Last updated on March 2nd, 2022
There’s a lot that goes into designing your modular cabinets and wardrobes. You don’t just have to choose the colors and materials for their exteriors and the hardware that goes into them, but also the core material for the boxes – the stuff that really matters!
And with the industry swarming with buzzwords like engineered wood, particle board, MDF etc. it can be quite confusing for a first-time home-owner.
Allow us to cut through all the jargon and demystify this world for you in the next few paragraphs, as we take you through the various materials that are commonly used to build modular cabinet and wardrobe boxes, and also tell you the pros and cons of choosing them. Scroll on!
1. Plywood
Available as commercial and marine-grade plywood, this material is made by gluing together thin layers of wood. It is strong and quite durable and comes highly recommended as a core material for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and other furniture. It is also a better idea to use BWP or boiling waterproof plywood in areas that will see a lot of moisture like bathrooms for instance, or cabinets below the kitchen sink.
2. Blockboard
Made from long blocks of wood sandwiched between two layers of plywood, it is a popular choice of material for doors, panels, partitions, and long tables, as it doesn’t sag easily and can bear a considerable amount of weight. It can also be used as core material for all cabinets and wardrobes.
It is cheaper than plywood, but also slightly less durable. It is also, always a good idea to buy blockboards from reputed manufacturers as cheaper and poorer quality boards can have big gaps between the blocks rendering the material less strong.
3. MDF
MDF is an eco-friendly material made by pressing together small particles of recycled wood using resin or wax. It is a popular choice of material for crockery cabinets and wardrobes. But being less durable than plywood, it is not a great choice for spaces that see a lot of moisture like bathrooms or cabinets under the kitchen sink.
4. Particle Board
This cost-effective material is made with tiny chips of wood, sawdust, and wood shavings, using a process quite similar to the one used to manufacture MDF, and is then laminated on both sides to give it durability.
Although it is cost-effective and aesthetically not very different from other materials, particleboard cannot be expected to be very durable and cannot be used in spaces where a heavy load is expected, as it may not withstand it.
5. Wood Plastic Composite or WPC
Commonly used in flooring and indoor furniture, Wood Plastic Composite is an environmentally friendly material that is made of wood fiber, fillers, and thermoplastics. It’s very easy to maintain and waterproof, making it a great choice for kitchen cabinets.
Hope this quick read helped you get closer to deciding what’s best for your cabinets and wardrobes!
Have fun building your dream home, folks!
