Hi, I am in the process of getting some kitchen quotes and am getting confused about what is best for the cabinets.
I can choose between Laminate, Thermo-laminate (new and improved vinyl wrap) or 2pac. I know all would have pros and cons but would like to know what others have and how you think they are holding up.
My current kitchen is a 70's laminate with chipboard shelves which has actually held up very well.
Thanks for your help
Choosing Kitchen Cabinets - Which Is Best?
Lkash1 on 30/04/2016 - 08:21
Comments
Not really, I just want something that will last. And I can save money in other area instead.
Ikea kitchen hands down.
are you doing the work yourself?
laminate.
my kitchen is ~15 years old and I'm about to revamp it by replacing the benchtop, respraying the doors, and changing the handles - as well as changing the splash back tiles, new oven + stove, and better sink, etc
not a problem with it- it's lasted extremely well. it just looks a bit dated and the bench (timber finish - looks a bit meh - it could be sanded back and restained and would be near new but …..)
ikea is good as it is a) good quality, b) easy to upgrade - i.e. I priced replacing the doors and its a straight over swap. Cost would be $700-$900 for 4 draws and 12 cupboard doors (I'd rather re-spray them -have equipment, time and patience -and save the money).
If you're doing the work yourself then basic Ikea kitchens can be bought second hand off ebay for very little. if you find what you need (and they are very versatile) then you can have the basic box frames for very very little. then buy new doors and bench tops and there is a huge saving that you can put into appliances or better benchtop - i.e. granite.
my kitchen reno is going to be nice (what I think is nice) and "modern" but safe as I'll be selling the house in a couple of years.
Laminate is a term where and item is stuck on to something, like laminating a book or a photo.
There a many different types of products that come under the heading of laminate.
Before 1990 it was more common to have laminate bench tops and laminate doors these had square edges and a thin black line where the laminate joined these were all made by hand and were very solid, but time consuming to make and not that attractive. A common manufacturer of this product was "laminex" or "Formica"
Modern vinyl wraps look reasonably good and are quite durable however I would be wary of cheaper imported products and there lifespan. They won't be anywhere near as durable as a 70s laminate door, and will be potentially be affected by heat around ovens and dishwasher. Two pac poly painted doors look great and can be made in any color you like, I once made a custom kitchen to match a customers yellow camaro. These doors look and feel designer and expensive. However they scratch and dent like a car. These are not great around younger families as kids care less. I own a two pac kitchen.
I personally would ask for melamine cabinets with 2ml edge strip
Polyurethane doors with all Australian made melamine and doors and Austrian "Blum" hinges and drawers with "ceasarstone" tm bench. These will cost you more than imported cheap modular stuff but is quality. And beware of salesman ask an independent cabinet maker.
If resale is important a trained eye will easily spot a dodgy kitchen transformation of a cheap lkea diy job. It all depends on what your happy with.
does cost concern you?