Melamine or natural hard maple

Easy Runnin
Easy Runnin Posts: 501
in The Clubhouse
So we are looking into new kitchen cabinet. I'm trying to decide between melamine or natural hard maple for the cabinet sides, backs and shelves. The additional cost is about 18%. Do you think it's worth the extra cost? We're planning on being in this house until they carry us out.
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Comments

  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    Most commercial cabinet makers use melamine to build the non-visual or asthetic aspects of the cabinets and then use natural hardwood face frames, trim and doors.

    Custom cabinetry is a different story and honestly, if the cost is that close, I would go hardwood throughout. More durable, takes a LOT more wetness to cause them to disintegrate and don't show those day to day nicks and scratches nearly as bad.

    But don't take my word for it...I was only a cabinet maker for about 7 years before I got into IT.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,320
    More than likely the melamine will start to peel over time
    Touch/repairs will be much easier with the maple...if you can swing it go wood
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  • deucekazoo
    deucekazoo Posts: 146
    Solid wood vote here.
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  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,065
    We are also doing the cabinet replacement thing(actually kitchen gut)...doing all wood if we can afford it.
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
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