Types of Cabinet Interiors: Melamine vs. Veneer

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Custom Cabinets

The beauty of custom cabinets includes the option of knowing exactly what materials you want based on budget and style. Whether we’re working directly with the homeowner or a contractor, it’s important to know the versatility at your fingertips. In general, when discussing the interior of cabinets, we generally recommend the two most popular options, chosen for good reason: they’re durable, affordable, and stylish.

Melamine Interior

Made of resin-saturated paper that’s been fused to a particle board, melamine offers a smooth surface for the interior of your cabinets that is resistant to water, chemicals, and household cleaners. Its durable finish also helps it avoid scratches, chips, and stains, so it’ll last a long time with the proper care and maintenance that should happen for all your cabinets. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, which include faux wood if you wish to match them to the cabinets.

In terms of affordability, melamine will often be slightly cheaper than the second option we’ll talk about, but the type of cabinet can affect your choice. When cabinets have glass or no doors, we highly recommend going with a veneered product. They can be more closely matched to the exterior of the cabinets for a seamless finish.

Veneer Interior

Instead of a resin layer, veneers are made of a thin piece of wood attached to a particle board or plywood. Because of that, they offer a more natural look since the top layer features real wood. While their overall durability holds up to the general wear of kitchen use, they are also susceptible to the same damage that could be done to your wood cabinets such as nicks and scratches. Luckily, they’re easy to repair, and you can easily maintain them by wiping them down.

In terms of style, veneers are preferred when the client wants the exterior and interior to match. Because that top layer is made of real wood, it can be easily matched to the exterior wood used for the cabinets. We also offer an ultra-violet (UV) finished maple veneered product, which is a true veneer core material that creates a natural finished look.

Finding the right cabinet maker makes all the difference. We can work with your budget, and we have a workflow process that keeps our shop on schedule to meet demanding deadlines. If you’re in the Twin Cities metro, Eischen Cabinets can handle all of your custom cabinet needs.