Are you planning to renovate or remodel your kitchen? If yes, you must pick the right material and design for modular kitchen cabinets. Modular furniture consists of pre-made units which can be setup in various ways to suit the personalized requirement of the user or client. Modular Kitchen has gained popularity due to its property of collective functionality. There are huge variety of modular kitchen design to choose from because of its flexible nature, variety of materials and finishes. And once you have done this, you should select the right finish, too. The type of finish is important not only from aesthetics point of view; it also provides protection to the cabinet and determines how long it will last.
But making the right choice may not be easy considering the wide range of cabinet finishes available in the market. Some of the popular cabinet finishes are membrane finish, laminate finish and acrylic finish.
This article largely deals with membrane finish and compares it with laminate finish.
What is Membrane Finish In Modular Kitchen?
Membrane is a Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foil, and is available in matte, glossy and wooden finishes. The foil is wrapped around medium density fiberboard (MDF) under high pressure.
The membrane finish matches well with traditional and contemporary kitchen styles. Moreover, it is affordable and durable.
Laminate vs. Membrane Finish in Kitchen
Laminate Finish
Membrane Finish
The laminate finish uses flat paper glued together to the cabinet material. Membrane, on the other hand, is a foil covered over MDF board. In the case of membrane finish, there is no edge banding. Edge-banding technique on the laminate is usually applied for ensuring a smooth edge; otherwise it would remain sharp, increasing the risk of injury to the user.
Membrane finish is durable and largely affordable. There are many aspects that make it a popular choice for modular kitchens.
Here are some pros and cons of membrane finish:
Pros/Advantages of Membrane Finish:
01. Good Resistance:
It has good resistance to water and weather, making it suitable to almost all types of weather
02. Durable:
It is durable and has a longer lifespan compared to laminate finish
03. Rich Look:
It provides shutters with a rich look of matt as well as glossy finish
04. Easy to Wash:
It can be easily washed with a mild detergent and a moist cloth
05. Edge Banding not Needed:
Does not require edge banding as it is wrapped over the MDF board and not glued
06. Smooth Touch:
The finishing gives a quite smooth touch and feel
07. Affordable:
It is cheaper compared to acrylic or UV (ultraviolet) finishes
Cons/Disadvantages of Membrane Finish:
01. Risk of Discoloration:
Discoloration is likely to occur if exposed to sunlight for a longer period of time
02. Maintenance Factor:
It needs proper cleaning and maintenance
03. Peeling Off Risk:
In case of rough and tough use, there are chances of the membrane finish peeling off in the long term
04. Scratches:
Scratches and marks can happen if sharp-edged cleaners or steel scrubbers are used
Conclusion
If you are looking to give a sophisticated touch and look to your modular kitchen, membrane finish could be a way forward.
However, it is always a better approach to take a decision after proper research.
For more information regarding various finishes for cabinets and their comparisons, do refer our most popular articles:
Which are the Best Materials & Finishes to Use in Modular Kitchen?
Acrylic Finish VS Laminate Finish: Select the Best for your Kitchen Cabinets!!!
What are Pros & Cons of PVC over Wooden Cabinets for Your Kitchen?
Author Bio
Zuber Hingora