Expert: Kirk Ryan - 10/13/2008

Question
Hello:

I would like to know what materials can be used instead of wood to replace old metal kitchen cabinets?

We are trying to keep costs down but of course would like the new cabinets to look good.

Thank you,

Marsha Beach

Answer
A lot of people are using "melamine" cabinets these days. Melamine is a fake wood look. So basically its particle board, and it has like a printed face on it to look like wood. It sounds cheesy, but it has fooled people. Its also environmental friendly because they don't cut down any trees to make them. They use scrap wood for the particle. (in some instances they even replace the particle board with an MDF board) The cost should be much better than buying real wood cabinets.

Hope this helps. Good luck!