Metal kitchen cabinets can be one of the most unique and versatile choices you can make. There are several metals that can be used with stainless steel being one of the most common and popular. Other metal cabinet options such as copper can be a good choice as well. Cabinets made of metal can be painted to suit the decoration of the room and can be good to work with.
The greatest features of metal kitchen cabinets
Some of the best features of metal kitchen cabinets include:
- High resistance to corrosion and stains.
- Very durable. Metal kitchen cabinets are typically used in food service and industrial environments because of their durability.
- Metal kitchen cabinets are extremely easy to maintain and to clean as well. They are also hygienic due to their non-porous surface, which does not allow bacteria to penetrate deep into it.
- Metal kitchen cabinets can be recycled when they have reached the end of their useful life.
- Metal cabinets are very modifiable. They can be painted to fit into any type of decor, and they can also be modified in other ways as well.
- Stainless steel is a very shiny metal that reflects light very well, which can make a kitchen look brighter and bigger.
Disadvantages of metal kitchen cabinets
There are some disadvantages of metal kitchen cabinets as well, however. These include:
- Metal kitchen cabinets can be noisy, especially when combined with other “noisy” kitchen materials, such as tiles or stone floors.
- Metal, especially stainless steel cabinets can be cold and industrial in appearance. While combining them with warmer materials in the room can help, it is important to note that the cabinets are typically the first thing people notice when they walk into the room.
- The shinier the choice of metal, the more difficult they will be to keep looking good; shiny metal kitchen cabinetry will eventually show every fingerprint, every scratch and every dirt they get through daily use.
- Metal kitchen cabinets can be prone to dents and scratches that spoil the finish, over time.
Metal kitchen cabinets cost
Metal kitchen cabinets are quite expensive. Of course, the price depends on several factors, such as the quality of the cabinet, the design, the thickness of the metal, the manufacturer and the size of your kitchen.
Additional features such as drawers, baskets, storage on your stove, Lazy Susan ends up costing more. In addition, hardware options such as knobs, pulls, door handles also affect the price of your metal kitchen cabinets.
Tips for buying metal kitchen cabinets
1. Stainless steel is the most common and popular metal for kitchen cabinets. Such cabinets are well suited in a contemporary kitchen because of its industrial and sleek look.
2. Cabinets made of copper are a a good choice for a warmer and more comfortable feeling which is perfect for country and rustic kitchen decoration.
3. Prefab metal kitchen cabinets are available for purchase as well as manufactured cabinets for certain sizes. Another option is custom cabinets. You can find more design options with the custom variety, but the cost is also higher.
4. The quality of your cabinets is higher, when the metal is thicker. The highest quality stainless steel is usually 18 gauge (although 16 gauge is better) and marked as 304. This type of stainless steel has great corrosion and stain resistance characteristics, in addition to minimizes noise.
5. Many manufacturers sell metal kitchen cabinets with sheet metal that is coated over a base material. This base material can be particle board, plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). While this certainly minimizes noise, the longevity and durability of the cabinets depends on the quality of the material underneath. Additionally, fiberboard and particle board tend to sag, if not properly supported. Another point to note is that both fiberboard and particle board do not hold screws as tightly as plywood or wood, and this can cause the hinges to become loose and a pain to deal with. Fiberboard and particle board also warp and swell, if they get wet. Essentially, plywood or wooden base is recommendedalthough they are more expensive.
6. Satin, matte, or textured metal kitchen cabinets with different patterns and grain finish, help to hide fingerprints and scratches.
7. Consult with a professional designer during the planning stages as they can be a great resource to help you realize your dream of the perfect kitchen.
We take care of metal kitchen cabinets
Cleaning your metal kitchen cabinets is quite simple. All you need is a mild soap and some water. When you finish washing, be sure to rinse and wipe completely dry to get rid of any water stains.
Sometimes, you may need some kind of cleaner to help get rid of stubborn grease and grime marks. While for all purposes it does a good job, avoid using any abrasive substances as they will scratch the surface. Also, do not use scrub brushes or steel wool for cleaning your metal kitchen cabinets as these too can damage the cabinets.
Be sure to check with your installer for specific instructions on your metal cabinets.
