1. Laminate
Laminates are long lasting, inexpensive and heat and moisture resistant making them the ideal finishing material for the kitchen.
2. Acrylic
Acrylic provides a glossy finish and makes the kitchen look premium. However, this also means that fingerprints, stains etc are more visible and hence kitchen cabinets will require frequent cleaning.
Also, acrylic is a costly finish option.
3. Membrane
Membrane is moisture resistant, durable & easy to maintain. Membrane is a PVC foil wrapped around MDF or HDHMR and hence provides better finish than laminate.
4. PU finish
PU (Polyurethane) is a plastic polymer that is in a liquid form which forms a protective shell over kitchen panels once dry. PU finish allows choice of color & finish ( glossy or matte).
It takes time to dry and doesn’t fade over time. However, PU finishes are expensive.
5. Glass
Glass allows a better view of groceries & spices. One can go for simple or frosted glass shutters. Glass kitchens certainly look elegant but also require items inside to be arranged well else it may look bad.
Additionally, glass cabinets have to be handled carefully.
Here is a summary of Various types of Kitchen cabinet finishes
| Finish Type | Maintenance | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Easy to clean with mild soap and water
Resistant to stains but can chip or scratch |
Low |
| Acrylic | Easy to maintain, requires only wiping with a damp cloth
Scratch-resistant but may show fingerprints |
Medium |
| Membrane | Low maintenance, just wipe clean
Vulnerable to heat, can peel if exposed to high temperatures |
Medium |
| PU (Polyurethane) | Requires periodic cleaning, resistant to moisture and stains | Medium to High |
| Glass | Easy to clean but requires regular cleaning | High |
FAQs
Depends on your budget & aesthetic preferences. Laminate finishes are cost-effective, offer a wide variety of designs, and are easy to maintain. But they lack a high-end look. Membrane is costlier and hard to repair paid but provides seamless, modern appearance and greater durability against scratches and moisture
Membrane finishes provide modern look and high durability against scratches and moisture, but are generally more expensive and difficult to repair. In contrast, PU (polyurethane) finishes deliver a glossy, durable surface that resists stains and scratches, often at a lower cost compared to membrane finishes.
L-shaped, U-shaped, Straight wall, Parallel-shaped, Island, and Peninsula are the common types of modular kitchen layouts.
The best type of layout depends on the size of the kitchen area. L- and U-shaped layouts are the most commonly used for home kitchens.
Yes, a modular kitchen can be customized as per the space in kitchen areas, your specific needs, and style preferences.
It can be customized to suit your needs and maximize storage and workspace.
