Laminate vs Wood Cabinets: Which One Is Better?

When you're in the midst of kitchen remodeling or picking out cabinets for a new home, you'll encounter a pivotal decision: laminate vs wood kitchen cabinets. Both surfaces have their unique advantages and drawbacks, and making the right choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

We’ve been cabinet refacers for years, so we know what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your money. In this article, we'll explore the characteristics, benefits, and downsides of laminate and wood cabinets.

What Are Laminate Cabinets?

Let’s clear something up first: today’s laminate isn’t the flimsy stuff you’d see in kitchens decades ago. Modern 3D laminate, also called thermofoil, is far more durable and well-suited for everyday use.

These cabinets are built with a core — usually plywood or a wood-based composite like particleboard — that’s wrapped in thermofoil. A clear topcoat is then applied to help protect the surface and extend the life of the material. It’s a practical choice for busy kitchens, offering a clean look and solid performance with minimal maintenance.

What Are Wood Cabinets?

Wood cabinets, as the name suggests, are made from solid wood or plywood. They are known for their timeless beauty and natural warmth. Wood kitchen cabinetry comes in various wood species, including oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, each with its own unique grain patterns and colors. They can be left in their natural state or stained and finished to achieve a desired look.

Durability

Kitchen cabinets take daily wear and tear, so durability is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. The material you choose should hold up for many years.

Laminate

High-quality 3D laminate is made by layering synthetic materials and fusing them with heat and pressure. The protective top layer resists scratches, fading, and stains, making it suitable for high-use kitchens.

The average lifespan: 15-20 years.

Wood

Solid wood cabinets are known for their strength and long-lasting performance. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry naturally resist daily wear and tear, thanks to their dense grain. Over time, they can be sanded, refaced, or painted — making it easy to update the look without replacing the entire cabinet.

The average lifespan: 30+ years.

Appearence & Design

The visual impact of your cabinets plays a major role in how your kitchen looks and feels. Their design, material, and finish help set the tone for the entire space.

Laminate

Laminate cabinets offer impressive versatility, allowing you to refresh the look of your cabinets with cabinet refacing with 3D laminate, with a wide range of colors, patterns, styles, and textures to choose from.

Wood

Wood cabinets exude a classic, luxurious charm that many homeowners find irresistible. The natural beauty of wood grain adds warmth and character to any kitchen.

Maintenance

Keeping your cabinets in good shape requires regular care. A consistent maintenance routine helps preserve their appearance and extend their lifespan — regardless of the material you choose.

Laminate

Laminate cabinets are known for being highly resistant to water exposure and everyday moisture, which makes them a great low-maintenance option. Follow these basic thermofoil maintenance guidelines to keep them in excellent shape:

• Daily cleaning: Wipe down surfaces using a soft cloth and a mild soapy water solution to remove fingerprints, grease, and food residue without damaging the laminate finish.
• Avoiding harsh chemicals: Avoid using strong solvents, abrasive cleaners, or bleach, as these can wear away the protective coating and cause the laminate to break down over time.
• Preventing heat damage: Always place hot pans or dishes on trivets or heat pads, since high temperatures can cause the laminate surface to lift or peel.
• Addressing spills promptly: While laminate resists moisture, liquids should never sit for long. Clean spills right away to prevent potential damage to the cabinet’s core material.

Wood

Traditional wood cabinets need a bit more attention to keep their finish and structure in good shape. Regular cleaning and occasional refinishing help maintain their appearance and protect them from everyday wear. Here are some care tips to follow for long-lasting wooden cabinets:

• Regular dusting: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove dust each week and prevent buildup that can lead to surface scratches.
• Gentle cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild wood-safe soap, taking care not to use too much moisture.
• Periodic conditioning: Every three to six months, apply a high-quality wood conditioner or polish to protect the surface and keep it looking vibrant.
• Humidity control: Keep indoor humidity between 40 and 60 percent to reduce the risk of cracking, shrinking, or swelling.
• Refinishing when needed: Every five to seven years, light sanding and a fresh coat of finish can restore the surface and help protect the wood from further wear.

Cost

When comparing laminate and wood cabinets, pricing plays a major role. Laminate offers a more budget-conscious option while still achieving a clean, finished look. Wood costs more but offers long-term durability and a premium feel.

For many homeowners, a full cabinet replacement may not be necessary. Cabinet refacing can give the kitchen a refreshed appearance at a much lower cost. Take a look at the pricing breakdown to understand how each choice fits your budget:

*Prices are approximate for 2025 and may vary based on location, material quality, cabinet size, and installation details. Other costs may include hardware, delivery, or labor.

Repairability

Knowing how easy it is to repair your cabinets matters when you’re thinking long-term. A kitchen is a big investment, so it’s worth considering how each material holds up when things go wrong.

Laminate

Laminate cabinets can be tricky to fix once they’re damaged. Small scratches may be treated with color-matched repair kits or melamine fillers, but more serious issues — like peeling, bubbling, or chips — often require a full panel replacement. Because laminate is a surface material, repairing large sections is usually less effective than replacing them outright.

Wood

Wood cabinets are easier to repair and maintain over the years, which adds to their overall value. Minor surface scratches can be lightly sanded and refinished to blend in with the rest of the cabinet. Deeper marks or dents can be filled with wood putty, smoothed out, and refinished to restore the original appearance.

Quick Comparison: Laminate vs Wood Cabinets

We’ve taken a close look at the most important features of both laminate and wood cabinets. Now it’s time to break down their strengths and limitations in a side-by-side comparison to help guide your final decision.

Both wood and laminate cabinets have their strengths. Laminate offers great variety, easy care, and affordability, making it ideal for homeowners looking for practical style on a budget. Wood, on the other hand, delivers unmatched longevity, repair flexibility, and a natural look that holds its value.

The best option comes down to your priorities. Consider how you use your kitchen, what style you want to achieve, and what matters most to you — cost, upkeep, or long-term durability.

Selecting the Right Option for Your Kitchen Cabinets

When planning a kitchen remodel, here are the main things you should consider when deciding what is better to choose — laminate or wood cabinets:

• Budget: If you have a limited budget, laminate cabinets may be the more practical choice. They offer excellent value for money and a wide range of design options.
• Aesthetic preference: If you cherish the natural beauty of wood and don't mind the maintenance, wood cabinets are a great choice. Otherwise, laminate cabinets with a wood-like appearance can be a budget-friendly alternative.
• Longevity: If you plan to stay in your home for the long term and want durable cabinets that can withstand the test of time, wood cabinets might be worth the investment.
• Maintenance commitment: Consider how much time and effort you're willing to put into cabinet maintenance. If low maintenance is a priority, laminate cabinets may be the better option.
• Environmental concerns: If sustainability is important to you, look for laminate cabinets that are made from eco-friendly materials and processes, or opt for wood cabinets from sustainably managed forests.

The best cabinet material for your kitchen depends on what works for you. Whether that’s long-term durability, easy upkeep, or aesthetic value, your decision should match your priorities and feel right in your everyday space.

Before You Replace Everything, Read This

A lot of homeowners think they need to tear everything out to update their kitchen, but that’s not always true. If your current cabinets are in solid shape, full replacement might not be necessary. When the cabinet boxes are sturdy and functional, cabinet refacing can be a smart, practical solution.

Instead of replacing the entire setup, refacing updates the doors, drawer fronts, and exterior finishes while keeping the cabinet structure in place. It’s faster, less disruptive, and often far more cost-effective.

Here’s when cabinet refacing is the right move:

• Solid cabinet boxes: Your cabinets are 10 to 15 years old, still structurally sound, and don’t need to be rebuilt from scratch.
• Satisfied with layout: You’re happy with your kitchen’s current flow and functionality and don’t need to change the placement of your cabinets.
• Budget consciousness: Refacing can cost up to 70 percent less than a full cabinet replacement, making it a smart choice for budget-friendly remodels.
• Environmental considerations: Keeping your existing cabinet frames reduces waste and makes your remodel a more sustainable, lower-impact project.
• Time constraints: Full replacements can take weeks, but cabinet refacing is often finished in just two to three days with minimal disruption to your home.

Making the Final Call on Your Kitchen Cabinets

The choice between laminate and wooden cabinets for a kitchen is a tough decision for any homeowner. Both options have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on what you want to achieve from your kitchen remodeling project.

Your professional cabinet refacers recommend laminates for superior results. With the latest rigid 3D laminate that offers exceptional heat resistance, the overall durability is significantly higher. Contact our team and select premium laminate cabinet options that provide long-lasting sophistication, top-notch quality, and enhanced functionality for your interior spaces.