Advantages:
- Muffles noise of metal cabinets
- Provides stronger base than particle board or MDF bases
- Holds screws well
- Aren't prone to swelling/warping if wet
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than particle board or MDF bases
OVERVIEW of Plywood Kitchen Cabinets:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen cabinets is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen cabinet materials and finishes. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.
Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen cabinet material and finish make sure to think through the countertop and backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinets. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant. Think of the kitchen cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes as an integrated kitchen design system, so try to avoid buying one before you get perspective and price out the materials, finishes, and installation implications for all three.
DETAILS on Plywood Cabinets:
Plywood is becoming increasingly popular as metal cabinets in kitchens become popular. Metal is increasingly being used in modern, sleek, and sophisticated kitchens. However, metal cabinetry poses many different problems than wood cabinets. So, plywood is used as a base to curb many of the problems that are caused by metal cabinets.
Plywood is your best option when choosing a base. Like all bases, it muffles the noise of metal cabinets, but it is also known for its reliability. Plywood is a stronger base than its particle board and MDF counterparts. It holds screws well and is not prone to swelling and warping when wet, making the process of maintaining your metal cabinetry much easier.
The cost of plywood is understandably higher than other base options, as it is your best choice. In this case, the higher cost should not be an issue, as the cost of maintaining a cheaper base will eventually surpass the original cost of plywood material.
GREEN Considerations:
If you decide to supply your kitchen with plywood, make sure to use FSC-certified or reclaimed wood. A Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification guarantees that wood is grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. Many companies also use reclaimed wood, meaning they use salvaged wood to produce beautiful products.
Columbia Forest Products is the largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood in North America. They have transformed their business to supply only formaldehyde-free products, an extremely beneficial factor for the environment, as well as your home.
Checking to be sure that the products you are placing in your home are manufactured and sold in eco-friendly ways is half the battle of keeping your home environmentally-friendly.
