There is a wide range of material options available for your kitchen. Wood (solid and veneer) and laminate (high pressure and melamine) are two of the most popular options, but stainless steel and glass are becoming increasingly in demand. Whichever materials you opt for, keep in mind that one type of kitchen material used throughout the kitchen - especially if the room is spacious - can tend to look monotonous.
Consider mixing the materials up - for example, some of your cabinets may use glossy laminate and others clear or frosted glass. Stainless steel, easy-to-clean and professional looking, may be fine on benchtops and splashbacks, but may appear too clinical if it appears on every surface (cupboards and drawers included). Of course, the paint on the walls will also help to tie-in with the overall material scheme of the kitchen.
Kitchen Surface and Material Options
| Material | What is it? | Pros? | Cons? | For?** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High pressure laminate | Laminate created with high heat, producing a hard, plastic-like material | High impact resistance; durable; available in many colours | (B), (S) | |
| Low pressure melamine (LPM) | A laminate produced with particleboard, MDF and resin | Available in many colours; highest wear resistance | Low impact resistance | (B) |
| Vinyl / foil wrapped | Vinyl applied to MDF | Moisture resistant; easy to clean | Low impact resistance | (B) |
| Solid wood | Several types available | Natural material; available in many finishes (such as waxed or coloured) | Porous material, so will expand and contract depending on the weather | (D), (B) |
| Wood veneer | A thin slice of solid wood usually bonded to MDF or particleboard | Cheaper option than solid wood but has a similar look and feel. | Although not as pronounced, is under similar influence of weather as solid wood | (D) |
| Solid stone | Natural material; options include granite and marble | Each block unique; resistant to high temperatures | Limited by size of stone; joins between pieces can stand out; heavy | (B), (S) |
| Reconstituted stone | Bond of natural stone particles and colour pigments | Can be polished and formed to individual specification; resistant to high temperature | Limited by size of stone; joins between pieces can stand out; heavy | (B), (S) |
| Paint | Polyurethane (hard paint finish) applied to MDF | Best choice for detailed cabinetry; impact resistant | Can be chipped; highly expensive option | (D) |
| Glass | Solid glass, recommended toughened glass, especially for splashbacks | Gives splashbacks a clean finish; back painted in a variety of colours | Can be an expensive option | (B), (D), (S) |
| Stainless Steel | Corrosion-resistant steel | Low maintenance; durable | Not scratch-resistant | (B), (D), (S) |
| Tiles | Many types available; ceramic mostly used for splashback | Many colours and textures available; good contrast to other materials in the kitchen | Higher maintenance material; grouting can be difficult to keep clean | (S) |
** (D) Doors and draw fronts (B) Benchtops (S) Splashback
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