Many people may not be familiar with the term “kitchen cabinet carcass,” but it is one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing quality kitchen cabinets. In fact, the carcass is often more important than the cabinet doors if you want durable, high-quality kitchen cabinets.
My answer is plywood. It is the best material for kitchen cabinet carcasses if you are not concerned about cost and are not opting for a metal kitchen.
This article will compare several materials and explain their functions, helping you better understand the choices for kitchen cabinet carcasses.
Understanding the Kitchen Cabinet Carcass
Most people think of style when considering kitchen cabinets, but they should also pay attention to the material used to build the cabinets. This is known as the “cabinet carcass.” The carcass includes the inside components of modular cabinets, such as the box, drawers, and shelves.
Why Does the Material of the Cabinet Carcass Matter?
The material of the cabinet carcass affects several factors, such as how long the kitchen cabinets will last and how much they will cost. In the market, cabinet carcasses are typically made from particle board, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Each of these materials has its unique qualities, which we will explore further.
For modern-style kitchen cabinets, these three materials are usually finished with a white melamine coating. Therefore, from the outside, you cannot judge the material used for the carcass. However, when ordering kitchen cabinets, you can specify the carcass materials according to your preferences
Particle Board: An Economical and Practical Choice
Particle board, also known as chipboard in some places, is one of the most widely used materials for kitchen cabinet carcasses due to its cost-effectiveness. It is strong enough for daily use. Compared to plywood, it is heavier, but it is not as water-resistant.
In China, there is also green-colored moisture-proof particle board, which doesn’t differ much in cost from regular particle board. However, its moisture resistance is slightly better.
PARTICLE BOARD IN MELAMINE FINISH CARCASS
Plywood: A Balance of Strength and Beauty
Plywood, made by gluing multiple layers of wood together, is an ideal kitchen cabinet carcass material. When cost is not a concern, plywood is the most durable and best choice for kitchen cabinet carcasses. It is suitable for consumers looking for high-quality kitchen cabinets.
Plywood offers excellent moisture resistance, making it perfect for humid kitchen environments. Its surface can be finished in various ways to meet different requirements. As mentioned earlier, modern kitchen cabinets typically have a melamine finish. Plywood can also be used with a veneer finish for solid wood kitchen cabinets, which are popular in the U.S. market.
PLYWOOD IN MELAMINE FINISH CARCASS
PLYWOOD WOOD VENEER KITCHEN CABINETS CARCASS FOR SOLID WOODE KITCHEN CABINETS
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): Smooth Surface and Versatile Design
MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers and resin. It has a smooth surface, making it an excellent material for kitchen cabinets. MDF is relatively inexpensive and is suitable for creating cabinets in various design styles, especially for projects that require painting or veneering. For this reason, MDF is commonly used for kitchen cabinet doors. If used for the carcass, its moisture resistance is not as good as plywood, but it is similar to particle board.
Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen Cabinet Carcass
Deciding which material to use for your kitchen cabinet carcass should be based on your specific needs and requirements. Location and climate conditions in different countries also play a significant role in determining the right material. Houlive has more than 12 years of experience exporting kitchen cabinets and other custom cabinets to overseas markets for various projects. We are equipped to address your concerns on a case-by-case basis.