Exploring Laminate Options for Kitchen Cabinet Box Refacing
Refacing, or updating, your cabinets is an excellent way to change up the look and feel of your kitchen. It’s far cheaper than a remodel and can still give you a professional-looking end product. However, if you’re updating your cabinets, you’ll need something for the cabinet boxes. While the cabinet doors get a lot of attention, the cabinet boxes also need updating. If you’re refacing your cabinet you’ll need to know what types of laminates are available to wraExploring Laminate Options for Cabinet Box Refacingp your cabinet boxes.
What are Laminates?
Before we describe the different types of cabinet laminates, you’ll probably want to know what laminates are. Laminates are sheets of typically synthetic material that cover the sides of the furniture. Laminate is chosen for many reasons but is almost always cosmetic. It has a ton of uses, from furniture to cabinets, and some laminates are even designed for flooring. There are many types of laminate, however, when it comes to cabinets there are three main types of laminate.
What Types of Laminates Are Used to Wrap Cabinet Boxes
Peel and Stick Laminate
Peel and stick laminate is a very common laminate for one particular reason. It tends to be one of the cheapest options. Peel and stick laminate typically comes in solid colors and is scratch-resistant by design. Unfortunately, it doesn’t usually live up to its design. The name “peel and stick” comes from its application process. One side of the laminate is sticky and to install it on a cabinet box you simply press the laminate against the cabinet. Peel and stick laminate can start peeling up after some time and can leave you with bald spots in your kitchen.
Peel and Stick Laminate Overview:
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- Cost-Effective Solution: Known for being one of the most affordable laminate options.
- Solid Color Selection: Typically available in a range of solid colors.
- Scratch-Resistant Feature: Designed to be resistant to scratches, enhancing durability.
Installation and Durability Concerns:
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- Easy Application Process: Named for its simple “peel and stick” installation method.
- Potential Peeling Issues: May begin to peel over time, resulting in uneven appearances.
- Risk of Bald Spots: Prolonged peeling can leave visible gaps on cabinet surfaces.
Wooden Veneers
Wooden veneers are thin sheets of wood. Installing wooden veneers in kitchen cabinets can be more difficult than peeling and sticking because it often requires glue to stay on. The wooden veneer is usually the most expensive option since it’s made of real wood. While the real wood can look excellent, it isn’t without its own problems. You can easily scratch, dent, or otherwise harm the wooden veneer. Between the ease of damage and the high price compared to more resistant options, a wooden veneer isn’t typically the most popular option.
Introduction to Wooden Veneers:
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- Natural Material: Consists of thin sheets of real wood for an authentic look.
Installation Considerations:
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- Complex Application: More challenging to install than peel and stick options, often requiring adhesive.
Cost and Appearance:
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- Premium Option: Tends to be the most expensive due to the use of real wood.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers an excellent, high-quality appearance with natural wood’s beauty.
Durability Concerns:
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- Susceptibility to Damage: Prone to scratches, dents, and other types of damage.
- Comparative Disadvantages: Higher cost and ease of damage make it less popular compared to more resilient materials.
Laminate Veneer
A laminate veneer can give you the best of both worlds. You install laminate veneer with glue, instead of the cheap adhesive used in peel-and-stick laminates. A laminate veneer is also highly scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant. It’s the most popular option, especially with its lower cost compared to wooden veneer. Laminate veneer comes in wood grain, as well as solid colors. It’s high quality, and looks great!
Overview of Laminate Veneer:
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- Hybrid Advantages: Offers a blend of quality and practicality, merging the best aspects of other types.
Installation Process:
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- Glue Application: Installed using glue for a more secure and durable bond than peel-and-stick options.
Durability and Resistance:
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- Enhanced Resistance: Highly resistant to scratches, moisture, heat, and stains, making it ideal for kitchen use.
Cost-Effectiveness and Popularity:
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- Affordable Quality: Lower cost than wooden veneer while offering superior durability.
- Widespread Preference: The most favored choice due to its balance of quality, cost, and resistance.
Appearance and Variety:
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- Versatile Designs: Available in both wood grain patterns and solid colors to match any kitchen style.
- Aesthetic Appeal: High-quality appearance that significantly enhances kitchen aesthetics.
Upgrade Your Kitchen with Premium Laminate Wrapping from Redo Cabinets
If you want the highest quality laminate for your kitchen, then the laminate veneer is the perfect choice for you. It’s perfect for any cabinet refacing, and paired with new cabinet doors can make any kitchen look incredible. If you’re looking into cabinet refacing in Chicagoland, Contact Redo Cabinets. We’ll give you a free quote for your kitchen. Our cabinet refacing experts are unmatched in the industry. We offer many styles and colors so you can make your kitchen one of your dreams. Our add-ons can help you round out your vision for your perfect kitchen. Make sure to refer to our Chicago cabinet refacing specials to see our latest deals!
