Particle board is known for being an economically-friendly cabinetry material. But, when you consider that it is much more likely than dents and scratches compared to plywood or other materials, it’s likely not worth the price savings in the long run.
Is particle board a good choice for kitchen cabinets?
There’s no denying that the initial cost of using particle board is less than other materials, but you’ll also be replacing it faster. While solid wood or other material can last a decade or more, particle board can show signs of breakdown within a year. By year three, you’ll probably need to replace the entire cabinet system.
Here is what our research found. particle board is a cheaper type of wood, but that only makes it easier to sand and paint. Other than being slightly easier to work with, there aren’t any major differences between how you finish particle board and hardwood cabinets. To start, remove the drawers and doors and label each piece that you remove to make reinstallation a breeze.
Spiff up plain particle board kitchen cabinets with these simple home improvement tips. While you can sand and paint particleboard cabinetry, I can’t guarantee a wonderful or durable finish. This fix can make them a good deal more presentable. Sand the cabinets first and get them as smooth as you can.
Can particle board cabinets be refaced?
Even cabinets made from lumber products utilizing particle board or other low-quality materials can be refaced. If the face of the cabinet is made from hardwood, it can be sanded to produce a surface that can be re painted . “My cabinets have water damage, can they be refaced?
You can almost always reface cabinets that have already been refaced. The process is relatively the same. “Can I Reface My Reface?” or “Tales of a Reface” The process of refacing kitchen cabinets is fairly standard, which allows cabinets to be refaced again when the times, or your design tastes, have changed.
How long will particle board cabinets last?
Solid wood cabinets, especially those produced from teak, are known to last more than three decades, depending on its maintenance. On the other hand, furniture and cabinets made from particle board have a lifespan of 3 – 5 years if the user is lucky.
This of course begs the inquiry “How long do particle board cabinets last?”
Don’t expect particle board cabinets to last a long time, especially in heavy-use areas like kitchens. This material has a tendency to break and lose their attractiveness in a shorter period of time compared to solid wood and plywood. Because of these disadvantages, you should reconsider using particle boards for your kitchen cabinets.
Do water damaged particle board cabinets need replacing?
Water damage can warp wood, destroy particle board, and also cause mold to grow throughout your home. That’s what makes flooding such a nightmare to deal with. If you have particle board cabinets that have been affected by water damage, it’s easy to panic and worry that you will have to replace them. Good news: you might not have to.
When particle board cabinets absorb water, one of the first things it does is swell. It’s important that cabinets and drawers be the right size, and swelling can put everything out of sync. Drawers can become difficult to open and cabinets can look swollen and ugly. Particle board isn’t the strongest material.
Is particle board really that bad?
Over the years particle board has gotten a pretty bad rap and in general, there is a negative connotation surrounding it because of how older cabinets turned to mush with when they got wet from leaky plumbing. Luckily particleboard has come a long way since the 60’s and 70’s. There are different grades of particleboard.
One of the reasons people use particle board is the cost. There’s no denying that the initial cost of using particle board is less than other materials, but you’ll also be replacing it faster. While solid wood or other material can last a decade or more, particle board can show signs of breakdown within a year.
Particle board breaks down easily when it comes to water and humidity. Water is commonplace in kitchens and bathrooms, and over time the particle board will begin to bow, sag, ripple and breakdown. Particle board also can’t handle impacts like plywood, so chips may have already developed.
Particle board is commonly used for the sides and backs of cheaper cabinets with a lower quality of construction. Particle board is made up of tiny little wood chips that have been compressed and adhered together with some type of glue.