Do you know that with good materials and care, high-quality custom cabinets can last longer than 20, 30, or 50 years—sometimes longer than the appliances they are built around.
Let's explore what influences their lifespan and how to make your investment last.
What are the Materials Used and Lifespan?
1. Solid woods
Ex: oak, maple, cherry, and walnut.
Life expectancy: 20-50 years.
Solid wood is a great option due to its natural beauty and rigidity. It is dense and can be repaired several times, making it a long-lasting choice. It is more prone to humidity.
2. Plywood
Life expectancy: 15 to 25 years
Plywood is stronger, more stable, and less prone to stretching/ bending than solid wood. Plywood is widely used for cabinet boxes and provides outstanding strength at a lower cost than solid hardwood.
3. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Life expectancy: 10 to 20 years
MDF is cheap and ideal for painted finishes. While not as durable as solid wood, it prevents cracking and falling off but is less water-resistant.
4. Particleboard
Life expectancy: 5 to 15 years
This is an inexpensive option and is commonly used on cheap custom cabinets. Less moisture- and wear-resistant, so it must be in dry, low-traffic areas.
Influencing Factors of Custom Cabinets Lifespan
1. Material Quality
The material that will last you the longest is the material you select. Hardwood materials such as oak or maple will last for decades, or longer, whereas lower-priced materials such as particleboard could show signs of deterioration even sooner.
The material's hardness and level of resistance to moisture will determine its durability.
2. Daily Use
Are your cabinets in a busy kitchen with constant activity?
Constant opening and closing, heavy pots and pans, or steam and water exposure can all shorten the lifespan of your cabinets.
3. Maintenance
Even top-quality cabinets require some care! Regular cleaning, avoiding water damage, tightening loose hinges, and refinishing occasionally all come into play.
Overlooking minor imperfections, such as peeling, sagging, or bending, becomes a big issue, cutting their lifespan short.
Note: Are you looking for durable, beautiful cabinets in Los Angeles? Our custom cabinets in Los Angeles are built for durability and designed to match your home perfectly.
Conclusion
Ultimately, custom cabinets are designed to last—how long they will last depends upon the decisions you make.
Use good quality materials, show them some mercy with routine maintenance, and they'll be your loyal companions for decades.