A stylish kitchen only works if it’s built to last. From the moment you begin your kitchen design project, your mind is probably focused on achieving the kitchen you’ve always dreamt of. but here comes an important question: how do you keep that fresh, gorgeous vibe going for years? Well, it all depends on the kitchen cabinet materials you choose. If you make the right choices, you can keep your dream kitchen shining long after the work’s done.
High quality materials not only make your space more durable but also value your property when you use high quality kitchen cabinet material. Across Melbourne, more homeowners are starting to mix the best kitchen design trends with modern style and eco-friendly decisions to create spaces that not only feel smart but also durable.
In this blog we will give you the best comparison to the kitchen cabinet material in Melbourne. So, let’s dive into the top 10 cabinet materials and finishes that Melbourne locals are loving right now.
Why Choosing the Right Kitchen Cabinet Material Matters?
Before we jump into the conclusion, it’s important to understand why choosing the right kitchen cabinet materials matters.
The first and perhaps most important reason is that the kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in every home. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, so it only makes sense to choose cabinets you genuinely love looking at and living with.
The second most important reason is durability and longevity. A cabinet might look stunning, but if it breaks easily or doesn’t hold up over time, it won’t serve you well. Kitchen cabinets are opened, closed, and cleaned daily, so they need to be tough and low-maintenance.
High-quality materials help protect your cabinets from moisture, heat, and everyday wear and tear. They also help your kitchen stay beautiful and functional for years to come. Plus, choosing eco-friendly or sustainable materials can reduce your home’s environmental footprint, a win-win situation for both your space and the planet.
Top 8 Kitchen Cabinet Materials in Melbourne
Wondering how to choose the perfect kitchen cabinet materials in Melbourne? Having the perfect right choice won’t just make your kitchen look stunning from every angle—it will also ensure you enjoy every corner of it for years to come.
Silk Touch Joinery offers a full range of high-quality kitchen cabinet materials to suit every part of your kitchen — something many competitors can’t match. From durable materials to stylish finishes, we provide a vast range of options to help bring your vision to life.
These options include:
- Custom kitchen cabinets,
- Laundry storage solutions,
- Wardrobes,
- Wall-units,
- Interior design & consultation,
- Along with home renovation projects.
Let’s explore which materials suit your style and budget best, so you can keep loving your kitchen for as long as you wish.
1. Plywood
The first kitchen cabinet material we’re going to dive in is plywood. This material is often seen as a hero in the world of cabinets, a hero that saves time, adds beauty, and offers lasting quality you can count on.
Plywood is made by gluing thin layers of wood together, which makes it really strong and stable. It doesn’t bend or warp easily, so your cabinets will stay solid for years. Melbourne homeowners and builders love plywood for the cabinet boxes because it’s tough and lasts a long time.
Silk Touch Joinery able to provide the plywood for your all your carcass which lot of competitors are not able to provide that but here we are able to do the best with variety of option for finishes
With the great quality it offers, plywood is also affordable — not cheap, but not too expensive to break the budget either.
2. MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard)
Let’s talk about one of the most popular kitchen cabinet materials in Melbourne — you’ve probably heard of it: Medium-Density Fiberboard, or MDF for short.
MDF is a type of engineered wood made by pressing wood fibers and resin together. It has a smooth surface that’s easy to paint and finish with coatings like polyurethane or acrylic. MDF cabinets are affordable and won’t easily warp, making them a good choice for homes in Melbourne.
However, they need to be kept dry since they can get damaged by moisture, especially in kitchens with a lot of humidity.
3. Particleboard
The third option among kitchen cabinet materials is sort of made from engineered wood. While it’s not the same as solid wood, that difference is what makes it more budget-friendly.
As we previously mentioned, particleboard is an affordable option for solid wood. It is made from wood chips and glue pressed together, which makes it less expensive than other wood materials like plywood or solid wood, making it a popular choice if you want to save some money.
Add a moisture-resistant coating, and the particleboard becomes tough enough to handle kitchen humidity — perfect for daily use.
4. Solid Wood
Looking for a sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise on quality? There’s one material that might surprise you — solid hardwood might not be as affordable as laminate, but its durability and beauty set it apart.
Solid hardwood cabinets are made from woods like oak, maple, or Tasmanian oak, and are valued for their lasting beauty and strength. Therefore if you are a fan of wooden cabinets solid hardwood might be the choice you need. Hardwood cabinets add natural warmth and texture that fit perfectly with both classic and modern kitchens in Melbourne.
They usually cost more, but when made from certified forests, hardwood is an eco-friendly choice that can even improve the air quality inside your home. When it comes to the best kitchen design trends, solid wood is always at the top of the list.
5. HMR Board (High Moisture Resistant Board)
Leaking water during use or cleaning cabinets can cause real damage. Using cabinets specifically resistant to water is what many clients prefer.
Kitchens in Melbourne can get pretty humid, so having moisture-resistant materials is very important. HMR boards are made to handle water and humidity way better than regular ones.
They’re perfect for cabinets near your sink or dishwasher, keeping your kitchen fresh and mold-free. If you’re planning a renovation and aren’t sure how much a kitchen renovation costs, choosing materials like HMR boards may cost a bit more upfront but will make your kitchen last longer.
6. Stainless Steel
Steel-textured cabinets have become one of the trendiest materials for homeowners, especially in high-end or industrial-style homes in suburbs like Toorak and Balwyn.
They are extremely durable, hygienic, and resistant to moisture and heat. Stainless steel is also ideal for outdoor kitchen cabinet materials in Australia because of its rusting resistance, particularly when paired with powder-coated finishes.
If you want your kitchen to stay looking fresh and new for many years, stainless steel cabinets are a great choice.
7. Recycled Wood
Have you heard anything about reclaimed or recycled wood? It’s becoming an increasingly popular kitchen cabinet material in Melbourne for some good reasons. As a growing trend, reclaimed wood supports sustainability while adding unique character to your kitchen, thanks to its unique flaws and deep-rooted heritage.
Recycled wood cabinets are often custom-made, making them an ideal option for eco-conscious homeowners who value quality craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind style.
So, if you’re a fan of custom kitchen joineries, reclaimed wood might be the magical touch of charm and warmth you’ve been searching for.
8. Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets are not typically used as a material for the entire cabinet structure. Instead, they’re combined with wood or metal frames and they’re becoming a popular kitchen design idea in modern Melbourne kitchens.
Glass-front cabinets add a sense of lightness and openness, making them ideal for upper cabinets or display areas. They’re perfect for showing dinnerware or decorative items, and they work especially well in open-shelving concepts and contemporary kitchen designs.
Top Cabinet Finishes That Make Your Kitchen Shine
Now that we’ve covered kitchen materials, it’s time to focus on the finishing touch — your kitchen countertops. Choosing the right kitchen cabinet finishes is crucial, as many often make costly mistakes at this part.
1. Lacquer Finish
For those who need to have a shield for their cabinets, Lacquer is a perfect option. It gives a smooth, shiny or matte surface that resists scratches, stains, and moisture.
It’s perfect if you want a sleek, modern look that lasts a long time. Plus, it’s super easy to clean. All you have to do is grab a tissue and wipe the dirt off with one move.
2. Laminate
For those looking for a beautiful yet affordable material, laminate cabinets are definitely worth considering. Laminates are considered as one of the most popular kitchen cabinet materials in Australia due to its affordability, versatility, and wide range of colours and finishes.
Laminate cabinets are created by layering paper or fabric soaked in resin onto particleboard or MDF. This process produces a strong, durable surface that can look like wood or stone.
They’re easy to clean and to look after, making them a great choice for large home renovations in Melbourne and nearby areas like Camberwell and Kew.
3. Thermofoil
Another popular choice for kitchen cabinets is Thermofoil—MDF panels coated with a heat-pressed vinyl layer for a smooth, durable finish
This creates a smooth, even finish that’s easy to clean. Affordable and available in many colours and textures—including wood grain—thermofoil is a common pick in Melbourne for sleek, low-maintenance modern kitchens.
4. Timber Veneer
If you love the look of wooden kitchen cabinets but solid hardwood is out of your budget, wood veneer is a smart and affordable alternative to consider.
Wood veneer cabinets offer the rich look of solid wood but at a friendlier price. Thin layers of natural wood are glued onto engineered wood, blending style and savings. In Melbourne, this choice is popular for creating elegant kitchens that also support sustainability when sourced from responsibly managed forests.
5. Melamine
Another popular kitchen cabinet material in Melbourne is melamine, which you’ve likely heard of. Melamine is a resin-based finish applied to particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). It is mostly popular and known for being hard, durable, and resistant to scratches and stains, though it’s not particularly heat-resistant so you have to watch it near the stove.
Melamine cabinet materials are cost effective and available in many colours and patterns. These two options have made Melamins popular for practical kitchens.
6. Acrylic
If you’re looking for high-gloss kitchen cabinet materials and finishes, our top recommendation is definitely acrylic. Acrylic cabinets highlight a sleek, high-gloss surface that reflects light beautifully, giving your kitchen a bright, modern, and sophisticated look.
One of the most important benefits of acrylic, like other quality kitchen cabinet materials, is that it’s easy to clean and highly resistant to moisture and scratches. While it tends to be more expensive than some other kitchen cabinet material and finish, it offers a luxurious, high-end finish that’s worth the investment.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinets for in Melbourne?
Choosing your ideal kitchen cabinet material depends on several important factors and your style, how often you use your kitchen and budget is the most important ones.
Here are some other tips to help you make a better decision:
- Consider an ideal kitchen style: If you want a modern, minimalist look, materials like stainless steel are a great choice. For a warm, classic feel, solid wood works best. Choosing the right material helps create the exact style you want for your kitchen.
- Think about durability: If you cook a lot or have kids, choose materials that resist moisture and scratches, like plywood or laminate.
- Budget wisely: Particleboard and MDF are affordable, but plywood and solid wood last longer. So set a budget aside before making any decision.
- Eco-friendly options: Bamboo and certified hardwoods are great if you want to be environmentally responsible.
- Finishes matter: A good finish protects your cabinets and makes cleaning much easier. So be wise when choosing one.
How to Care for Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Choosing the best kitchen cabinet materials and finishes isn’t the only way to make your kitchen last. Caring for your kitchen cabinets is just as important.
To keep your kitchen cabinets looking great for years, follow these simple care tips:
- Clean wooden cabinets with a wet and oily piece of fabric and dry immediately.
- Use a soft soap and water for laminate cabinets, avoiding too much moisture.
- Wipe stains quickly to prevent any serious damage.
- Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to prevent fading and warping.
Conclusion
For homeowners in Melbourne and nearby suburbs like Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, and Kew, choosing kitchen cabinet materials and finishes means having the perfect style, durability, and sustainability. Whether you prefer timeless hardwood, eco-friendly bamboo, or modern stainless steel, there’s something to fit every taste and budget. Working with local Melbourne cabinet makers can help you select the right materials best for your kitchen design.
FAQs
1. How Do I Take Care of My Kitchen Cabinets to Make Them Last?
Make sure to polish your wood cabinets with a damp cloth and dry right away. Clean laminate cabinets with mild soap and avoid using too much water. Always clean spills fast and keep cabinets out of direct sunlight and steam.
2. What Materials Are Common for Kitchen Cabinets in Melbourne?
MDF is a budget-friendly option that’s easy to paint but doesn’t resist water well and solid wood offers a long-lasting, premium look but comes at a higher cost. While particleboard is less common due to its poor water resistance, compact laminate is more expensive, durable and stands up well to moisture, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
3. Are Locally Made Kitchen Cabinets Better Than Imported Ones?
Yes, factory made cabinets in Melbourne often use strong, high-quality Australian materials, such as 16mm moisture-resistant boards and good-quality hardware. They also give you more choice and better quality than many imported flat-pack cabinets.
4. Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets If I Choose Laminate or MDF?
Yes, MDF cabinets have smooth surfaces perfect for painting, especially with two-pack polyurethane finishes that provide durability. Laminate cabinets can be painted but require thorough sanding and special primers for good stickiness.