Discussing material matters because materials matter!

Whether you’re at the brink of redecorating your current kitchen or building a new one from scratch, you must not overlook investing in materials used in your kitchen which would be durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting, given India’s oscillating weather conditions.

Hence, the discussion around modular kitchens and material used in its construction and redecor is pivotal to the long term success of a happy kitchen space. It is important to choose a material that works for you, your house as well as the country you live in. At the end of the day, your modular kitchen’s price must be justified in terms of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Achieving this balance is only possible when you reach out to an expert who can find the best fit for your personal needs with an understanding of different materials that would actually work for your kitchen. The base materials used are critical in determining the longevity of your kitchen.

You may rope in the best modular kitchen experts like us in the country, but it doesn’t hurt to know what materials can survive (and thrive) over the life of your modular kitchen. There’s an ongoing debate regarding the usage of MDF vs ply vs particle boards to replace the conventional wood used in the kitchen for your wardrobes and cupboards. Let’s examine the different core material options available and the factors which could lead you to make an informed decision.

Working Out Your Core (Material)

The following are the different core material options available and we have listed out the pros and cons of using them in a modular kitchen space

1. Solid Wood

Natural higher-priced woods like Teak or Sheesham fall into the solid wood category. They lend an antique look to your kitchen and are more popular across South India.

Technicalities:

• Solid wood tends to have a higher coefficient of expansion. This simply means that it expands in colder seasons and contracts in summer- not exactly the most desirable feature for wood used in one’s kitchen .

Pros:

• Strong & durable- can hold together screws without trouble
• Lends a stunning and warm vintage ambiance to your kitchen
• No additional covering needed

Cons:

• Seasonal warping
• Termite sensitivity 
• Heavy in weight
• Not cost-effective
• Maintaining its finish may possess challenges

Takeaway:

• If you have the budget and can adjust with seasonal warping, go for natural wood as it can lend your kitchen a spectacular royal appearance.

2. Plywood – Recommended

Simply put, plywood is layers of wooden sheets pressed together to create a sturdier material. They come in a range of sizes, finishes, and are of different grades, each of which boasts different properties. Plywood happens to be one of the materials of choice in kitchen settings.

Technicalities:

Available in a wide range of grades, the most suitable for household use is BWR (Boiling Water Resistance) Plywood which is treated with urea-formaldehyde as the adhesive. While a BWP (Boiling Water Proof) type would be stronger and can support fitting loads, its phenol formaldehyde-based adhesive is not eco-friendly and suitable for household use. Other than BWR and BWP plywood, MR PLY also exists which is not recommended for kitchen use as it possesses the lowest water resistance levels.

Pros:

• Different types suit different purposes- IS710 (BWP) works great for exteriors while IS303 (BWR) can be used for interiors
• Reasonable strength
• Does not warp with seasonal variations
• Budget-friendly

Cons: 

• Challenges regarding picking the suitable grade for your purpose
• Bending may be seen in longer plywood sheets

Takeaway:

Make sure you get the right type of plywood for your needs. If this is assured, plywood is without a doubt a great pick for kitchen use.

3. HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) & MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

When softwood or hardwood are broken down into smaller particles to be compressed into sheets using adhesives and resins, HDFs and MDFs are produced. They come in several different sizes. Their use is preferred in areas with low moisture exposure.

Technicalities:

HDF has the reputation of being the strongest of all engineered wood. MDF isn’t far behind, though it is less strong and water-resistant than the former and plywood.

Pros: 

• HDF & MDF work well for wardrobes
• Strong & durable- can hold together screws without trouble
• Low bending related problems
• Easy finishing and different shapes available

Cons:

• Moisture contamination produces irreversible damage
• Termite sensitivity

Takeaway:

• Consider opting for HDF & MDF for your wardrobes and keep them away from kitchens as the latter is a high moisture zone!

4. Particle Board (Chipboard)

Unfortunately, the particle board is believed to be the lowest quality engineered wood meant to be used to create furniture that is far away from a water source.

Pros:

• Particleboards work well for wardrobes
• Strong & durable- can hold together screws without trouble
• Low bending related problems 
• Easy finishing and different shapes available

Cons:

• Moisture contamination produces irreversible damage
• Termite sensitivity

Takeaway:

• Restrict the use of particle boards to your wardrobes and keep them away from kitchens, a high moisture zone! 

5. PVC Board (Multiwood)

Lastly, we have PVC Boards which are commonly seen as a core material in interior spaces. PVC Boards have proven to be effective in coastal areas with high moisture.

Technicalities:

This is a plastic composite material. While it isn’t environmentally friendly, they are extremely resistant to moisture.

Pros: 

• Good for high moisture zones
• Easy finishing and different shapes available
• Not as vulnerable as other options to termite infestations

Cons:

• Low strength to support screws
• Prone to bending
• Not an eco-friendly option

Takeaway:

• While PVC Boards show obvious advantages over the other options regarding their termite sensitivity and moisture resistance, they are not the most eco-friendly option. Consider all other options before you narrow in on PVC Boards as your core material.

It is very obvious that the most popular choice of material for kitchens, after weighing the pros and cons, is Plywood which is of the right grade with a good-quality finish. Be sure to make an informed decision to create an aesthetically-pleasing and durable kitchen to last a lifetime!