Get matched with top cabinet makers in Joaquin, TX

Durability and appearance are the two main drawbacks to installing budget kitchen cabinets, which are often made of less-durable wood or plastic. You're also limited to stock options, meaning you may have a small selection from which to choose.

On the plus side, you can always paint these more affordable kitchen cabinets to make them look the way you want.

The Janka Hardness Scale rates wood species according to their hardness levels or density. On the scale, hickory ranks as the most dense hardwood that is common for use in making cabinets. While there are woods that are harder, they're uncommon in cabinetry. Maple, oak, and walnut also rank relatively high on the scale and are excellent for use in cabinetry. 

Any wood species will work for cabinet making. The trick often comes down to which one looks the best in your home and also meets your budget. A popular choice for the cabinet boxes and even some visible portions is medium-density fiberboard (MDF). MDF is strong, cost-effective, and predictable when measuring and cutting.

There are a few different types of paints that you can use on cabinets—latex, acrylic, and oil-based. Most cabinet painters choose latex, but acrylic paints are also a great choice. In addition to the type of paint, you also need to select a finish. Matte finishes tend to be less durable, whereas semi-gloss or high-gloss options are better for highly-used cabinets. 

It’s important to note that regular wall paint does not adhere to cabinets correctly—you’ll need cabinet-specific paint.