Designing a new kitchen can be quite overwhelming and there are so many choices out there. Gloss? Matt? Stone? Marble?
I believe you can create a beautiful kitchen on all budget levels, so today I wanted to introduce you to a few options on cabinetry finishes. I've listed these different finishes from least expensive, to high end. I'm sure each cabinet maker will quote your kitchen slightly different but this is a gauge to know where to start selecting from.

Textured melamine

Laminex and Polytec have a great range of textured melamine in a range of plain and timber looks that give the appearance of timber veneer. This is an affordable option and has a beautiful grain to touch.
You can play around with the direction of the timber grain and run it horizontal, or vertical which is what I have done in our Williamstown project.(pictured right)

Sheen Melamine

If you are after a slight gloss to your kitchen, a sheen melamine board is a great alternative to achieve a gloss kitchen. Keep in mind with any lighter colours, you will notice a thin black edging.

Ultra Matt Melamine

This fantastic new product is a reveluction to the industry! You can create the look of a matt 2-pack high end kitchen with this affordable ultra matt product. Laminex call it AbsoluteMatte and Polytec called it Legato.
This velvet smooth finish is finger proof resistant (to some degree, I believe) is great for a handless kitchen and creates a contemporary look.

Vinyl Wrap

Vinyl Wrap is made by stretching a thin sheet of vinyl over a cut and routed piece of MDF. First, glue is applied to the door and edge and then the vinyl is vacuum sealed to the door so you get a seamless look with no visible edges. Its thermoformed surface makes it resistant to the usual knocks and bumps of a busy household and is easy to keep clean.
Vinyl wrap gives you the flexibility to introduce a range of profiles and is available in gloss, matt or textured finishes. There is a range of standard colours you can select from, depending on which brand you select.
Vinyl wrap cannot be used on horizontal surfaces such as shelves or benchtops.

2-PACK

2-pack is a paint finish that is sprayed on just like a car. Due to being a paint finish, the colours are endless as you can colour match to pretty much any paint brand. The finish is quite seamless and is available in many more door profiles than vinyl. Vinyl doors aren't as crisp as profiles on 2 pack doors.
Do keep in mind the hard corners on a 2-pack kitchen can be prone to chipping.

Timber Veneer

Timber veneer is real timber, sliced very finely and pressed onto an MDF board. It is a renewable and sustainable resource. It has been used for many years, and the timeless beauty of antique furniture attests to the lasting quality of veneering art.

Decorative Veneer is produced by slicing or peeling selected logs to an approximate thickness of 0.6mm. You can select from a range of ways the timber is cut, as it provides many grain patterns and finishes. It’s durable and can be sanded back if damaged or scratched.

Timber veneer is a premium finish and can be quite costly but combine it with vinyl or 2-pack to balance the budget and keep a cohesive look. Use veneer in low-impact areas such as vertical surfaces (cabinet doors, for instance).

I hope this information has cleared up a few questions in regards to your Kitchen or Bathroom renovation and next week I will put together a range of different benchtop material options!

If you are needing assistance selecting colours and materials for your renovation, click on the button below and we can schedule a quick phone call to discuss how I can help eliviate that headache and ensure your renovation runs smoothly!

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