Kitchen cabinets can make or break the overall look of your kitchen. They serve as storage space for tableware, dry food, and cooking equipment in kitchens, among other things. Nowadays, however, there are already various options for kitchen cabinets that homeowners may choose from to suit their specific needs. One example is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cabinets, often mistaken for plywood cabinets because they look alike when made into kitchen cabinetry. But how do you know what option will suit your requirements better? Read on to find out more about the two, so you can decide which one is best for you.
PVC vs. Plywood
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Kitchen Cabinets
As mentioned above, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cabinets are often mistaken for plywood kitchen cabinets because they look alike when made into kitchen cabinetry. But how do you know if your new cabinet is made from PVC? If it has a shiny, smooth finish and the door is quite stiff, most likely, it’s either made of polystyrene or ABS plastic with a veneer of wood grain printed on one side to enhance the wood-like appearance.
PVC is a material that can be molded into almost any shape and design due to its versatility. It comes in several colors, with some being even translucent. It is also considered cheaper than other materials used for making kitchen cabinets, such as hardwood, particleboard, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard), so if your budget is the primary concern, this option is best for you. Since it can be molded into different designs, PVC cabinets are often designed to imitate other more expensive materials used in furniture, such as rosewood or teak, making them good options for those who want to have something glamorous but don’t exactly want to spend that much on cabinets.
Plywood Kitchen Cabinets
On the other hand, plywood kitchen cabinets upgrade from their plastic counterparts. Plywood is transformed wood veneers sheeted together with glue under high pressure and heat. It’s very stable, which means it won’t warp or shrink even when exposed to moisture or humidity. It has a wide range of colors, but the better option is to have plywood cabinets stained or painted since they are less expensive than colored veneers. Plywood also has a variety of finishes, including high-gloss, low-luster, and satin, so you can choose one that best matches your preference or kitchen décor.
Plywood cabinets are made from a combination of thin layers of wood held tightly together under pressure while being heated. This prevents it from shrinking, warping, and twisting, making it a good material for kitchen cabinetry since these factors can cause problems such as doors not closing correctly or having spaces between the crevices that may serve as a haven for pests.
What to Consider When Choosing Between the Two Materials
Cabinets can be a long-term investment for your home, so it’s essential to choose the best option for you. Things to consider when choosing between the two materials:
Your budget
If you are on a tight budget, you might consider having PVC cabinets since they are less expensive compared to plywood cabinets. However, note that while PVC cabinets may be cheaper than average wood-made kitchen cabinets, the difference in cost is not that much, and it will still require some spending for its upkeep. As mentioned, you can have it painted or stained to protect it from warping and chipping, but the better option is to have them with a laminate finish so they will be more durable.
Your kitchen’s style
Another thing you need to consider when choosing between PVC and plywood cabinets is your particular preference for your kitchen’s style. If you like glamour and opulence, having PVC cabinets is the best option since they can imitate hardwood, tiles, stone, granite, or marble, which are usually used to make kitchen cabinetry in high-end homes. On the other hand, if what you need for your kitchen are durability and stability, then plywood cabinets might be an excellent option to consider.
Pros and Cons of PVC and Plywood Cabinets
To sum it all up, here are the pros and cons of PVC cabinets compared to plywood kitchen cabinets.
PVC Cabinets Pros:
- High durability due to its ability to resist moisture or water damage. It can also be molded into any design, thus making it a good option for homeowners who prefer something glamorous but don’t want to spend that much on cabinets.
- Less expensive compared with other materials used in making kitchen cabinetry such as plywood, hardwood, and particleboard.
- Various colors are available. Thus homeowners can choose one that best matches their preference or kitchen décor.
PVC Cabinets Cons:
- The glossy surface easily attracts scratches, so it will look deformed even when there are only minor damages.
- It is not the best option for homeowners who want to have cabinets that last for a long while since they can swell when exposed to moisture, which means it may need more care and maintenance than other materials used in making cabinets such as plywood.
Plywood Cabinets Pros:
- Plywood kitchen cabinets are sturdier compared to other materials used in making cabinets, such as PVC, particleboard, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard).
- They can be stained or painted, which means homeowners can choose one that best matches their preference or kitchen décor.
- Less susceptible to water damage and warping/shrinking when exposed to moisture or humidity.
Plywood Cabinets Cons:
- It is relatively more expensive than other materials used in making cabinets, such as PVC and particleboard, which means it may not be the best option for those with a limited budget.
- DIY is not advisable since plywood cannot be bent or molded; thus, homeowners may need a professional to help them finish their tasks.
The Best Choice for Your Kitchen Based on the Pros and Cons
As you can see, both types have their own set of pros and cons. So it all boils down to your personal preference which one is best for your needs. Just keep in mind that different materials used in making cabinets may require different care and maintenance methods, so you will have to consider that as well before you make a decision.
Therefore, if you are looking for long-lasting cabinets and require little to no maintenance at all, go for plywood kitchen cabinets. On the other hand, if you are more concerned about saving money and don’t mind the effort put into caring for your cabinets, then go for PVC ones; they are also more durable than plywood.
It should be noted that if budget is the main concern for you, then PVC kitchen cabinets are the ones for you. Remember, though, that while these cabinets may be cheaper than plywood or hardwood ones, they are not the most durable option, so if you are planning to have them for a long while, you might want to consider them plywood cabinets instead. The choice is yours, after all. If you are still unsure which one to go for, do your research and weigh the pros and cons of each type. Once you are sure of what to expect, make your decision.
Final Thoughts
Whichever one you choose, it is vital to consider the pros and cons of each so you can decide whether they are best for your kitchen or not. After all, cabinets save space in your kitchen, enhance its beauty, and provide storage space, so investing in them will definitely be worth your money in the long run.
Kitchen Cabinets in Scottsdale, Arizona
C4L Cabinetry Scottsdale is a cabinet store that provides cabinets to the kitchen and bath industry throughout Scottsdale, Arizona. We offer custom cabinets for the do-it-yourself customer as well as full installation of cabinetry for both retail businesses and residential customers alike. Cabinets can be purchased wholesale, directly from our manufactures. Contact us today at (480) 597-8034 to discuss your cabinetry needs.
