Commercial cabinets may not be essential to the structure of your building, but they do play an important role in appearance and functionality. Cabinets in multifamily buildings and other commercial projects can be made from various materials. Some offer great visual appeal but lack durability. Others are ideal for foodservice locations but don’t necessarily look great.
Here’s a look at some of the most common materials used for cabinets in commercial spaces.
Cabinet Boxes
The cabinet box, also called a cabinet case, is the inside part of the cabinet. Cabinet boxes are most commonly constructed from various engineered wood materials like particleboard, plywood, and MDF.
- Particleboard – This material is engineered out of sawdust, woodchips, and resin. It won’t cost you as much, but it’s also not very durable. Cabinet boxes made from particleboard can crumble, swell when wet, and break easily. That’s why this material isn’t recommended except for temporary uses.
- MDF – Medium-density fiberboard is made of wood fibers covered with thin layers of veneer. It looks good and holds up reasonably well when adequately constructed. Its biggest failing is its inability to hold screws and other fasteners without predrilling holes and adding glue. MDF and plywood are the most popular material choice for cabinet boxes.
- Plywood – Thin layers of wood assembled together to make plywood a durable choice for cabinet cases. It holds up well to use and works quickly with fasteners. That’s why plywood is one of the most common materials used in boxes for commercial cabinets.
Cabinet Doors
While you might expect the same materials to be used for cabinet boxes and cabinet doors, that’s not typically the case. There are far more material options for doors since they serve a different purpose. For example, MDF covered in laminate is a popular choice for cabinet doors, even though it doesn’t work well for boxes. Here are some of the most commonly used materials for making cabinet doors.
- Combined Core Plywood – This material is made of particle board at the core, covered with MDF veneers. Cover it with a high-pressure laminate, and you’ve got a door that’s resistant to fire and chemicals and holds up to heavy wear and tear.
- Hardwood – Solid wood is prevalent in residential kitchens but isn’t as common in commercial spaces. The price, appearance, and durability can vary significantly depending on the type of wood used.
- Stainless Steel – Restaurant kitchens and other foodservice locations typically opt for stainless steel cabinet doors because of their durability and ease of cleaning. It does scratch easily and shows every fingerprint, so they’re not the most attractive choice.
Superior Commercial Solutions Can Help
Commercial cabinets play an essential role in your space’s visual appeal and functionality, and Superior Commercial Solutions can help make sure your cabinet choices hit the mark. We customize commercial countertops and cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms in student housing, multi-family units, assisted living facilities, and a wide variety of hospitality projects. We provide superior quality and service to projects across the United States, from New York City to Seattle and everywhere in-between. Schedule your consultation today!