Best Materials & Finishes for Bathroom Cabinets
Find out which base material, surface finish and countertop material is best suited for your bathroom cabinet
Most of our bathrooms incorporate small utility cabinets that are used for storing bathroom linen, bathroom essentials and toiletries. These cabinets need to be sturdy, because they are subjected to water splashes, steam and dripping lotions on a daily basis. Hence, for hassle-free maintenance, it is essential to choose the right base material, surface finish and countertop material for these bathroom cabinets. Here is a guide to the most popular materials that can be used for your bathroom cabinets.
1. What are the different kinds of bathroom cabinets?
- The most common bathroom cabinets are constructed below the bathroom countertop, where the bathroom cabinets are a combination of drawers and shutters.
- In case the bathroom has a pedestal sink, then the cabinet is installed just above the sink. This kind of cabinet comprises a front mirror and has a depth of 6–8 inches, which is just enough for storing bathroom essentials and toiletries.
- Bathroom cabinets are also installed in the form of standalone wall-mounted cabinets or floor cabinets.
2. What are the basic criteria for selecting the materials for bathroom cabinets?
- The bathroom is a moisture-laden area. Hence, all the bathroom cabinet materials should be resistant to moisture and humidity.
- Additionally, the bathroom cabinet materials should be strong enough to take the weight of stone countertop materials such as marble, granite or quartz.
3. What is the best material for bathroom cabinets?
- Go for a waterproof plywood for fabricating the basic framework of the cabinet. It is the best choice because the material is very stable and highly resistant to moisture.
- Avoid materials like MDF (medium density fibre). MDF is not resistant to humidity and moisture.
- Some homeowners prefer solid wood, but the material is not suitable for the bathrooms: solid wood has the tendency to expand and contract in the presence of humidity and moisture.
- Do not go for ready-made bathroom cabinets in particle board. This material not only sags under the weight of natural stone countertops but also has the tendency to break down in the presence of water or steam.
- You can even opt for readymade PVC cabinets. They are very cost effective but should be only used for rented apartments or in the short term, as PVC is not very durable and may sag over time.
4. Which material is best suited for the surface finish of the bathroom cabinets?
- Laminate is the best option for bathroom cabinets because it is highly stain- and water-resistant. However, it is advisable to go for matte-finish laminates – smudges, scratches and stains are less visible on a matte finish than on a gloss finish
- Avoid wood veneers for bathroom cabinets; they are more delicate than laminate and require regular maintenance.
- You can also fabricate the basic structure of the bathroom cabinet in plywood and go for glass shutters. Glass gives a modern look and brings in an element of lightness within the bathroom.
- An affordable way to finish the bathroom cabinets is with latex- or oil-based paint and primers. It is better to go for latex paints, because they release less VOCs than oil-based paints.
5. What’s the best material for the cabinet countertop?
- Granite is one of the best materials for the countertop, as it imparts a sleek and classy look. Granite is low on maintenance and available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
- Marble is an expensive countertop material that looks elegant thanks to its natural veins. The major drawback of using marble is that it is prone to stains and scratches, so you will need to make sure to seal the marble countertop properly.
- For an offbeat look, some homeowners use porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles or glass mosaic on the bathroom countertop. This might not be the best idea: it might be difficult to keep the grout lines thoroughly clean and this might result in the growth of mould or mildew as time goes on.
- You can also consider solid surface for the bathroom countertop, as in this example. Solid surface is available in a wide range of colours and patterns. It is made with crushed stone materials and acrylic resins that can be thermoformed into any shape.It can easily be sanded or buffed for minor scratches, but can get damaged by heavy objects dropping on it or exposure to intense heat.
Read more:
Standard Height for Counters, Tables, Shelves, Lights and More
How to Design Your Dream Bathroom
Tell us:
Which material combination have you used for your bathroom cabinet? Share in the Comments section below.
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