Acrylic or Laminate Doors: Are They Right For You?

When it comes to kitchen renovations, it can feel like there are too many factors that can make or break the look and feel of your cooking space. From your appliances, your splashback, and even your counters, there is a lot that goes into creating a kitchen area that will fully ascribe to your aesthetics while still being functional. It is unquestionable that your cabinetry is an important focal point for your kitchen, too, as it takes up a lot of space in the area. This means that not only should you consider the form and function of your cabinets’ interiors, you should also consider their outward appearance—from the hardware to the finish. There are a myriad of options for you to choose from with regards to the finish. Two of the most popular ones are laminate and acrylic, and these two differ by look and durability, as well as their cost.

Laminate

Laminate doors are made by pressing together layers of paper and plastic resin, wherein its uppermost layer is printed in a pattern or colour of the customer’s choosing. These cabinets are made using high-pressure machinery, and are the standard choice for most household kitchens for their low cost and the wide variety of patterns and colours available, some of which include matte and glossy types. However, because of the nature of laminates, if you’re after a high-gloss, highly reflective look, you won’t find this with a laminate option. This is because the way they are made makes the gloss effect less significant and muted. It’s important to note that laminate doors are highly durable, being moisture and heat resistant, so you can rest easy knowing that your cabinet doors will be able to withstand heavy use over a long period of time.

Acrylic

If you’re looking for a high-gloss, lacquer-type kind of look, acrylic kitchen cabinets are your best bet. Its reflective surfaces give off a modern and luxurious appeal that can really amp up the feel of your cooking space. Sleek and sophisticated, it is a great choice for when you’re after a finish that can really enhance your kitchen area’s aesthetics. You may be wondering how acrylic doors look the way that they do. It’s all in their construction. Sheets of acrylic finish are pasted on an MDF board, ensuring an even and bright colour payoff. It is then covered in a protective layer and sealed along the edges to prevent delamination, UV light damage and to ensure moisture and scratch resistance. Acrylic kitchen doors are available in a myriad of colours that will last for years and years, with no risk of fading. This is because acrylic finishes are made to ensure no tarnishing or delamination. As with all gloss finishes, this also entails regular cleaning to remove fingerprint marks or stains that can result from regular kitchen use. Aside from this, depending on its placement, acrylic cabinets make your kitchen look larger and create an inviting feel for visitors and household members alike. 

Comparisons

Looks

This fully depends on what type of kitchen look you are after. Acrylics are high-gloss and reflective, which may suit your needs if you’re really after making a high-end looking kitchen. They offer an amazing contrast to different textures like backsplashes, walls or tiles, or even your kitchen appliances. Laminates not only offer gloss finishes, which are less striking than the acrylic counterparts. They are also available in different textures, be it matte or wood. And don’t forget, you can mix and match your cabinets too! Acrylic cabinets are great when they’re placed in higher areas where your kitchen lighting can work to highlight their sheen. Laminates do well in lower areas that may be subject to rigorous use over time.

Durability

Laminates are built for heavy use, and are usually slightly more hard-wearing than their acrylic counterparts because of this. However, acrylic doors do not fade or delaminate over time, and outside of regular cleaning to remove dirt buildup, will continue to have a great colour payoff and shine throughout the years. This means that you need to consider your kitchen use and how you take care of your existing cabinets when it comes to choosing between the two for their durability.

Cost

As compared to laminates, acrylic doors are a more expensive option because of their construction, the materials used and the in demand, high-quality, glossy finish. They are also easy to clean and require little maintenance in regards to their colour and shine aside from a good wipe now and again. All of which means that your glossy, aesthetically pleasing cabinets will remain this way for many years to come. On the other hand, laminates are a budget-friendly option especially considering the variety of choices available. From full colours, glosses, matte, wood, and textured finishes, you can mix and match to find your perfect combination if you so desire. This means you get to have more options with how you want your kitchen space to look at the end of installation.

There are a lot of things that you need to consider when it comes to creating your perfect kitchen. Whether you’re after a high-end look, or a homey, rustic feel, look no further than eKitchens when looking to create a new kitchen space fit for your use. Our easy to install flatpack cabinets are not only convenient for your needs, but also offer you a world of choices so you can start working on the cooking area of your dreams. Decide between DIY-ing your cabinets or letting our experts install your shiny new cabinets for you. And if you’re still stuck on whether to go for laminates or acrylics for your kitchen cabinets, don’t fret! Contact us today to find out more about how you can beautify your kitchen.