How to Choose the Right Material For Your Kitchen

It's important to use good materials in your kitchen to fully enjoy the time you spend cooking.
How to Choose the Right Material For Your Kitchen

Last update: 30 June, 2020

The kitchen has become one area of the house where we spend the most time. This is why it’s important to choose the right material for your kitchen. However, there are several factors that influence this choice.

Kitchens are affected by many factors, such as humidity, steam, and, often, spills during food preparation. Therefore, the furniture in your kitchen has to have the necessary qualities for efficient cooking.

We’ll show you a variety of materials for your kitchen. We’ll also mention some of the advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when choosing materials.

Choosing the right material for your kitchen

There are many considerations when choosing the right material for your kitchen.

One of the main issues to consider when choosing the right material for your kitchen is the functional aspect of the space.

You also need to take into account certain details of your kitchen. For example, you should consider the number of stove burners, the size of your kitchen, the type of ventilation, and how hot your kitchen usually is. You’ll also need to decide whether you need an oven. If so, you’ll want to consider its size and where to locate it.

As for the sink, you’ll need to think about the size and frequency of use. You should also know where you’re planning on putting the sink, whether on an island or a countertop.

By having clear answers to these questions, you can get a better idea of the types of materials for your kitchen. For example, you’ll know better whether you need highly resistant materials or some in the standard range.

After the more technical questions, you also need to evaluate the aesthetic options. To define this, you need to choose which style you like the most. You also need to decide which combination of materials and colors you like best.

There is a wide range of aesthetic possibilities. For example, you can opt for a rustic kitchen or for a more modern one. It all depends on the style you want for one of the most important spaces in your home.

Choosing the right material for your kitchen can create many advantages. On the other hand, the wrong material can have many disadvantages.

What’s the right material for your kitchen?

There are many options for the right material for your kitchen.

1. Lacquered kitchen furniture

Lacquered kitchen furniture features lacquered layers applied on a base material, such as wood. This type of finish is versatile. In fact, there are a large number of varieties and models. Depending on the requirements, you can apply the lacquer coats in various thicknesses.

There is also a wide variety of color options. Warm colors are usually the most popular. Another alternative is matte or textured lacquers. However, many people opt for glossy lacquers.

Among the advantages of lacquers, one is that they are easy to clean. You can get a great result with only  soap and  water. In terms of durability, because lacquers cover the entire surface and don’t have any cracks, this material is actually more durable. It is also most resistant to mold and fungus.

Another advantage is that it’s easy to repair any damage or scratches. It’s also resistant to heat so you can use this material near the stovetop.

In terms of price, it depends on several factors. However, this is usually an affordable option.

2. Wood furniture

Solid wood furniture is a classic for the kitchen. It is also one of the most durable options. Solid wood gives furniture a hardness and resistance. It also can give your kitchen furniture a long life.

You’ll find a lot of pine furniture for kitchens since pine is one of the cheapest woods. However, other wood that is commonly used for kitchens is mahogany, cedar, or carob. These offer a wide variety of colors.

This is a great choice for vintage and rustic styles. It’s also great if you love antiques. However, while this material is versatile, it is also more expensive.

3. Laminate wood furniture for kitchens

There is a great variety of laminated woods. The main characteristic of this material is that it is made of various pieces of wood joined with heat or glue. One of the most commonly used laminates is plywood boards coated with melamine or lacquer.

Melamine is a material that designers use for kitchen furniture that is sensitive to humidity and heat, due to the type of coating. As a result, we recommend using it for cabinets or surfaces that don’t have direct contact with sinks or stoves.

The joints of these surfaces are the most sensitive. Therefore, these are the first areas that become damaged. However, among its advantages, there are a wide variety of finishes. For example, there are many smooth textured laminates in various colors. In addition, this material is one of the cheapest options. It’s a great choice for kitchens that won’t be used extensively.

4. Metal furniture

A sink and countertop with metal finishes.

This material has been gaining popularity in the kitchen. A perfect material for the kitchen is stainless steel. It gives high durability and an excellent quality finish.

However, this material usually costs more because it has a specific aesthetic and is strong. Therefore, we recommend combining stainless steel with other materials.

In addition, this is material can appear very cold. As a result, we recommend you combine it with warmer materials such as wood. Colors are also important because, with the right colors, your kitchen will be a welcoming environment

Tips for choosing the right material for your kitchen

It’s also important that you take into account the number and type of appliances you’ll use in your kitchen. If you need a lot of household appliances, we advise against using stainless steel because of the danger of electric shocks.

The price of materials is also a result of their origin and manufacturing. In fact, you can find industrial materials in a wide choice of varieties and colors. Additionally, the costs of industrial materials are cheaper and have a good quality-price ratio.

On the other hand, there is also artisanal manufacturing, rather than industrialized. Artisanal options are a great way to customize your kitchen.

As you’ve seen, when choosing the right material for your kitchen, it’s essential to be clear about how much you plan to use your kitchen, what types of appliances you’ll need, your budget, and the amount of durability you want.

Take these tips into account when selecting the material for your kitchen. This will ensure that you use the best quality materials and have a durable kitchen.