Particle board, plywood cabinets, and furniture board, oh my! What suits your kitchen the best?
Beginning a kitchen renovation involves making many decisions! From choosing the correct appliances and countertops to cabinets and color schemes.
Homeowners have numerous choices available in modern kitchen design. One challenging aspect is selecting the kitchen cabinets.
Not all cabinets are the same, and if you install the incorrect ones, it will negatively impact the appearance and ambiance of your kitchen.
For homeowners, this is a serious concern! Particle board, sometimes referred to as furniture board, and plywood are frequently argued over when it comes to kitchen cabinets.
There are three key points we are examining in relation to the two forms of cabinet construction.
Let's examine plywood and furniture board cabinets in more detail to determine the most suitable option for your home.
What is Engineered Wood?
Both plywood and furniture board are categorized as "engineered wood." Engineered wood is any type of wood product created by binding or fixing strands, particles, fibers, veneers, or boards of wood together using adhesives or other techniques.
Plywood and furniture board are the two specific engineered-wood materials that we will be discussing in this post.
Were you aware that the majority of kitchen cabinets are made from engineered wood?
Professionals typically construct cabinets using plywood, furniture board, or a combination of both materials.
People frequently hold strong views on which option is superior. This indicates that selecting cabinet materials can be overwhelming, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the distinctions between them. Do not fret - we'll guide you through the two products and talk about them both!
The focus is not on determining the superior option, but on discovering the option that suits you and your requirements. Plywood and furniture board are both suitable for use as kitchen cabinets. Simplify the process by being aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
The Difference Between Plywood and Furniture Board
Plywood is created by stacking thin 3 millimeter layers of wood veneer. The advantages are joined together by the professionals with heat and pressure to create a single, solid piece of wood. The grain turns 90 degrees with every additional layer. Consequently, it creates a more durable substance with multiple applications and is available in various sizes and finishes. When considering engineered wood, plywood is often the first option that comes to mind for many individuals.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Plywood
Advantages:
Extremely durable construction material.
Durable but lightweight.
Less likely to crack, warp, or shrink with time, and also more resistant to moisture.
Suitable for wood paneling, cabinetry, furniture, and other similar items.
Drawbacks:
Uneven and unattractive edges of planks, challenging to conceal.
（However, this issue can be remedied with plywood sanding machines）
Not appropriate for specific joint/connection methods.
（It is possible to use a special machine called a "splicing machine" for processing with plywood）
Possible natural imperfections, like knots resulting from the use of several veneer layers, may be present.
（Use plywood automation equipment technology）
Furniture Board (Particle Board)
Professionals manufacture furniture board, also called particle board, by combining wood chips, mill shavings, and sawdust with a binding agent like resin and pressing them into flat sheets. It is available in various thicknesses. Products with greater density exhibit increased strength. Cabinets are commonly made with this wood due to its affordability and ease of manipulation during construction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Furniture Board
Advantages:
Cheaper than numerous other materials.
Powerful and secure in variants with high density.
Consistent in consistency without any gaps or openings.
Drawbacks:
Not nearly as sturdy as plywood, especially in higher density varieties. If heavy counters are positioned on top of particle board cabinets, additional supports are required.
More prone to scratches and dents.
Not as good at repelling water as plywood.
Numerous experts recommend that homeowners should opt for plywood when choosing kitchen cabinets. Some argue that it is unnecessary to spend money on it. The truth is somewhere in the middle! Most importantly, being aware of the main issues with each type of cabinet will assist you in selecting the appropriate cabinets for your kitchen renovation.
Furniture Board and Water Don’t Mix
One factor dominates the majority of the discussion between plywood and furniture board: how the two materials react to water.
If you have ever witnessed furniture board being wet for an extended period, you would have observed a swollen, spongy, and soft material that easily falls apart in your hand. On the other hand, plywood is more resistant to moisture but still warps and loses strength as time goes on.
This is why plywood construction is chosen by many. Nevertheless, they might be neglecting a crucial aspect by rushing into a decision. Having plywood in your kitchen will not prevent drywall, flooring, or cabinets from being ruined in case of leaks or flooding. This raises the issue of finances.
Not that spending money on plywood cabinets is a waste. Plywood is the material of choice for certain cabinet components because of its resilience to moisture. For instance, furniture boards shouldn't be used for under-sink cabinets. Because it experiences more wetness frequently, this area requires the protection that plywood provides.
In regions with less moisture, furniture board is a cost-effective and viable choice.
Plywood Cabinets for Added Strength
Quality plywood cabinets maintain a strength advantage over their lifetime when compared to furniture board due to plywood's superior strength. This results in decreased sagging and less deflection over a period of time.
A lot of homeowners have concerns about the durability of furniture board cabinets. Nevertheless, it remains durable for extended use in your kitchen. However, if you choose furniture board kitchen cabinets, there are some important things to be aware of.
An Issue of Worth – Cost
When it comes to cost, there is a significant contrast between the two materials.
Numerous contractors view plywood cabinets as an improvement in a kitchen construction project. They add an additional 10 – 20% to the cost for those items! Many cabinet professionals think that the price difference is too steep. An additional 20 percent for cabinets is a significant expense during renovations. Consequently, this results in a reduction of funds available for different aspects of the new kitchen design, like flooring and lighting.
Take into account all aspects mentioned when selecting materials for kitchen cabinetry. Furthermore, ensure you grasp the advantages and disadvantages of various construction materials. Take into account your design, desired functions, and cost.
Furthermore, take into account your geographical position. Residing in a significantly moist region or one susceptible to floods necessitates opting for cabinets made from moisture-resistant plywood. Furniture board cabinets are a preferable choice for rental properties or ones that you may want to remodel in the future.
We supply equipment to the wood-based panel industry. LVL, OSB, veneer, and plywood are a few types of wood materials. A wide range of services are available from us, such as single machine provisioning, independent production line setup, and whole plant planning, design, analysis, and selection. We are able to supply auxiliary materials and tools for every step of the production process. With twenty years of experience with woodworking machinery, we can provide our clients with the right solution.
