You are either thinking about installing new vanity cabinets or are planning on replacing your old ones, but you are in a dilemma as to exactly what materials to use. Like any other home project, it will take some time and research. There are different materials that could suit your needs, but you want to know what those would be before you initiate any project. So, just what will work for your bathroom vanity cabinets?
The Right Materials
In order to find the right materials for your bathroom vanity cabinets, think about quality versus quick fix, low-end and cheap. That kind of cabinetry simply won’t last and will cause more problems in the long run with eventual replacement and other issues.
Quality material choices definitely outweigh what can happen with a less expensive and poor quality cabinet, with those reasons being:
- Most cheaper cabinets contain particle board and are susceptible to damage from bathroom moisture and humidity. A cabinet can warp, discolor and crack over a period of time.
- Strength is another determining factor with a cabinet choice. A good cabinet will have the ability to sustain the weight of any type of countertop and sink. If not, a vanity area will likely sag, possibly crack, collapse and lose its seal between the cabinet and the countertop.
The Best Materials
In looking at the best cabinet material choices, they usually include the following:
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is one of the more budget friendly choices for cabinets. It is an engineered material that is a combination of wood pieces and fibers that are bound together with either resins or wax adhesives. It is similar to particle board, though it is denser, smoother and is free of knots and splinters. It can be easily painted, but if it is not finished in some capacity, it can take on moisture, swell and come apart, and is not an easily repairable material. There is also the chance of the material releasing formaldehyde, which is a cancer causing agent. Again, painting MDF can seal the material and prevent release of any possible harmful substances.
Solid Plywood
Solid plywood is a strong material that is used in a number of building applications, including roofing materials. It is made from wood veneers that are glued into layers that make up a sheet. Plywood is available in a number of thicknesses and quality ranges. It is a good choice if the coating that has been utilized over the plywood presents a decent wood grain pattern application. Its strength makes it a good choice, and its cost is mid-range, as is its quality. If moisture and humidity levels are controlled, it can last indefinitely. One advantage of plywood is that it will resist expansion and contraction with moisture accumulation and temperature changes, which can happen with real wood.
Solid Wood
Solid Wood is usually the best material choice for a bathroom vanity cabinet, particularly if cost is not a worry, as solid wood is the strongest and most durable of all materials, with solid oak being the strongest of woods. Solid wood is available in two alternatives that include solid wood (completely natural) and solid hardwood. Of the two, solid hardwood is the most durable and is made from woods such as maple, oak and cherry. Solid wood will experience expansion and contraction with temperature and moisture changes, which can bring about warping and cracking in painted finishes. Real wood is porous and will absorb moisture from the air, but it is still considered the best material for vanities because of its strength and proven durability. When moisture and humidity are kept in check, solid wood that contains a stained or natural finish will not present problems.
Rubberwood
Rubberwood obviously comes from a rubber tree of the Hevea Brasilienesis variety, and it has almost the strength of oak, plus it is an environmentally friendly material that promotes sustainability and reduces waste of a natural product, so it is a good choice for homeowners that have a green and re-purposing philosophy.
If you are trying to decide whether to install a new vanity or update an old one, think about the materials reviewed here and if you are still unsure as to the right choice for your situation, complete the online contact form and a cabinet expert will get back to you with some suggestions that can help you make an informed decision. You can transform your bathroom vanity cabinets to something that will not only have long lasting quality but will enhance your bathroom space, plus meet with your budget needs.
