cabinets are no longer needed, they will break down naturally. Other cabinet materials are not as biodegradable and may contribute to landfill waste.
Consider the pros and cons above if you're thinking about having wood cabinets installed in your kitchen. You can also talk to a kitchen cabinet maker to learn more about your options.
