The kitchen is the heart of homes, and it is also where family members can unite to create food, bake, drink tea or coffee. The kitchen has become a place for cooking and nowadays the focal point of the house.
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most essential elements in any home that homeowners choose based on their style preferences. Many types of cabinets can be used for the kitchen, but PVC cabinets are becoming a popular choice due to their cost-effectiveness and durability. This blog post will discuss the pros and cons of PVC kitchen cabinets.
What is Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
PVC is an acronym that stands for polyvinyl chloride, which means these types of cabinets are made out of plastic. This type of plastic, like particleboard and MDF (medium-density fiberboard), consists of wood fibers and plastic combined with heat and pressure to form a composite material. The composite material is then cut into panels and made into cabinets using traditional woodworking tools such as saws and drills.
Wood-like PVC kitchen cabinets are cheaper than other cabinet materials, yet they stand up well against wear and tear. They can also be stained or painted by homeowners looking to match their existing décor schemes with ease. The surface has a similar feel to wood because it’s textured; however, the main structure of the cabinet is still plastic.
PVC cabinets are a popular choice with homeowners looking to update their kitchen for a reasonable price. PVC is one of the sturdiest materials in the cabinet industry; however, some possible cons come along with these benefits. Let us take a look at the pros and cons of PVC kitchen cabinets:
Pros of PVC Kitchen Cabinets
PVC is one of the most popular types of cabinet material for modular kitchens, and here’s why:
Cost-Effective
One of the biggest benefits of choosing PVC is that it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other types of cabinet materials. PVC kitchen cabinets are more affordable than solid wood, laminate, or metal gear. Since PVC is not as expensive as some other options, homeowners looking to make a budget-friendly purchase don’t have to make many sacrifices when it comes to their dream kitchen design.
Durable
Since PVC is a type of plastic, it’s very durable and strong. They can stand up to wear and tear from daily use as well as moisture from cooking spills. In addition, PVC has high impact resistance properties which make them durable in the face of day-to-day use.
Easy Maintenance
PVC kitchen cabinets don’t require a lot of maintenance because the material does not absorb water or moisture as solid wood or laminate would. The smooth surface cleans easily with soap and warm water – no abrasive cleaners are needed. PVC kitchen cabinets are also versatile in that homeowners can choose to paint or stain them if they want to match their existing décor and furniture schemes.
Termite-resistant
One of the great things about PVC cabinets is that they are termite-resistant, which means you won’t have little ants crawling around in your kitchen! That’s another benefit if you are looking to update your kitchen on a budget because it saves money on pest control services in the process.
Easy to install
PVC kitchen cabinets are easy to install because they are lightweight, unlike solid wood or laminate cabinets. PVC is also dimensionally stable with a high level of dimensional accuracy which means you can expect your cabinet doors and drawers to be flat and true after installation.
Cons of PVC Kitchen Cabinets
While there are many pros to choosing PVC for custom or modular kitchen cabinets, there are also some possible negatives:
May warp with high heat
Polyvinyl chloride reacts poorly when exposed to high levels of heat. This doesn’t mean homeowners can’t use their range hoods and ovens; however, exposure may cause structural damage that could eventually result in cabinet warping over time. PVC kitchen cabinets are not appropriate in humid climates or in kitchens with bathrooms attached because humidity will speed up the deterioration of the material.
Susceptible to staining
PVC is susceptible to staining, so homeowners should take extra care when cleaning the kitchen cabinets. It’s best to avoid using abrasive cleansers on their PVC kitchen cabinets because this can damage the material and cause minor scratches, making it more noticeable for dirt to accumulate in these areas.
Loosening Hardware
PVC kitchen cabinets have a tendency to lose their hardware over time – knobs and pulls will eventually loosen up. PVC boards have a low holding power compared to other materials such as solid wood. The force applied by a screw is not held well in PVC boards. As a result, homeowners may need to make some adjustments down the road as the screws loosen over time and with continued use. This is one of the biggest disadvantages to PVC cabinets because it may cause homeowners to replace them more frequently.
Not scratch-resistant
Scratching is another problem homeowners may run into with PVC kitchen cabinets because the material dulls easily. Scratches can be challenging to get rid of, so homeowners should take extra care when placing appliances and other handles on the cabinets. Avoiding sharp objects that can scratch the surface is a good rule of thumb when it comes to PVC kitchen cabinets.
Limited Design Choices
Another disadvantage to PVC kitchen cabinets is that many design choices are not available. The surface is smooth and glossy, limiting the types of designs available – homeowners will only be able to choose from a few different colors and patterns. There are very few decorative fixtures available for PVC kitchen cabinets, so that homeowners will be restricted to modern or contemporary designs.
Cost of installing PVC Kitchen Cabinets vs. Solid wood or laminate
Homeowners may wonder if there’s a huge price difference in the installation costs for PVC kitchen cabinets compared to solid wood or laminate. The material is lower in cost, but homeowners should factor in the labor and materials needed for installation. Solid wood and laminate cabinets may be higher in terms of the initial purchase price, but homeowners will spend less time and money on maintenance – solid wood and laminate kitchen cabinets require little to no maintenance over time which is why they are long-lasting options.
Homeowners who want cabinets that are easy to install with little maintenance should give PVC kitchen cabinets a chance. The material is lightweight, flat, and true, which means the installation process will be smooth without any bumps or obstacles. However, homeowners should keep in mind that some disadvantages are associated with these types of cabinets, including staining, loosening hardware, limited design choices, and not being scratch-resistant.
If you love to DIY, have the right tools, and are good at following directions, PVC kitchen cabinets are an excellent option for homeowners who want an inexpensive alternative.
Summary
PVC kitchen cabinets are more affordable than solid wood or laminate options, so they are a popular choice for homeowners. However, some disadvantages come with choosing this type of material. If you’re prepared to deal with these issues, PVC kitchen cabinets are a good option for your home.
Kitchen Cabinets in Mesa, Arizona
C4L Cabinetry is a cabinet store that sells kitchen cabinets in Mesa, Arizona. Our selection of products includes solid wood cabinets and laminate kitchen cabinets, as well as PVC kitchen cabinets. We offer free quotes for all of our clients, so contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our helpful representatives who will come out to your home or office to discuss options for your new cabinets.
