Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Pictures
Popular Kitchen Remodeling Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers

References
Related Articles

Bored with wood cabinets? Consider metal. Emerging trends, from the professional gourmet kitchen all the way back to 1950s retro are making this option increasingly popular. In addition, there are lots of choices in modern and traditional styles. Let’s see if metal kitchen cabinets are right for your home.

Costs

The cost of installing metal kitchen cabinets depends on a variety of factors—the size of the kitchen, cost of labor, quality and thickness of the metal, manufacturer, and whether the cabinets are strictly metal or have an underlying material (such as particleboard). For detailed cost estimates, contact a local kitchen contractor in your area.

Pictures

Pros

Metal cabinets offer an extremely unique look not available with traditional wood cabinets.

Generally far sturdier than other cabinet options.

There are various types of affordable metal cabinets available.

Cons

All metal cabinets can be extremely noisy.

Metal surfaces can be vulnerable to scratches, dents and dings.

Many metal coatings and finishes don’t hide dirt, grime or sticky fingerprints.

Durability

While metal cabinets are susceptible to scratches and dents, they are one of the most durable kitchen cabinetry options. However, if you decide to go with metal cabinets that have a base underlay, make sure that is sturdy as well. Particle board, for instance, can easily break down.

Maintenance

Metal cabinets aren’t the best at hiding everyday stains, so regular maintenance is necessary. Here are a few steps to keep yours in top shape:

Use a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol to get rid of grease, dirt and oil.
Steel wool should be used to remove stubborn stains and rust spots.
Rinse with soapy water and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Common Questions and Answers

Should metal cabinets be installed with an underlay material?

If you want to muffle the noise associated with metal, then yes, they should be installed with a base material. Most often this is plywood, particle board or medium density fiberboard (MDF).

What are the downsides to using certain base materials?

A hidden issue with particle board and fiberboard is that they can’t hold screws as well as wood or plywood, which may lead to loose hinges and drawer pulls. And, while well-designed cabinets don’t allow moisture to seep into the base material, particle board and fiberboard are very prone to swelling and warping if they do get wet, whereas plywood isn’t.

History

Metal cabinets first appeared kitchens during the 1930s and ‘40s because they were inexpensive and easy to maintain. Today they are most prevalent in lofts and industrial spaces, as well as restaurants and gourmet kitchens.