When it comes to furniture, one of the most important choices concerns the kitchen: Furniture must be sturdy and able to stand the test of time, even considering the initial investment involved in its purchase. And although it is essential to look at the type of material used, its ease of maintenance and convenience in the composition of the kitchen, you certainly cannot give up aesthetics. That is why choosing a new kitchen can prove to be a challenge really arduous: let’s find out why wooden ones are a great option and what their advantages are.
Wooden kitchen, the main types
Beyond a few exceptions, such as the stainless steel kitchens which are especially popular in catering establishments (because of the hygiene they can provide), in most cases the choice of furniture for a home environment falls on classic wooden compositions. This material undoubtedly has many advantages, starting with its solidity, incredible pliability and versatility, which have always been its distinguishing features. Although, in general, the wood is not considered ideal in the kitchen: the humid environment can damage it, and sanitizing it is not always easy.
However, thanks to modern treatments and a little extra attention, here is where wood once again takes center stage in this home environment, the one where perhaps the most quality family time is spent. Of course, talking about wood is not enough: there are endless variations to consider, each with its advantages and undeniable disadvantages. When it comes to the woods mainly used, you can really range from so many options. But the most important choice is that of the type of material used to make the kitchen cabinets.
The laminate
One of the most common is definitely the laminate, consisting of at least three layers of different materials. At the base is a plastic element, intended to give solidity to the structure: superimposed on this is the central body, consisting of pressed layers of wood fibers and high-density resins. Finally, we can find an outer panel that has a decorative function and also acts as a protective film, to make kitchen doors and frames more durable and waterproof. Being among the cheapest and most versatile materials (it can mimic virtually any effect!), it is the most common in our homes.
MDF wood
Another type of material that is widely used in kitchen construction nowadays is the MDF wood (medium-density fiberboard). Literally, these are medium-density fiberboards derived from woodworking scraps: they are formed from wood fibers pressed together with resin or glue, at high temperatures, and then covered with a protective layer that also gives a smooth finish. These kitchens are generally environmentally friendly and very durable, however, they can be sensitive to water-especially in the presence of scratches in the protective layer.
Ennobled wood
Cheap and durable, the melamine-faced wood is a good choice for the kitchen: the panels are made from wood-based materials-usually chipboard or MDF-and then coated with synthetic elements that give them greater strength and water resistance. They have an excellent ability to customize, so they fit well in any environment (from the most classic to modern). One of the main advantages, in addition to the low cost, is its resistance to heat-an important detail in the kitchen-and ease in its daily maintenance.
The solid wood kitchen
A separate chapter deserves the solid wood, perhaps the noblest material a kitchen can desire. It is pure wood, which is subjected to treatments only to make it even more suitable for the special characteristics of the environment in which it will “live”-in this case, the kitchen. And the verb “live” is certainly not used at random, since wood is an absolutely living material and, for this reason, so welcoming. Elegance is one of the first elements that stands out in this type of furniture, which is perfectly suited to both a rustic and a more modern style.
A solid wood kitchen offers a feeling of great strength and solidity: indeed, its furniture is made from whole blocks of wood, shaped to size and therefore very heavy. Depending on the requirements, the various blocks can be left natural (net of normal waterproofing treatments) to give a very warm effect with exposed grain, or be treated to achieve a different style. This is why the solid wood kitchen lends itself to enrich any type of environment.
The advantages of a wooden kitchen
Why choose a wooden kitchen? Depending on the type of material used, there are numerous advantages. The first, at least from the aesthetic point of view, is undoubtedly versatility: given the high possibility of customization, these kitchens adapt to more classic or more modern styles, satisfying every need. With regard to laminate, for example, among the advantages we can list the ease of maintenance and excellent value for money, which have made it the ideal and one of the most widely used materials in modern homes.
MDF wood, on the other hand, has strength and excellent aesthetics on its side, as well as good ecological value. While melamine faced wood is extremely inexpensive and super durable – thanks to the treatments it has received-both to heat and water. Not to mention the ease of cleaning, precisely because of its solidity. Finally, solid wood has a very long life and durability that most other kitchens do not have, because it is composed of just a few blocks that do not allow seepage to pass through. Moreover, the final effect is undoubtedly the best that can be achieved.
Wooden kitchen: the cons
Wooden kitchens also have some disadvantage? Well yes, although they can really be counted on the fingers of one hand. Wood is a material that is sensitive to moisture, which reigns supreme in an environment such as the kitchen: it is therefore important to take care to ventilate the room well and turn on the hood whenever there is something cooking. It is also necessary to take care when quickly cleaning any grease stains, because wood tends to absorb them. Maintenance must be frequent, albeit fairly easy to perform.
Although current protective treatments are very effective, any nicks or scratches can jeopardize the solidity of the kitchen: here it is possible to have water seepage that, in the long run, could swell the wood and ruin it irreparably. Finally, if you opt for a high-quality kitchen, the price is certainly not low. Consider a solid wood kitchen: it requires a considerable initial investment, which is amply repaid over time by its robustness and longevity.
