The benefits of solid wood over particle board cabinets

When choosing kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider many factors. Of course, the factor that most consumers immediately consider is the look of the cabinet: the style of the doors, type of handles, and overall design. While design and style are important, they are not the main thing to consider. In fact, if a consumer hopes to maintain their kitchen for years to come, the structure and material of the cabinets is, by far, the most important thing of all.

In today’s economy, everyone is looking for ways to cut cost, but when it comes to a home, it is better to spend a little extra and add much more to the home’s overall value. When given the choice of two types of materials for their kitchen cabinets, consumers should carefully consider their options before making a decision. In an effort to cut costs, many manufacturers are creating the cabinet box or base from particle board and then using something sturdier for the doors. All solid wood cabinets are more pricy, and, at first glance, the consumer may not see much difference as to the way the cabinet looks, but, no matter how appealing the lower price tag may look, particle board cabinets are definitely a bad choice in the long run.

If one has ever had the unfortunate occasion of placing a cold beverage on a lower end piece of furniture only to watch the condensation ring slowly puff up and expand, then they have seen one of the many ill effects of particle board. Particle board, or press board, is made by pressing and gluing many wood chips together to form a solid surface, leaving the material weak and vulnerable to liquid and pressure. Liquid that leaks onto the surface will seep down between the compressed pieces of wood causing them to expand and take on a bread-like texture that crumbles on contact. Also, since it is many small pieces of wood, the overall strength of the material is lessened, making it unfeasible for heavy countertop materials. Particle board cabinets may look just fine when first installed, but, all it takes is unattended standing water, an accidental collision between a broom handle and the cabinet corner, or heavy countertops applying constant pressure, and soon, the beautiful cabinets will be ruined.

Solid wood cabinets carry the beauty of a natural wood grain, are strong and supportive of any counter top material, even granite, and are sure to stand the test of time. Solid wood will not puff up and swell, and it will not start to crumble on the corners. Just a glance at solid wood pieces over one hundred years old will show that wood maintains its beauty and elegance for many, many years. Though more pricey in the beginning, choosing solid wood over particle board for kitchen cabinets will add both beauty and value to the home.