The use of color both on and in our homes has allowed us to create atmospheres and environments that reflect or inspire us. Often this is achieved through the medium of paint, which has become so ubiquitous in our lives that it’s easy to forget it’s there. When it comes to adding new colors to your home, whether painted or otherwise, some considerations can help guide your decision.
For many years, the cabinetry in our homes was bare wood which often matched the wooden interiors and other fixtures and furnishings. Recent years have seen the popularization of painted cabinets as an alternative to bare wood, allowing people to match or contrast the colors of their homes. Before buying a painted home or office cabinets for your home, be sure to read on to learn about what to consider first.
Material
While cabinets are typically made out of wood, there are a few alternative materials available nowadays that may be more suitable to your preferences or budget. These are generally more appropriate for painted home or office cabinets, as expensive wood is quickly lost behind a layer of paint.
Plywood
Made by laminating thin layers of wood together, plywood is a versatile and relatively durable material for use in all manner of wood fixtures and furniture. It can come in both hard- and softwoods, depending on the use, and can be fixed together with screws. While it will stand the test of time, hard impacts will likely dent it and if it’s painted it’s usually better to replace the piece than try to repair it.
Particleboard
Made from mixing wood particles with resin and bonding with pressure, particleboard is common in household fixtures, particularly those covered in laminate or vinyl film. Advancements in technology have seen stronger types of particleboard become available in recent years, but this is reflected in the price. Although cheap, low-grade particleboard tends to be particularly weak, with a risk of hinges or handles falling out, or the floor buckling under the pressure of too much weight.
Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF)
Similar to particle board except made with a substrate consisting of smaller fibers, MDF offers similar advantages and suffers similar drawbacks to particleboard. It does offer a much smoother surface than particleboard, as well as being better at holding screws, although it’s quite susceptible to water damage which can be an issue for kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Wood
While it will be more expensive, going with wood does have plenty of advantages over the above alternatives. Wood can be shaped more variably, and tends to be a lot more durable and impact-resistant than the alternatives.
Some good woods to consider for your painted cabinetry include:
- Birch
- Soft Maple
- Alder
- Poplar
- European Beech
Coating
While most painted cabinets are, as the name suggests … painted, there is value in considering other kinds of coating that may give the appearance of being painted.
Thermofoil
This is a vinyl film that is applied to a substrate with heat and pressure. Thermofoil cabinets typically come in white or almond, but can also come in any other color. They tend to be relatively durable and easy to look after, and don’t chip as easily making them suitable for hotter environments or direct sunlight.
Laminate
As the name suggests, laminate consists of three layers: a transparent protective layer, a printed and colored layer, and a base layer of paper, with heat and pressure used to fuse it to the substrate. Laminate typically comes in two types, low-pressure and high-pressure. Low-pressure laminates are called melamine and while they’re cheaper they are less impact-resistant and more likely to crack or chip. High-pressure laminates offer a higher degree of durability.
Painting
If you’re opting for wood rather than a wood alternative for your cabinets, then you likely won’t want to completely cover up the grain. By opting for painted wooden cabinets you can have the best of both worlds, especially with lighter or darker colors that distinguish the grain features.
Cost
Unless you’re flush with cash, the main limitation on your decision will likely be the cost of each material and coating combination. Be sure to figure out your budget and spatial requirements first, to help guide your decision.
Home and Office Cabinets
Whatever you choose for your painted home or office cabinets, be sure to only buy from a reputable supplier that can also install for you. This will ensure that the cabinets will retain their longevity, and while it may cost a little more it will save you money in the long run.