Kitchen designs allow a greater range of material selection compared to other rooms in the house. Even so, there are certain materials that may look good on paper, but are actually unsuitable for use in the kitchen. In today’s blog post, The Kitchen Store takes a look at the four materials that are not ideal for kitchen remodeling.
Unsuitable Materials for Kitchen Remodeling
- Plastic laminate. Laminates, in general, are not bad as far as building materials go. Quality laminates are used for kitchen cabinets. Furniture made from compressed fiberboard typically has laminated exteriors. However, plastic laminate is one that you should avoid having in your kitchen — they look dull, thin, and obviously fake. They scratch easily and can delaminate when exposed to heat and moisture, both of which are abundant in kitchens.
- Vinyl flooring. The kitchen floor takes a lot of strain from daily kitchen activities, which means you should invest in durable flooring. Vinyl floor tiles are not among these materials. While vinyl floor tiles cost less per square foot, they do not last long. They tend to delaminate from the floor substrate as they’re exposed to changes in temperature and humidity levels, resulting in pieces peeling off.
- Flat paint. Flat or matte paint may look great in bedrooms, but the kitchen is a different environment. In addition to heat and humidity, flat paint is vulnerable to stains caused by common food substances like tomato-based sauces.
- High-gloss lacquer. Cabinets with high-gloss surfaces can look great, but they’re also very difficult to care for. Lacquer finishes typically require about 20 layers of application to achieve a high gloss look, but they are not impermeable. Dings and scratches can become all too visible, and repairs are typically a long, multi-step process.
Alternative Materials
Fortunately, there is a wide selection of materials that are more suitable for countertops and other parts of the kitchen. It goes without saying that they come at a higher cost, but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for — better materials mean better value.
Cultured granite or marble, made from stone particles and resins, are low-maintenance options that are just as durable as their natural counterparts. They also look great and can stand up to daily wear better than laminates. Wood can add warmth and give your kitchen a rustic look. A variety of woods can be used for different parts of the kitchen, like hardwood for flooring and pine for cabinets. As for applied coatings like paint, your remodeler can recommend a product or formulation that’s more suitable for kitchens.
Learn more about our kitchen remodeling services at The Kitchen Store. Our design-build process will help make sure that you will have the kitchen of your dreams, made with the right materials. Call us at (310) 572-7515 or visit us at our showroom to get started on your next project. We serve customers in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding communities in California.
