Ever since modular kitchens became trendy, homeowners have been using wood and glass doors on their kitchen cabinets. However, with advances in technology, new attractive and durable materials like plywood, MDF, PU, membrane, laminate, acrylic and particle board came into being. Among the various materials, acrylic kitchen cabinets have gained popularity due to their finish, durability, low maintenance and cost. The luxurious look and feel of acrylic cabinets that come in various patterns and colours make modern kitchens look gorgeous.
So whether you are refurbishing your kitchen or designing a new one, be aware of the pros and cons of using acrylic sheets for kitchen cabinets before making up your mind.
Acrylic is a high-quality synthetic plastic material, which is used to give a glossy finish to contemporary kitchen cabinets. They provide a shatter-resistant mirror-like finish to the cabinet surfaces and do not chip or crack easily. Acrylic cabinet doors are either made out of wood or MDF board and then covered with acrylic sheets in the chosen colour and texture to get the type of finish required.
They are different from laminate cabinets as laminate sheets are made by pressing together layers of flat paper and plastic resin. Acrylic finish is also often confused with wood as they are available even in wooden finishes. They are heat resistant and can withstand wear and tear. These laminates are for people with a restricted budget who do not want to compromise on the finish and appearance for creating an attractive kitchen.
Acrylic kitchen cabinets are gaining popularity among contemporary kitchen designers due to their glossy appearance that gives a stylish look to the kitchen area. The material is also extremely durable and lasts for years with proper maintenance. Besides being non-toxic, acrylic cabinets are available in a wide range of designs and colours to complement the modern Indian kitchen layout.
There are two types of finishes used for acrylic kitchen cabinet doors:
Acrylic is ideal for kitchen cabinets that have flat surfaces as they create a glossy finish that is perfect for modern kitchens. For those who are concerned about visible stains on high gloss cabinets, designers recommend the use of matte and semi-gloss finish on cabinets below the counter and high gloss finish on the cupboards above the kitchen counter.
Acrylic finish cabinets retain colour and gloss for long periods. These modular kitchen laminates are available in various textures and a wide variety of colours and finishes like matte, glossy and ultra-high gloss. Depending on the type of finish and look required, acrylic cabinets can cost from Rs. 800 per sqft to Rs.1600 per sq.ft or more. For using a glossy finish for the entire kitchen, the cost can range from Rs. 2 lakhs and upwards.
For more ideas for a modern kitchen, get inspired by these tips to plan your kitchen with all the essential elements.
Given its high-gloss texture, acrylic is considered as one of the most preferred options for kitchen cabinets. It not only adds a visual appeal but makes the whole kitchen even more inviting. While laminates can be seen in various glossy varieties, they are not as reflective as acrylic and hence, offer a muted and less striking look. In addition, acrylic modular kitchen will be scratch resistant and will flawlessly retain its ultra-glossy finish for ages, whereas laminate may lose its charm with time.
Choosing an acrylic colour for kitchen cabinets can be a difficult choice to make as the entire look of the kitchen depends on this decision. According to expert kitchen planners, if you want a sleek, clean look for your acrylic kitchen units then you should consider lighter colours such as light grey, glacier white and ivory. Similarly, to lend a contemporary feel to your acrylic kitchen cabinets, you can rely on darker shades like metallic charcoal and jet black. Furthermore, wood coloured acrylics can work well for those who want a traditional kitchen that exudes warmth.