Should you buy a wood melamine kitchen?
One of the most stylish looks for a kitchen is a real wood finish, which has a timeless class. You can get a similar effect, though, from a wood melamine kitchen — so should you go for that instead? There are pros and cons for a wood melamine kitchen.
Reasons to buy a wood melamine kitchen
There are many advantages in buying a wood melamine kitchen, but the most obvious is cost. Out of all the various materials that can be used for the finish, this is one of the most inexpensive. It certainly costs a good deal less than a real wood veneer.
Another major plus is that it can look extremely realistic. The look of a wood finish is classic, and the best wood laminate kitchens are almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
It’s also an extremely durable material, even with heavy use. A wood melamine kitchen is highly resistant to scratches, scuffs and fingerprints. This makes it perfect for a kitchen that’s going to be exposed to children.
Another advantage of a wood melamine kitchen is that it’s UV stable. Even after years of exposure to sunlight, the original colour should be exactly as it was when you bought it. Unfortunately, you can’t always say the same for a real wood kitchen.
Finally, melamine is a considerably lighter material than wood. This means that the doors will put far less strain on the carcasses and hinges.
Reasons not to buy a wood melamine kitchen
There aren’t really very many downsides to a wood melamine kitchen — but there is one very notable disadvantage. While the look can be almost impossible to distinguish from real wood, the same isn’t true of the feel.
There’s nothing like the feel of real wood, and even the best melamine just can’t match that. Not that it feels terrible, but it doesn’t quite live up to the luxury of wood.
Don’t confuse wood melamine kitchens with wood wrapped kitchens
It’s important not to confuse wood melamine kitchens with wood wrapped kitchens. Wood wrapped kitchens peel. In contrast, wood melamine kitchens don’t peel.
You’ll find wood wrapped kitchens in places like Wren, Howdens, Wickes and Magnet. You’ll also find them in independents who sell low-quality kitchens.
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Related article: Should you buy a wood veneer kitchen?
