Should You Choose Plastic Or Industrial Wood Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets are an important component in the kitchen interior space, playing a role in storage and creating aesthetics for the kitchen. In terms of structure, kitchen cabinets usually include the cabinet body (core) and the outer surface, designed with many drawers, shelves and cabinet doors to optimize storage space.

Inside, two most popular materials today to make kitchen cabinets is plastic and industrial wood, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic kitchen cabinets is the ideal choice if you need a modern, dynamic kitchen at a reasonable cost. Plastic material has a variety of colors, is easy to clean, has good water resistance, and is suitable for spaces with high humidity. If you love the warm beauty of wood and want more choices in style and price, industrial wood kitchen cabinets With a surface covered with Melamine, Laminate or Veneer, which is both beautiful and has the ability to effectively resist scratches and termites, it will be a suitable suggestion.

Due to differences in materials, durability, water resistance, load-bearing capacity, warp resistance, color, cleanability, safety, price, etc., you should carefully consider based on the specific needs and conditions of your family to make a decision on which type of cabinet is most suitable.

According to a survey by the Vietnam Wood Industry Association, about 60% of Vietnamese consumers prefer to choose kitchen cabinets made from industrial wood, while the remaining 40% choose plastic kitchen cabinets or other materials.

So which is the best choice for you? Let's find out the details in the article below.

What is a Plastic Kitchen Cabinet?

Plastic kitchen cabinets are a type of kitchen cabinet made from a combination of wood and plastic in a certain ratio, using MDF or MFC wood as the core, covered with a layer of composite plastic or WPC (Wood Plastic Composites). This is a modern interior product, combining the advantages of both wood and plastic.

According to data from the Vietnam Plastics Association, plastic kitchen cabinets account for 60% of the kitchen cabinet market share in Vietnam in 2022. The popularity of this line of kitchen cabinets comes from many outstanding advantages compared to other materials.

Advantages of plastic kitchen cabinets:

Plastic kitchen cabinets have outstanding advantages such as low price, good waterproofing, high durability, diverse designs, easy to clean and install.

• Low price: Fluctuates from 1.5 - 3 million VND/m, suitable for families with tight budgets. In addition, the solid structure and few joints of the plastic cabinet help prevent water and mold very well.
• Durable: PVC plastic kitchen cabinets are heat resistant, impact resistant, and have a long life. Ecoplast plastic kitchen cabinets are durable, termite-free, and impact resistant.
• Various colors and designs: More than 100 different colors, helping customers easily find the right style for their kitchen space. In particular, the smooth surface of the plastic cabinet is less prone to dirt, easy to clean and maintain.
• Easy to clean: Smooth surface, less dirt, quick to clean.
• Easy installation and removal: On average, it only takes about 3-4 days to completely install a set of plastic kitchen cabinets.

Disadvantages of plastic kitchen cabinets:

This type of cabinet also has disadvantages such as: low lifespan, some types cause odors, are not environmentally friendly and lack high-end aesthetics.

• Relatively low lifespan: Average 7-10 years, easily scratched and yellowed over time
• Some plastics cause unpleasant odors.: Cabinets contain many toxic chemicals that can cause unpleasant odors in the kitchen space. Plastic kitchen cabinets are also not as environmentally friendly as natural wood because they are difficult to decompose.
• The glossy surface of plastic cabinets is easy to clean but lacks the luxury and class of the kitchen space.
• Plastic cabinets are only suitable for modern style, it is difficult to depict elaborate patterns like wooden cabinets.

What is Industrial Wood Kitchen Cabinet?

Industrial wood kitchen cabinets are made from artificial wood such as MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), HDF (High Density Fiberboard), MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard). In fact, this artificial wood layer is made from natural wood that is crushed, dried, pressed tightly and bonded with glue under high pressure.

Wood surfaces are often covered with Melamine, Laminate, Acrylic, Veneer or flat paint to increase durability and aesthetics. According to statistics, industrial wood cabinets account for about 35% of the current kitchen cabinet market share.

Advantages of industrial wood cabinets:

Industrial wood kitchen cabinets have many outstanding advantages in terms of durability, color diversity, and reasonable price.

• Durable: Solid structure, less prone to warping, shrinkage, and termites. Average lifespan 15-20 years. Industrial wood is treated to resist shrinkage and expansion better than natural wood and has good weather resistance, suitable for Vietnam's tropical monsoon climate.
• Good resistance to force and heat: Withstands loads of 50-80kg/m2, heat resistant up to 120 degrees Celsius, safe to use near heat-generating devices such as gas stoves and ovens. Better fire resistance than plastic kitchen cabinets.
• Quick construction and installation: CNC machined, easy to assemble, only takes 3-5 days for 1 set of cabinets. Can be disassembled and moved easily when necessary, saving time and labor costs compared to natural wood cabinets.
• Rich colors and wood grain: There are more than 200 colors, diverse wood grain such as oak, ash, maple, beech, eucalyptus, teak, walnut... Can create wood grain effects similar to natural wood, bringing luxurious beauty.
• Reasonable pricing: Fluctuates from 3-6 million VND/m depending on quality, Price is 30-50% lower than natural wood cabinets of the same size, there are many price segments to choose from, from popular to high-end suitable for most families. Maintenance and repair costs are lower than natural wood cabinets.

Disadvantages of industrial wood cabinets:

Some certain limitations of industrial wood cabinets are: moisture resistance, water resistance and easy surface scratches.

• Lower quality than natural wood: Durability and aesthetics are not equal to natural wood.
• Poor resistance to moisture and water: Prone to blistering and peeling if exposed to water frequently.
• Surface easily scratched: Loss of aesthetic beauty over time.
• Cleaning is more difficult than plastic cabinets: Porous surface, easy to get dirty, requires more thorough cleaning.

Comparison of Plastic and Industrial Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Plastic kitchen cabinets and industrial wood kitchen cabinets have many differences in core materials, surface coatings, durability, water resistance, strength, resistance to shrinkage and warping, color diversity, cleaning ability, safety and price. Based on these criteria, you can choose the material that suits your family's needs.

Below is a comparison table of plastic kitchen cabinets and industrial wood kitchen cabinets: 

Should You Choose Plastic Or Industrial Wood Kitchen Cabinets?

The answer to whether to choose plastic or industrial wood kitchen cabinets depends on the needs, economic conditions and style of each family.

If you If you need a modern, dynamic kitchen without worrying about cost, plastic kitchen cabinets will be the ideal choice.. Plastic material has a variety of colors, is easy to clean and has high water resistance, suitable for kitchens with high humidity.

If you If you love the close, cozy beauty of wood and want a variety of choices in style and price, industrial wood kitchen cabinets will meet your needs.Industrial wood with Melamine, Laminate or Veneer surface has high aesthetics and ensures effective scratch and termite resistance.

You need to consider carefully based on your family's specific needs and conditions to make the most appropriate choice.

Common Questions About Kitchen Cabinet Materials

1. Should we use natural wood kitchen cabinets instead of industrial wood?

Yes, if you can afford it and want a luxurious kitchen space.

Natural wood has a luxurious beauty, high durability but is very expensive. Meanwhile, industrial wood with modern production technology has the ability to recreate delicate natural wood grain, stable durability and much more reasonable price. Therefore, industrial wood kitchen cabinets are the optimal choice if you want to save costs.

2. How to preserve plastic and industrial wood kitchen cabinets to always be durable and beautiful?

To preserve the kitchen cabinets, clean them regularly with a soft cloth, avoid leaving water on the surface. Do not use strong, corrosive detergents. Avoid exposing the kitchen cabinets to high temperatures and direct sunlight for long periods of time. Regularly check and promptly handle damage such as peeling and warping.

3. Which type of industrial wood kitchen cabinet is the best?

Kitchen cabinets made from moisture-proof MDF (green type) are considered the best with high water resistance and anti-warping ability. The surface is covered with Laminate, Acrylic or Veneer which also contributes to increasing the durability and aesthetics of the kitchen cabinets. Some reputable industrial wood brands include An Cuong, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, etc.

4. Why is MDF industrial wood popular in kitchen cabinet production?

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is a medium density plywood, with a smooth, flat surface, few defects, easy to process. Moisture-proof MDF is highly resistant to water and termites, suitable for the hot and humid climate of Vietnam. Moreover, the price of MDF is much cheaper than natural wood, suitable for most family budgets.

5. Should I use PVC plastic kitchen cabinets?

Yes, if your budget is limited.

PVC plastic kitchen cabinets are cheap and come in a variety of colors, but their durability and heat resistance are worse than Picomat plastic. PVC can also turn yellow over time and have an unpleasant plastic smell. Therefore, PVC kitchen cabinets are often suitable for the low-income segment, people with limited budgets.

6. What to do when industrial wood kitchen cabinets are warped or infested with termites?

If you find that your kitchen cabinets are warped or have termites, you need to treat them immediately to avoid spreading and serious damage:

• Remove damaged wood and assess extent of damage.
• Use an industrial dryer or exhaust fan to dry the damp wood.
• Treat insects and termites (if any) with specialized medicine.
• Replace irreparable wood parts with new wood.
• Repaint the surface, reassemble the kitchen cabinets and check for sturdiness.
• If the cabinet is too badly damaged, it is best to replace the entire kitchen cabinet.

7. How to choose good quality kitchen cabinets at reasonable prices?

To choose high quality kitchen cabinets at affordable prices, you should:

• Clearly define usage needs, size, and appropriate design style.
• Refer to reputable brands with many positive reviews from customers.
• Choose the material that suits your environment and budget.
• Carefully check the cabinet surface, accessories, slide rails, and hinges for defects.
• Avoid choosing low quality, easily damaged products because of cheap prices.
• Compare prices from multiple suppliers, choose the average price.
• Prioritize products with long-term warranty and good after-sales policy.

8. Should I buy ready-made kitchen cabinets or order custom-made kitchen cabinets?

If you need to install kitchen cabinets urgently, have a limited budget and are not too strict about the design, then ready-made kitchen cabinets are the right choice. If you want a unique, high-end kitchen space, are willing to pay more and have time to wait, then you should order custom-made kitchen cabinets.

Ready-made or custom-made kitchen cabinets both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the needs, customers can consider the advantages and disadvantages to buy ready-made or custom-made.

Ready-made or custom-made kitchen cabinets both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the needs, customers can consider the advantages and disadvantages to buy ready-made or custom-made. 

9. Which unit supplies and manufactures quality, cheap, professional kitchen cabinets in HCM?

SmartDecor is a unit specializing in providing and manufacturing quality, low-cost kitchen cabinets in Ho Chi Minh City. With many years of experience in the field of interior design,  SmartDecor has affirmed its prestigious brand and is trusted and chosen by many customers.

Reasons you should choose SmartDecor kitchen cabinets:

• High product quality thanks to proactive materials, direct production at the factory, ensuring durability, beauty and safety.
• Reasonable price with modern production process, no intermediaries.
• Diverse models of modern, luxurious kitchen cabinets, suitable for every kitchen space.
• Professional service, enthusiastic and thoughtful consulting staff, always ready to support customers in choosing the kitchen cabinet that best suits their needs and preferences.
• Prestigious warranty of over 12 months for all kitchen cabinet products, ensuring customer benefits.

In addition, SmartDecor also provides complete kitchen cabinet and furniture design and construction services, helping customers save time and effort. Refer to some beautiful kitchen cabinet model that SmartDecor has constructed.

With the above outstanding advantages, SmartDecor is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a professional supplier and manufacturer of quality, good-priced kitchen cabinets in the Southern region.

Contact with SmartDecor to experience professional service and own beautiful, luxurious and convenient kitchen cabinets for your kitchen space!

Hopefully with the above information, you will choose the right and satisfactory kitchen cabinet material.