Here are most common materials used for making Modular kitchens
Wood
Wood offers a classic and timeless appeal, making it a popular choice for kitchen cabinetry. It can be customized easily to fit different styles.
Pros: Durable, aesthetic appeal, and can be refinished or repainted.
Cons: May not sustain heat and moisture present in kitchen, high price, vulnerable to termites.
Plywood
Plywood is made from multiple layers of wood veneers, offering strength and stability. It is a versatile material for cabinets and surfaces. Water-resistance variations such as Boiling Water Resistant Ply and Moisture Resistant (MR) Ply are popular.
Pros: Strong, resistant to moisture, and less likely to warp ( bend) than solid wood.
Cons: Can be more expensive than particle board and may not have the same natural look as solid wood.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers and resin, known for its smooth surface and versatility in design.
Pros: Smooth surface for painting, cost-effective, more resistant to termites.
Cons: MDF does not hold nails and screws well, not as durable as plywood; susceptible to water damage if not sealed properly.
Particle Board
Particle board is made from compressed wood particles & saw dust. It cannot support much weight and its quality is always questionable. It is commonly used for budget-friendly kitchen solutions.
Pros: Inexpensive and lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle.
Cons: Less durable than other materials and can sag under heavy weight, doesn’t hold screws and nails tightly, vulnerable to moisture damage.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is a synthetic plastic material that is increasingly used in modular kitchens for its durability and water resistance.
Pros: Waterproof, easy to clean, cost effective and resistant to termites and rot.
Cons: Limited heat resistance, can wrap (bend) under high temperatures, less aesthetic, less eco-friendly compared to natural materials
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a modern material known for its sleek appearance and high durability, often used in professional kitchens.
Pros: Highly durable, corrosion, moisture, termite & heat resistant, and easy to clean.
Cons: Can scratch easily, may dent, and can be prone to fingerprints and smudges. Expensive.
FAQs
Modular kitchens consist of pre-fabricated cabinets that can be assembled in various configurations to fit the space and meet the needs of the user.
Modular kitchens are more expensive than traditional kitchens for a variety of reasons, including the cost of materials ( better quality, finish & brand), customization options ( integrated appliances) etc, design and planning & installation.
This depends on your choice of aesthetics & cost. Plywood is popular due to its durability and resistance to moisture and offers a good balance of quality and cost. MDF is cost-effective, provides a smooth finish but is less durable. Stainless steel & PVC are excellent for moisture resistance and modern aesthetics, but are more expensive.
For modular kitchens, plywood is better than MDF because of its durability & strength (more resilient under heavy loads). Plywood is also resistant to moisture and warping (bending). MDF is cost effective but less durable. It offers a smooth surface for painting and finishing but is more susceptible to water damage.
HDHMR (High Density high moisture resistant ) board is often considered better than plywood for modular kitchens due to its superior moisture resistance and durability. HDHMR is more expensive than plywood. However, its long-term durability can offset the initial cost.
A budget range kitchen will cost around Rs 1 – 2 lakhs. Midrange modular kitchen will cost around Rs 2.5–4.5 lakhs. High end kitchens cost more, around Rs 5 to 8 lakhs. Note that the cost largely depends on material used, layouts ( U shaped, Island etc), customizations. This doesn’t include the cost of Appliances such as Refrigerators, Inbuilt microwave/ oven, Chimney, Dishwasher etc.
