Melamine Cabinets vs. Wood: What’s the Difference?​

When it comes to melamine cabinets versus wood, both have benefits that are worth considering. Looking for a more unique, customizable kitchen? Melamine may be your best bet. Those who want cabinets with a more traditional feel and durability may lean more toward wood, which won’t ever go out of style. Other pros and cons listed below can help you determine which material is the best fit for your space. 

Melamine vs Wood: Key Differences

The main difference between these two types of cabinets is the materials used to make them. Melamine cabinets are made with a thin layer of plastic over a substrate such as particleboard or medium-density fiberboard MDF, while wood cabinets are made out of different forms of wood.

What Are Melamine Cabinets?​

Melamine cabinets are made from a manufactured plastic material that is applied to a substrate—usually particleboard or MDF—using a combination of heat, adhesive, and pressure. This type of cabinet is generally smoother in appearance than wood but can also be made to resemble wood.

Best for:

• Those looking for a specific style of cabinet on a budget 

• Busy families who need low-maintenance cabinet options 

• Homeowners with more modern tastes 

Pros of Melamine Cabinets

If you want the look of a customized kitchen without the price tag, melamine cabinets can help you achieve your goals with their multitude of colors and finishes. These cabinets come in a wide variety of styles, some that even mimic the texture of wood if you want a more traditional look. Melamine is also easier to clean and maintain than wood, so it can be appealing to busy families or homeowners. 

Cons of Melamine Cabinets

Although the surface of melamine is scratch-resistant, melamine cabinets are prone to chipping along the edges. They can also absorb water and warp. Melamine cabinets made from particleboard won’t hold screws as well as ones made from other substrate materials, which can mean you’ll have to tighten hinges and other hardware more often.

What Are Wood Cabinets?

Wood cabinets get their name because—you guessed it—they’re made out of different types of wood. High-end cabinets, including custom ones made by a local cabinet maker, usually have solid wood door and drawer fronts, face frames, and trims, and the boxes are made from plywood that’s up to ¾-inch thick. More affordable cabinets may have solid wood doors and drawers and boxes made from MDF. Popular wood species for cabinets include oak, maple, hickory, cherry, and pine.

Best for: 

• Homeowners with a higher budget 

• Timeless, classic spaces that lean more traditional 

• Those who aren’t in their forever home and are considering resale value

Pros of Wood Cabinets

There’s nothing quite like the classic, traditional look of wood cabinets, which continue to stand the test of time. The higher the quality of wood used, the more high-end your cabinets will look and the more resale value your home will have, especially if the cabinets are used in your kitchen. 

Cons of Wood Cabinets

Cabinets made with solid wood are typically more expensive, so they may not be the best choice if you have a tight budget. Wood is also susceptible to water damage and can swell in humid conditions. This is especially important to consider if you’re installing cabinets in your bathroom or if you live in a climate with high levels of humidity. 

Melamine vs. Wood

Whether you decide to install melamine or wood cabinets will depend on what you can afford as well as the look you’re going for. Here’s how the materials stack up against each other when it comes to durability, price, and more. 

Appearance​: Tie

The cabinets with the best appearance will depend on your personal style. If you prefer a more modern, sleek look with a glossy finish and a bright color, melamine is the best fit for you. On the flip side, you’ll veer more toward wood cabinets if you like a classic, traditional-style cabinet. 

Options and Customizations​​: Melamine

Although you can certainly paint over wood cabinets, melamine cabinets are far more customizable when it comes to color and finish. They’re basically a blank slate for whatever style you have in mind. 

Durability​​: Wood

Nothing stands the test of time like cabinets made with solid wood, which is why this type of cabinet wins the durability category. As long as they’re maintained regularly, wood cabinets can still look in tip-top shape 10 years down the line. 

Price​: Melamine

If you’re on a limited budget but still want the look of an updated kitchen, look no further than melamine. The materials used to create melamine cabinets are less expensive, so you’ll pay less than you would for wood cabinets.