“Everything happens in the kitchen. Life happens in the kitchen.” – Andrew Zimmern
It’s true. Kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where family and friends gather over a meal and share meals, stories and laughter. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or a big luncheon, the kitchen is the hub where all the action takes place. If your kitchen is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to consider some updates or renovations.
When you are designing and building a new kitchen, there are many different materials to choose from. Two popular options are steel and plywood. While plywood has long been a standard material for kitchen cabinets and countertops, steel is quickly gaining popularity as a modern and durable alternative. In this article, we will explore the key differences between steel modular kitchens and plywood kitchens, to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Kitchen cabinets made of plywood are a popular choice among environment-conscious homeowners. Installing plywood cabinets over solid wood products can be an environmentally conscious choice as it requires significantly less wood. This not only helps to reduce deforestation, but also promotes sustainability in the manufacturing process. Plywood cabinets offer the same natural and warm aesthetics of real wood, without the harmful impact on the environment.
Plywood is also popular with homeowners due to their appealing aesthetics. Plywood is an incredibly versatile material that can be used to create beautiful cabinets. With a wide range of colours and finishes available, you’re sure to find one that matches with your kitchen decor. In addition, if you get tired of the look of your plywood cabinets, they can be painted or refinished to give them a fresh new appearance. Plywood is also easy to work with, allowing you to create custom designs that perfectly fit your space.
Despite the many benefits of plywood kitchen cabinets, they come with some disadvantages that can discourage potential buyers. Let us look at some of them:
- While plywood has some moisture-repellent properties, prolonged exposure to water can lead to deformation. Unlike steel, plywood is not entirely resistant to water damage.
- Plywood is a long-lasting material, but it requires regular care and sealing. If left unattended, the particles can peel off, leading to leakage and other issues.
- Plywood cabinets can sag and bow if they bear the weight of heavy objects. While plywood can typically withstand weight loads, it is essential to avoid placing excessively massive objects on them.
- Plywood contains formaldehyde – a known carcinogen that can cause respiratory problems if inhaled in high concentrations over long periods of time. To improve the structural and moisture durability of plywood products, manufacturers typically use an adhesive called phenol formaldehyde.
- Plywood cabinets can become infested with roaches, as they offer a warm and cosy environment for the pests to live and breed.
With their sleek and streamlined appearance, steel cabinets are becoming a popular choice for homeowners. They can complement a wide range of design aesthetics, from contemporary to industrial to minimalist. Additionally, they are available in a variety of colours, textures and finishes, allowing you to customise your cabinets to perfectly match your kitchen decor. When it comes to eco-friendliness, steel cabinets are a great choice. Steel is a recyclable material, so when you’re ready to replace your kitchen, you can recycle your steel cabinets instead of throwing them away.
- A steel kitchen is a durable and low-maintenance option that can withstand wear and tear over time. Unlike plywood, it does not require frequent refacing due to chipping or peeling. Additionally, steel is highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand exposure to water, heat, termites and fungus.
- Steel cabinets require very little maintenance. They are simple to clean and sanitise, making them a hygienic option for your kitchen. All you need is a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe away any spills or stains, which makes cleaning a breeze.
- Steel cabinets have the added advantage of not sagging or bowing under heavy weight. Unlike plywood, steel cabinets are able to maintain their shape and structural integrity even under significant weight load. This makes them a reliable option for storing heavy kitchen items such as cookware, appliances, and pantry items.
- Steel cabinets are less likely to contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- With 100% enclosed modules, steel cabinets are completely free from roaches and rodents, ensuring a safe and hygienic kitchen environment. You won’t have to worry about pests getting into your cabinets or food, making steel cabinets a smart choice for any home.
Are you planning to install a steel modular kitchen?
Explore our long-lasting kitchens that are designed to be desirable. Whether you want to purchase individual kitchen modules or the entire kitchen at once, our steel cabinets offer a range of options to fit your needs and budget. Explore our innovative range of kitchen modules to find the perfect solution for your home.