Laminate vs. Wood Kitchen Cabinets

When you’re looking to transform the aesthetic of your kitchen, there’s no quicker way to do so than by investing in updated cabinetry. A kitchen cabinet refacing project will do the trick, as you’ll get new cabinet doors and drawers as well as new hardware. And because of how much wall space is occupied by your cabinets, you’re going to notice a significant difference in the appearance of the entire room as soon as your new-look cabinets are finished.

A cabinet refacing project can be rewarding in terms of the end result, but there are also certain elements of stress that can come with it. That has more to do with the design side, as you’ll need to know the material and color you want. Coming to that decision isn’t easy, but Kitchen Saver^® can help. Here’s what to consider when choosing between laminate and wood kitchen cabinets:

Appearance

If you’re looking for a more traditional appearance, wood cabinets are the route to take. There’s a level of aesthetic prestige that comes with real wood, though some laminate cabinets can mimic that look. Not to mention, laminate is available in a variety of eye-catching designs. Choosing between the two based on their appearance alone is all about your preference.

Longevity

Wood is a very popular cabinet material choice, known for its durability and beautiful look.  Those two traits are also true of quality laminate cabinet doors. However, if you want a particular wood grain or the multi-dimensional glow of a natural product, there won’t be a replacement for that. But if you want the look of wood without worrying about it darkening over time or you just want a more manageable cost without sacrificing either beauty or durability, then laminate refacing is worth looking at. Laminate is more difficult to repair than wood, but it is less susceptible to some of the kinds of damage that wood is vulnerable to and will stay strong and beautiful for a long time.

Cost

Given its traditional and prestigious beauty—as well as its impressive longevity—wood cabinets tend to cost more than laminate. So, if you’re looking to stick to a tighter budget during your project, laminate may be the better route to take. However, if you plan on selling your home at any point in the future, it’s worth noting that wood cabinets will add value to your home. With that being said, there is a higher chance of getting a strong return on investment when you invest in wood.

Maintenance

As eye-catching and strong as wood cabinets are, they also require much more upkeep. If you don’t regularly clean them, dirt and grime can settle. They also tend to require specialized products designed specifically for cleaning wood. As for laminate cabinets, cleaning is much easier. Because their surfaces are slick and glossy, a damp cloth works extremely well when they need to be wiped down. Any spots can easily be eliminated, whereas it’s not so simple with wood.

Know Who to Turn to for Your Cabinet Refacing Project

Once you’ve decided whether laminate or wood kitchen cabinets are right for you, there’s no better choice than to partner with Kitchen Saver for your upgrade. As part of our Custom Cabinet Renewal process, we reface cabinets with your choice of material, keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact while giving their exteriors a facelift with new doors and drawers. No matter whether you prefer our furniture-grade wood or the premium laminate we install, you’re sure to find a wealth of color and finish options to choose from so that you can get the perfect look for your kitchen.

Beyond the cabinetry work we do, our Custom Cabinet Renewal projects involve installations of new sinks and fixtures, updated countertops, under-cabinet lighting, and space-saving storage accessories. In the end, you’re essentially seeing the results of a full kitchen remodel for a fraction of the typical cost.

To gather more insight on your choice between laminate and wood kitchen cabinets or to learn more about what we have to offer for your home, contact Kitchen Saver today.