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.
For those in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs such as Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, or Kew, selecting the right custom kitchen cabinet materials and finishes can significantly level up your kitchen’s look—and how long it stays looking great.
High quality materials not only make your space more durable but also value your property when you use high quality material. Homeowners across Australia are increasingly mixing modern style with eco-friendly choices more than ever.
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.
Top 10 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.
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.
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.