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Cabinets affect the design of your kitchen and bring comfort to your house. On average, kitchen cabinets last for about 10 – 25 years. High-quality cabinetry will last much longer.

It’s incredibly important to select kitchen cabinets with durability in mind. The cabinetry of your choice has to be fingerprint-resistant, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and water-resistant.

Today, we are going to dig deeper into the factors that have a huge impact on the durability of the kitchen cabinetry. And of course, you should pay close attention to these factors when picking cabinets for your kitchen.

Material

Material is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting kitchen cabinetry. Material affects the look and feel of cabinets in your kitchen. There is a direct link between the durability of kitchen cabinets and their materials.

You have to select the best kitchen cabinet materials. Medium-density fiberboard, high-density fiberboard, solid wood, and plywood are the most durable materials that are used in kitchen cabinetry.

MDF is a versatile and budget-friendly option, though it is generally less durable than plywood or solid wood. It allows for smooth finishes and a modern appearance, making it suitable for painted cabinetry. It is resistant to wear and tear.

Compared to medium-density fiberboard, high-density fiberboard is a more durable solution. The material offers strength and high resistance to moisture and heat. It doesn’t wear and tear. However, HDF is more expensive than MDF.  

Plywood is another durable material that’s used for manufacturing kitchen cabinetry. The material makes cabinets strong.

Melamine-faced chipboard is another good option. MFC offers moisture resistance and design variety, though it’s less durable than plywood or HDF. MFC kitchen cabinets come in a vast variety of colors, finishes, and textures and give homeowners plenty of room for kitchen optimization.      

Finish

Finishes make it possible to improve the durability of kitchen cabinets. With the right finish, the cabinetry lasts much longer. So, you should aim to pick a high-quality finish for kitchen cabinetry.

There are different types of kitchen cabinet finishes. The most durable options include: polyurethane finish, conversion varnish, laminate, thermofoil, and water-based polycrylic finish.

The polyurethane finish is water and scratch resistant. It’s the perfect choice for high-traffic kitchens. It’s pretty easy to maintain the kitchen cabinetry with the polyurethane finish.

Conversion varnish is a high-gloss finish. It effectively protects the surfaces of kitchen cabinets from sunlight and water. The cabinetry that comes with conversion varnish is easily cleaned and dries very quickly.

It’s a great idea to select a laminate finish for MDF kitchen cabinets. The finish is resistant to moisture and heat. It’s not difficult to clean the cabinetry with a laminate finish.

Thermofoil is an affordable option. This budget-friendly material offers excellent durability. However, thermofoil may peel over time if exposed to high temperatures, such as near ovens.

Water-based polycrylic finish doesn’t crack and doesn’t yellow. You can select satin, matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss water-based polycrylic finishes.      

Installation

The cabinetry has to be installed correctly in your kitchen. Cabinets must be properly leveled and securely fastened to the wall. It’s crucial to attach cabinets to the kitchen wall professionally. Make sure that cabinet doors open and close freely. The cabinetry shouldn’t make any noises when you open or close it. If kitchen cabinets are installed professionally, they will work normally and will not wear out over time.     

Accessories

The cabinetry comes with various accessories. High-quality accessories increase the strength and improve the durability of your kitchen cabinetry. When selecting kitchen cabinets, you should always consider high-quality hardware, drawer slides, and hinges. Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawer slides, and solid metal hardware are examples of accessories that enhance functionality and longevity.

Usage

And of course, you should always use kitchen cabinets properly. Heavy use may negatively affect the durability of cabinetry. Avoid overloading shelves and drawers, as excessive weight can cause damage over time.      

Maintenance

Kitchen cabinets require regular maintenance. You need to keep your kitchen cabinets clean. So, do regular cleaning to remove dust, stains, as well as dirt particles. It’s necessary to protect kitchen cabinets from water. Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners and wipe spills immediately to prevent water damage, especially on MDF or MFC surfaces.

How to Pick Durable Kitchen Cabinetry

The durability of kitchen cabinetry depends on many factors. When selecting kitchen cabinets, you should keep special focus on such factors as materials, finishes, and accessories. If properly installed, used, and maintained, kitchen cabinets can serve you reliably for decades.

When evaluating durability, high-quality RTA kitchen cabinets are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a balance of affordability and longevity. These cabinets are crafted from sturdy materials like solid wood frames or premium plywood boxes, ensuring they can withstand daily wear and tear in busy kitchens. The best RTA cabinets also feature durable finishes that resist moisture and stains, along with soft-close hinges and drawer glides that prevent long-term structural damage. By selecting high-quality RTA kitchen cabinets, you not only gain a cost-effective solution but also enjoy the confidence that your cabinetry will remain functional and stylish for years to come.