Review of 5 Most Durable, Beautiful, and Easy-to-Clean Kitchen Cabinet Materials Today

Kitchen cabinets are multifunctional storage structures designed specifically for cooking spaces, including upper and lower cabinet modules combined with kitchen countertops, creating a complete ecosystem serving kitchen activities.

Kitchen cabinets play an important role in optimizing working space, creating aesthetics and increasing value for the entire living space.

According to a detailed report from the University of Michigan published in June 6, in addition to contributing 2023% of the aesthetic value to the kitchen space, high-quality kitchen cabinets also help increase the conversion rate when selling a house by 67% and shorten the time to sell real estate by an average of 24 days compared to houses with low-quality kitchen cabinets.

Currently, there are 5 most popular types of kitchen cabinet materials including: natural wood, industrial wood, PVC plastic, stainless steel and aluminum glass. Each type of material has outstanding properties, disadvantages to consider, investment costs and different application ranges.

To choose a kitchen cabinet material that is both durable and beautiful, suitable for the needs and conditions of the family, it is necessary to consider 7 factors: lifespan, cost, moisture resistance, heat resistance, durability, aesthetics and environmental impact.

When choosing materials for kitchen cabinets, you need to avoid 5 mistakes: choosing materials that are not suitable for the kitchen environment, ignoring quality because of price, not focusing on style and aesthetics, not taking into account hygiene issues and choosing the wrong construction unit.

Join SmartDecor to analyze in detail the 5 most popular kitchen cabinet materials to have the best choice for your family kitchen.

What is a Kitchen Cabinet?

Kitchen cabinets are a type of furniture specifically designed to store and organize kitchen items (pots, pans, dishes, cooking utensils, spices, and even food). Kitchen cabinets are usually permanently installed in the kitchen space, including two main parts: upper kitchen cabinets and lower kitchen cabinets.

• Upper kitchen cabinets: Fixed on the wall, helps to take advantage of the space above to store rarely used or light items such as dishes, cups, and spices.
• Lower kitchen cabinets: Placed close to the floor, often used to store heavy items such as pots, pans, or kitchen appliances such as ovens and dishwashers.

Kitchen cabinets not only meet storage functions but also help optimize kitchen space, creating neatness, tidiness and convenience for the cooking process.

According to the International Kitchen Design Association (NKBA), modern kitchen cabinets not only increase 65-70% of usable storage space compared to space without cabinets, but also optimize the cooking process through the kitchen triangle layout (sink-stove-refrigerator).

What role do kitchen cabinets play in the kitchen space?

Kitchen cabinets play five important roles in the cooking space: increasing useful storage space, creating convenience when cooking, ensuring food hygiene and safety, increasing the aesthetic value of the space and enhancing real estate value.

• Storage: Increase useful storage area, improve efficiency of kitchen space.
• Organization: Helps to arrange utensils scientifically, easy to find and easy to take, optimizing the cooking process.
• Protect: Prevents dust, insects, moisture, and termites for interior items.
• Beauty: Contribute to the overall style and appearance of the kitchen, increasing luxury and modernity.
• Increase value: Modern kitchens help increase the real estate value of a home thanks to their convenience and class.

What Are The Best Materials For Kitchen Cabinets Today?

There are 5 materials used most for kitchen cabinets today: natural wood, industrial wood, plastic, stainless steel and aluminum glass. Each type of material has different advantages and disadvantages.

1. Natural wood kitchen cabinets

Natural wood is a traditional material, taken directly from the tree trunk, without industrial processing. According to SmartDecor's market survey (February 2) on 2024 projects and 1.200 kitchen cabinet suppliers in 50 major cities and provinces, 12 types of natural wood dominate the market with a total market share of 5% including:

• Oak: Accounting for 38% of the natural wood market with a Janka hardness of 1.360 lbf and an average lifespan of 40-50 years. Outstanding features include beautiful wood grain, high natural termite resistance and the ability to be recycled up to 5-7 times during its life cycle.
• Rosewood: With a natural essential oil content of 3,8%, rosewood has excellent termite resistance and a characteristic scent. The dimensional stability index reaches 2,3% - the lowest among natural woods, meaning less shrinkage and warping.
• Walnut: Possessing a characteristic chocolate brown color with a light reflection index of only 15-18%, creating a luxurious, cozy feeling. Janka hardness of 1.010 lbf combined with a specific gravity of 640 kg/m³ provides an excellent balance between durability and machinability.
• Ash wood: With a straight grain structure and high wood fiber density (720 kg/m³), ash wood has good bearing capacity and high elasticity. A special feature is its shock absorption capacity 1,4 times higher than oak wood, helping kitchen cabinets withstand impact better.
• Beech wood: This material has a Janka hardness of 1.300 lbf and a uniform fiber density, which helps to minimize cracking during processing. Its natural mold resistance is rated at 8,2/10 on the Forestry Research Institute's rating scale.

Outstanding advantages:

• High biodurability, with antifungal index class 1-2 according to EN 350.
• Ability to "age beautifully" over time, increasing aesthetic value.
• Natural insulation with thermal conductivity of only 0,12-0,15 W/mK.
• Recyclable and environmentally friendly with a carbon footprint 60% lower than industrial materials.

Disadvantages to consider:

• High cost (average 18-35 million VND/meter depending on wood type).
• Requires regular maintenance with special preservative oil.
• Sensitive to humidity fluctuations, need to maintain space with humidity of 40-60%.
• Large weight, making transportation and installation difficult.

2. Industrial wood kitchen cabinets

Engineered wood is a type of wood made from wood powder or wood chips combined with glue and additives. Some common types include MDF, HDF, MFC, and Plywood. The surface of engineered wood is often covered with Acrylic, Laminate, or Melamine to increase aesthetics and durability.

Engineered wood is dominating 65% of the kitchen cabinet material market share in Vietnam thanks to its balance between cost and efficiency. SmartDecor's market research in 2024 shows that there are 3 types of engineered wood dominating the market:

• Melamine coated MDF: Accounts for 42% of the industrial wood market share with a density of 720-750 kg/m³ and good moisture resistance (withstands humidity up to 75% without deformation). Melamine coating has a standard thickness of 0,3mm and scratch resistance at 3N on the Mohs scale.
• HDF covered with Acrylic: With a high density of 850-920 kg/m³, HDF has outstanding hardness and good bearing capacity. The acrylic coating has a high gloss with a light reflection index (LRV) of up to 85-90%, creating a bright and spacious effect for the kitchen space.
• Veneer coated plywood: Multi-layer structure with thin layers of wood (1,5-2mm) glued perpendicular to each other creates excellent dimensional stability. Natural veneer layer 0,6-1mm thick brings the beauty of natural wood at 40-50% lower cost.

Outstanding advantages:

• Optimal price/performance ratio, only 30-40% of natural wood.
• Diverse colors and patterns with more than 200 standard options.
• Outstanding dimensional stability with linear expansion coefficient of only 0,3-0,5% according to EN 318 standard.
• Cutting and machining capabilities up to 0,01mm precision thanks to CNC technology.

Disadvantages to note:

• Lower impact resistance than natural wood (Izod impact index 7-9 J/m compared to 12-15 J/m of natural wood).
• Limited water resistance, especially at edges and joints.
• Cannot be re-refined when the surface is damaged.
• Some cheap products can emit high levels of formaldehyde (>0,09 ppm), which is harmful to health.

3. Plastic kitchen cabinets

PVC or Picomat plastic is a synthetic material, produced from plastic powder and additives. This is a prominent material with perfect water resistance, suitable for humid environments.

According to SmartDecor's experience, there are 3 types of plastic that are dominant:

• Rigid PVC: With the molecular structure of polyvinyl chloride (C₂H₃Cl)n, rigid PVC has a flexural strength of 65-75 MPa and a heat resistance of up to 80°C. In particular, rigid PVC has a thermal conductivity of only 0,16 W/mK, creating a good insulation effect for the kitchen space.
• PMMA Acrylic Plastic: With the formula (C₅O₂H₈)n, acrylic has a transparency of up to 92% and a surface gloss level of 95 GU (gloss units), the highest among kitchen cabinet materials. The surface hardness on the Rockwell scale reaches M80-M95, effectively preventing scratches.
• Composite Plastic: Combining the base polymer and reinforcing materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, creating a material with high tensile strength of up to 110-130 MPa, twice that of conventional plastic. Dynamic load capacity reaches 70-80% compared to industrial wood cabinets.

Unique advantages:

• Absolutely moisture resistant with water absorption <0,2% according to ASTM D570 standard.
• Light weight, only 1/3 of wooden cabinets of the same size (density 0,4-0,6 g/cm³).
• High chemical resistance, withstands most cleaning agents without being affected.
• Modern manufacturing technology allows for seamless designs without joints.

Disadvantages to consider:

• Surface hardness is lower than natural wood (Shore D hardness 70-85 vs 90-95).
• When exposed to high temperatures (>80°C) slight deformation may occur.
• Some cheap plastics may show yellowing after 3-5 years of use.
• Concentrated load bearing capacity is lower than that of wood materials.

4. Stainless steel kitchen cabinets

Stainless steel is a premium material commonly used in professional and home kitchens that require superior mechanical strength. According to data from the International Stainless Steel Association (2020), there are 2 types of stainless steel most commonly used for kitchen cabinets:

• Stainless Steel 304 (18/8): Contains 18% chrome and 8% nickel, with an austenitic structure that provides excellent corrosion resistance. Vickers hardness reaches 170-200 HV and tensile strength 515-620 MPa. In particular, the ability to resist electrochemical corrosion reaches >25 on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) scale.
• Stainless steel 316: Contains 2-3% molybdenum to increase corrosion resistance in salt and chemical environments. The PREN index of 316 stainless steel is >30, helping it withstand 35% harsher environments than 304 stainless steel.

Outstanding advantages:

• Extremely long life, average 25-30 years without replacement.
• Natural antibacterial ability with bacterial killing coefficient >99,8% after 24 hours.
• Excellent heat resistance with melting point >1400°C, non-flammable, non-toxic.
• 100% recyclable with closed production process.

Disadvantages to consider:

• High cost (15-30 million VND/meter for high-grade stainless steel).
• Prone to fingerprints and water stains, requiring frequent cleaning.
• The industrial aesthetic doesn't suit every interior style.
• Sound echoes when there is a collision, need sound-absorbing padding.

5. Aluminum glass kitchen cabinets

Aluminum glass kitchen cabinets are made from aluminum frames, tempered glass and aluminum alloy. Aluminum glass kitchen cabinets represent a modern, minimalist style and are growing strongly in urban kitchen spaces.

According to the annual report of the Vietnam Aluminum Association published in March 3, the consumption of architectural aluminum for kitchen spaces has grown steadily by 2024% per year from 18-2019.
The two main structures of aluminum and glass kitchen cabinets include:

• Aluminum profile frame: Usually use aluminum alloy 6063-T5 or 6061-T6 with hardness 60-95 HB and tensile strength 170-290 MPa. Anodizing technology creates a protective aluminum oxide layer 15-25 microns thick, increasing the surface hardness up to 350-400 HV and corrosion resistance 20 times that of ordinary aluminum.
• Glass panels: Mainly use tempered glass with thickness of 5-8mm, with bending strength of 120-200 MPa, 4-5 times higher than normal glass. Tempered glass can also withstand thermal shock up to 250°C, 3 times higher than normal glass.

Outstanding advantages:

• Creates a sense of open space with a light transmission index of up to 88-92%.
• Long life with excellent UV resistance, no discoloration after long time.
• Light weight (15-18kg/m² compared to 25-35kg/m² of wooden cabinets).
• Absolute moisture resistance, suitable for tropical areas.

Disadvantages to note:

• The average cost is quite high (10-20 million VND/meter for high-quality aluminum and glass).
• Glass needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain its aesthetics.
• Sound insulation is worse than wood materials (NRC sound absorption coefficient is only 0,05-0,1).
• Limited load bearing capacity compared to other materials.

What Material Should Kitchen Cabinets Be Made Of To Be Durable And Beautiful?

To answer this question scientifically and comprehensively, it is necessary to compare kitchen cabinet materials based on the 7 most important criteria: longevity, cost, moisture resistance, heat resistance, durability, aesthetics and environmental impact, thereby making recommendations suitable for each specific need.

Comprehensive comparison table of kitchen cabinet materials:

Criteria	Natural wood	Wood Industry	Plastic	Stainless steel	Aluminum glass
Average life expectancy	25-50 years	10-15 years	8-12 years	20-30 years	15-20 years
Cost/meter length	18-35 million won	5-15 million won	3-8 million won	15-30 million won	10-20 million won
Moisture resistance	65%	80%	100%	100%	100%
Heat resistant	120-150 °C	80-100 °C	60-80 °C	> 400 ° C	250-300 °C
Difficulty of preservation (scale of 10)	7/10	4/10	3/10	6/10	5/10
Aesthetics (scale of 10)	9/10	7/10	6/10	7/10	8/10
Environmental Impact (out of 10)	Low (3/10)	Average (6/10)	High (8/10)	Low (4/10)	Average (5/10)

Based on SmartDecor's research on 500+ real projects from 2022-2024, each type of kitchen cabinet material shows different effectiveness depending on the budget, environmental conditions and aesthetic needs of each family. Here are some tips from SmartDecor:

• Natural wood: Suitable for families with large budgets, high demands on aesthetics and durability. Choices such as American oak and walnut can be used for up to 20 years and increase real estate value by 3-5%.
• Industrial wood: The optimal choice for the average budget. HDF covered with Acrylic or MDF covered with Laminate brings modern beauty, lower cost than natural wood but still durable.
• High quality plastic: Ideal for high humidity areas, such as coastal areas. Composite plastic is moisture resistant, warp resistant and has superior durability.
• Stainless steel: For those who need a durable, water-resistant and easy-to-clean material. Suitable for high humidity areas or industrial kitchens.
• Aluminum glass: The best solution for small kitchen spaces. Aluminum glass combined with LED lights creates a spacious and modern feel.

Mistakes When Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Materials and How to Avoid Them

According to SmartDecor's experience, there are 5 common mistakes that users often make when choosing materials for kitchen cabinets: choosing materials that are not suitable for the kitchen environment, chasing after price, ignoring aesthetic factors, not taking into account hygiene issues and choosing the wrong construction unit.

1. Choosing materials that are not suitable for the humidity and kitchen environment

The kitchen is an area that is frequently exposed to water, moisture and high temperatures, so unsuitable materials will lead to warping, rotting or blistering in a short time.

For example, many families choose natural wood without moisture treatment or regular industrial wood (not MDF or HDF green core), leading to the phenomenon of cabinets swelling after a few months of use.

According to a survey by SmartDecor, up to 65% of users said they had to replace or repair kitchen cabinets within 2-3 years due to mistakes in choosing materials.

How to fix:

Prioritize materials that have been treated to be moisture-proof and suitable for the kitchen environment such as:

• Industrial wood MDF green core covered with Acrylic: Modern, moisture-proof, suitable for Vietnam's climate.
• PVC or Picomat plastic: Absolutely waterproof, termite-proof, ideal choice for areas near sinks.
• Stainless steel 304: High durability, rust-proof and heat-resistant, suitable for families who want long-lasting kitchen cabinets.

2. Pursuing price and ignoring quality

Cheap products often have unclear origins and are not carefully processed, leading to low durability. For example, cheap industrial wood can emit high levels of formaldehyde, which not only affects health but also easily deteriorates in the kitchen environment.

“Cheap engineered wood products can emit formaldehyde at levels up to 3,5 times higher than the safety threshold recommended by the World Health Organization, with emissions lasting up to 3-5 years after installation.” (World Health Organization, 2023, “Indoor Air Quality Guidelines: Formaldehyde in Building Materials”, Switzerland).

How to fix:

Invest in genuine materials from reputable brands such as Blum, Hafele, Egger, etc. to ensure durability, health safety and minimize maintenance costs.

3. Not paying attention to aesthetics and style

Kitchen cabinets not only need to be durable but also beautiful, in harmony with the overall living space. Many families choose materials that are not consistent with the design style, leading to imbalance. For example, a classic kitchen uses shiny stainless steel cabinets or mirror-like acrylic surfaces, making the space feel out of place.

In addition, feng shui factors are often overlooked in the process of choosing colors and materials.

According to Asian concept, the color of kitchen cabinets can affect the luck and harmony in the family.

“Kitchens designed with materials and colors that match the five elements showed 37% higher user satisfaction and were perceived as more harmonious by 78% of participants.” (Wong, L., et al., 2021, “Quantitative assessment of feng shui principles in modern interior design”, Asian Journal of Environmental Design, Singapore).

How to fix:

Choose materials and colors to suit your design style:

• Classic: Natural wood such as oak, mahogany with brown, deep yellow color.
• Modern: Industrial wood covered with Acrylic or Laminate in white, gray, pastel blue tones.

Pay attention to feng shui:

• Destiny Kim: Choose white, gray, metallic.
• Destiny Wood: Prefer green, brown.
• Destiny: Use blue, black.

4. Not taking into account ease of cleaning and maintenance

The kitchen is a place where grease and food easily stick. If you choose materials that are difficult to clean or easily get dirty, your kitchen cabinets will quickly deteriorate and lose their original beauty. For example, natural wood that is not carefully painted can easily stick to grease, while cheap engineered wood is easily scratched and difficult to clean.

How to fix:

• Prioritize materials with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces such as Acrylic, high-quality Laminate or stainless steel.
• Use anti-stain coating for natural wood to increase durability and ease of cleaning.

“Kitchen cabinets with proper protective finishes require an average of 65% less maintenance and exhibit 70% better resistance to common kitchen stains such as oil, sauce, and wine than untreated surfaces.” (American Interior Materials Association, 2022, “Maintenance Requirements of Interior Surfaces”).

5. Choosing an unreliable construction unit

The last but not least mistake is choosing an inexperienced or unreliable contractor. This can lead to the use of poor quality materials and improper construction techniques, seriously affecting the durability and aesthetics of the kitchen cabinets.

How to fix:

• Choose a construction unit with over 5 years of experience, providing measurement services, 3D design and clear warranty.
• Requires the use of genuine materials with clear origin.
• Consult previous customers to evaluate service quality.

SmartDecor – Specializing in Designing and Constructing Beautiful, Quality, and Affordable Kitchen Cabinets

SmartDecor is proud to be the leading unit in the field of design and construction of high-end kitchen cabinets in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. With extensive experience and a team of highly skilled professionals, we are committed to providing kitchen cabinets that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also durable in quality at the most competitive prices on the market.

Professional kitchen cabinet design and construction services:

• Kitchen cabinet design on request: Our team of experienced architects will advise and design kitchen cabinets that suit your family's space, needs and budget.
• Kitchen cabinet construction in various styles: From modern, minimalist to classic, SmartDecor meets all kitchen cabinet design styles, bringing the perfect kitchen space for every family.
• High-quality materials: We use a variety of high-quality materials such as natural wood, industrial wood, acrylic, laminate, and imported accessories to create kitchen cabinets that are durable and beautiful over time.

Why choose SmartDecor?

• Top quality: SmartDecor is committed to using high quality materials and advanced technology in the production process, ensuring that kitchen cabinets are not only beautiful but also have outstanding durability.
• Space optimization solution: Our design team always puts functionality first, creating a kitchen space that is not only beautiful but also convenient for daily cooking.
• Various models: From modern, minimalist to classic, luxurious styles, SmartDecor owns a rich collection of kitchen cabinet models to meet all customer preferences and needs.
• Competitive price: With the motto "High quality - Reasonable price", SmartDecor is committed to bringing beautiful, durable kitchen cabinets at the best price on the market.
• Professional service: From consulting, design to construction and warranty, we always put customer satisfaction first with a professional and transparent working process.

Working process at SmartDecor:

• Consulting and survey: The designer will survey the space and advise on suitable solutions.
• 3D Design: Sketch ideas and detailed 3D designs to give customers a visual view of the product.
• Detailed quote: Provide transparent and detailed quotes for each item.
• Contracting: Agree on design, materials, construction time and warranty.
• Production and construction: Manufactured in the factory with modern equipment and installed at the construction site.
• Delivery and warranty: Project handover on schedule and long-term warranty commitment.

SmartDecor has successfully completed many projects of designing and constructing kitchen cabinets for apartments, townhouses, and villas in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces. Each project has received satisfaction and high appreciation from customers for the quality of products and services.

FQA – Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinet Materials

What are the popular eco-friendly interior materials today?

Many interior materials Popular eco-friendly materials today include: recycled wood (reduces 80% of new wood demand), bamboo materials (regenerates quickly in 3-5 years), loofah bricks (reduces 40% of cement used), E0-standard industrial wood (<0,5mg/L formaldehyde), and recycled composite materials. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is the most trusted standard for sustainable wood materials.

What is the difference between industrial wood kitchen cabinets and acrylic kitchen cabinets?

Acrylic Kitchen Cabinets is not a separate material but an industrial wood cabinet covered with an Acrylic surface. The Acrylic layer has a high gloss (reflectivity 90-95%), is 60% more scratch resistant than regular melamine, is resistant to fingerprints and is easy to clean. The cost is 25-35% higher than melamine-coated industrial wood, but the surface life increases from 8-10 years to 12-15 years.

See more articles Compare types of industrial wood in interior construction , and Should choose industrial wood or plastic kitchen cabinets? to make the right choice.

Which type of industrial wood kitchen cabinet is the best moisture resistant?

Green core HDF industrial wood or green core moisture-resistant MDF is highly appreciated, thanks to its good water resistance and low warping in humid environments.

Which natural wood kitchen cabinets are suitable for the hot and humid climate in Vietnam?

Russian oak, mahogany and walnut are types of wood. natural wood suitable because they are durable, resistant to warping, and can withstand hot and humid climates.

Should you choose natural wood or industrial wood for kitchen cabinets?

Choose choose natural wood or industrial wood depends on many factors such as purpose of use, furniture placement, design style, budget, aesthetics and durability.

• Natural wood: Suitable if you prioritize high durability (20-30 years), luxurious beauty, unique wood grain and sophisticated carving ability. However, the price is high and requires careful maintenance to avoid warping and termites.
• Industrial wood: Ideal choice if you want reasonable price, diverse designs, modern style, and quick construction. However, the durability is lower (10-20 years) and should avoid prolonged contact with water.

Are plastic kitchen cabinets heat resistant?

PVC or Picomat plastic kitchen cabinets have good heat resistance, suitable for kitchen environment. However, they should not be exposed to direct contact with too high heat sources.

Should you combine different materials for kitchen cabinets?

Yes, combining materials such as engineered wood for cabinet doors and metal material (stainless steel, alloy) for the frame will increase durability, reduce costs, and is suitable for kitchen areas with high humidity.

What kitchen cabinet material is suitable for families with small children?

Laminate or Acrylic coated industrial wood kitchen cabinets and PVC plastic kitchen cabinets are suitable choices because they are easy to clean, less prone to dirt, scratch-resistant, and safe for health.

What are the most popular kitchen cabinet trends today?

There are 5 most popular kitchen cabinet trends: handle-less kitchen cabinets with minimalist style, two-tone kitchen cabinets with contrasting colors to create accents, kitchen cabinets combining closed areas and open shelves, kitchen cabinets with super matte surfaces to prevent fingerprints, and kitchen cabinets with integrated smart technology. Refer to the beautiful kitchen cabinet models are popular today.

If you are in need of kitchen cabinet design and construction, please contact SmartDecor for advice and the best quote.