Modular kitchens are trending these days and for all the right reasons! They look great and are very functional. Cooking in a modular kitchen is a dream, as everything has its place, and it’s beautifully organized.
What goes into the making of a modular kitchen? It is comprised of individual cabinets that are factory-crafted and assembled at the site. They can also be taken apart just as easily, and reassembled at another site; therein lies the unique functionality of a modular system! Each cabinet is made up of the central carcass, which has an inner box made up of a core material like marine plywood or MDF, and an outer shutter. What you see on the outside is basically the outer shutter, and the choice of materials and finishes will define how your kitchen looks.
What different type of Kitchen Cabinet Shutters Available?
Cabinet shutters are made out of a mind-boggling variety of materials, each of which is available in a range of colours, textures and finishes. Here are the most popular ones:
1. Laminated Shutters
Arguably the most popular material for shutters, laminates are usually fixed on an MDF or plywood base and are edge-banded with PVC tapes, aluminium or wooden beadings to finish and seal the edges. One-side-prelaminated boards are also available, where the laminate is pressed on the substrate during the manufacture of the board itself; and these are more durable but available in fewer colours.
Laminates come in a staggering array of colours and in natural finishes that mimic wood, stone, metal or brick. They are also available in high gloss, gloss, matte or textured finishes that are ribbed, dotted and so on. Laminates are the perfect choice for a kitchen as they are moisture-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. They are also very durable and easy to maintain, as they can be wiped clean very easily.
2. Membrane Shutters
PVC membranes are thin foil sheets that are moulded on plywood or MDF boards. These shutters have a smooth finish, and as the membrane flows fluidly over carvings and grooves alike, it offers a seamless finish that has high water resistance. Edge-banding is not required as all the edges are sealed by the membrane. These shutters look contemporary and very stylish and are durable. However, they are more expensive than laminated finishes.
3. Veneer Shutters
Veneers are incredibly thin slices of natural wood that are pressed onto Plywood or MDF. They look just like real wood on the surface, and can be polished and finished to resemble solid wood at a fraction of the cost. The edges of the ply must be finished with wooden beading. Natural wood veneers of teak, oak and walnut in different shades and patterns are available. The beautiful natural grains of the wood shine through, giving a country-chic or cottage feel to the kitchen.
4. Solid Wood Shutters
While this cannot be considered a sustainable option these days, solid wood shutters have a beauty and charm that is unmatched. They are extremely expensive, as the wood is not easy to source due to dwindling reserves of natural forests. The material used for the entire shutter is wood, and the exposed surface is polished with waterproof resin which acts as a protective layer while enhancing the richness of the underlying wood.
The natural grains of the wood add to the aesthetics of this shutter. Nowadays, reclaimed or recycled wood, a more eco-friendly option, is often considered in the construction of these shutters.
5. High-gloss PU Painted Shutters
Painted with auto-coat paints, with a clear polyurethane(PU) coating on MDF or ply boards, these shutters are waterproof, available in a multitude of vibrant, glossy colours and shades and last for a long time. The surface finish is highly glossy and reflective. These shutters are waterproof and easy to clean as well. They show up fingerprints easily and therefore need regular maintenance.
6. Aluminium Profiles with Glass Shutters
Glass shutters in transparent or frosted finishes are fitted with aluminium profiles in these sleek, contemporary and minimalistic interiors. These shutters give a very light appearance to the kitchen and make it appear more spacious than it is. They can be fitted with lift-up or sliding hinges, and are very durable and sturdy if handled well.
7. Painted Glass Shutters
Shutters that use high-gloss paint on the inside of glass lend a very unique and stylish appearance to a modern kitchen. The glass can also be printed with any design to match your preferred design aesthetic. When using glass shutters on lower cabinets, it is always better to use toughened glass so that it is more durable.
Would you like more help in selecting the right kind of kitchen shutters for your cabinets? Please connect with the HomeLane team and get the advice you need.
