Plywood vs. Particleboard: How to Spot a High-Quality Kitchen Cabinet
We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also the place where quality construction really matters. After all, kitchen cabinets have a tough job to do -- holding pots, pans, plates, and everything in between. When it comes to cabinet box construction, there are two main contenders: Plywood and Particleboard. Before jumping into your kitchen remodeling project, we encourage all of our clients to fully understand the differences and considerations for each option.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the pros, cons, and insider tips on how you can quickly check what’s behind your cabinet doors.
What Is Cabinet Box Construction?
Kitchen cabinet “boxes” refer to the wood material that form the walls and base of each cabinet. They’re typically made from either plywood or particleboard, and the choice of material can make a big difference in strength and longevity. Depending on your situation, the breakdown below can help you make an informed decision for your custom kitchen remodel.
Pros and Cons of Plywood Cabinet Boxes VS. Particleboard cabinet Boxes
Plywood is made by layering thin sheets of wood (veneers) in alternating directions. That’s what gives it its trademark strength. It’s also why many contractors swear by it – because it provides the strength & rigidity for screws and other fasteners to hold for many years. Another bonus? If moisture sneaks in under your kitchen sink (which it often does), plywood can withstand it better, preventing rot and warping.
Particleboard, on the other hand, is made by compressing wood chips or sawdust with a binding resin. It’s very cost-effective, sure, but it’s also more vulnerable to water damage and can crumble or swell if it gets too damp. If well-sealed (with melamine) and maintained, it can hold up for a while, but it won’t match plywood’s overall longevity in most cases.
How to Check if Your Cabinets Are High Quality
Peek Inside: Open a cabinet door and look at the exposed edges (often under the sink or behind a drawer). Do you see layered sheets of wood (plywood) or a particle-like substance?
Layers = plywood
Tiny chips or speckled sawdust = particleboard.
Feel for Sturdiness: Gently push on the back or bottom panel. A higher quality box will feel firmer and more rigid. A thin or “bendy” panel might indicate lower-grade materials.
Look for Water Damage: Check under sinks or around the dishwasher for signs of swelling, peeling, or chipping. Particleboard is especially prone to damage when exposed to moisture.
Hardware & Fasteners: Quality cabinets often use more robust screws and specialty hardware. If the cabinet’s fasteners looks flimsy (such as thin metal staples & hot glue), there’s a good chance the materials aren’t top-notch.
Age & Era: Cabinets from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s, especially if they’re solid oak or plywood, are often higher quality than some of the modern construction materials on the market today.
When to Reface Instead of Replace
If you discover your cabinets are made with solid plywood or older solid oak frames, you’re in luck! These boxes were often built to withstand decades of daily use, and many still stand strong even after 25 or 30 years.
If that’s the case, you can keep the structure and simply update the exterior. Here’s how:
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing: This involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts but keeping the existing cabinet boxes. You can pick new materials, colors, and styles. See how our recrafting process uses the mode of refacing, but provide a new custom inset look.
Cabinet Resurfacing: This can include new veneers or laminates on the visible surfaces of the boxes. It’s a great way to make them look fresh and modern.
Custom Refinishing: If you love the look of wood, consider sanding and re-staining the existing doors. This preserves the beauty of natural wood grain.
Refacing, resurfacing, and refinishing are often more budget-friendly than a full kitchen teardown. They’re also more eco-friendly since you’re not throwing perfectly good cabinets into the landfill.
When It’s Time for a Full Replacement
Now, if you’ve looked inside and found particleboard boxes that are swollen, chipping, or otherwise falling apart, it might be time to invest in new cabinets. Even the best cabinet refacing job can’t revive a cabinet box that’s crumbling. Don’t waste your budget trying to patch up something that’s beyond repair. In that case, replacing the cabinets is usually the best long-term solution.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen cabinets are the workhorses of the home. If yours are made of solid oak or plywood from those golden decades (80s, 90s, early 00s), chances are you have a high-quality base that’s perfect for refacing, resurfacing, or refinishing.
Why tear out something solid when all it needs is a fresh face?
But if your cabinet boxes are showing signs of serious wear and tear—especially if they’re made of lower-grade particleboard—investing in brand new cabinets will save you headaches (and money) in the long run. A professional kitchen remodeler can help you decide which path is best for your space and your budget.
If you need any help deciding, we’d be happy to jump on a quick call to assess the best approach to updating your kitchen cabinets. Contact us below or click here to see how we can transform existing kitchen spaces!