Door Finishes

Solid Wood and Bamboo

If you choose wood, will you go for solid wood or wood veneer? The veneer is cheaper and is more durable to weather conditions. Whilst the humidity and temperature outside have an effect on your solid wooden kitchen doors, the biggest influence comes from the changes in temperature and humidity derived from your kitchen activities.

Wood itself is available in various colours, but it can also be glossed, painted, colour washed or waxed to give it the finish you prefer.

Veneer Finish

This is a door made of thin layers of real wood applied in leaves over a particle board door, providing uniformity and even colour distribution. Veneer is a more economical alternative to real wood but without the compromise of colour changes.

Melamine / Laminate 
      
Laminate cupboard doors have numerous possibilities in colour, texture and sheen. You can opt for a soft look with creamy colours and a matt finish. Alternatively, to make a statement, select the Italian elegance with glimmering fronts, bold colours, modern handles and other stylish finishes to compliment this theme.
A great advantage of laminate cupboards is that they are virtually maintenance-free. Laminate only needs the occasional wipe to keep it its lustre and maintain its condition.  

MDF Supawood

A versatile product with many options for shaping doors into different profiles and edging, allowing for manufacture of contemporary, colourful and funky modern units. Although the board itself is inexpensive, the type of finish selected will influence the expense to the end product.

Countertop Finishes

Countertops and Worktops for kitchens are available in a variety of materials. The most popular options today include: Laminate, Granite, Stainless Steel, Wood, Quartz Surfaces and Corian.
The countertop is an integral part in the design of any room or kitchen. However, for example, food preparation can deliver a large amount of wear and tear to the surfaces in the kitchen. Below we have tabled various materials used for countertops and provided some advantages and disadvantages for consideration.

Laminated tops

The most common brands are Formica and Max which are the most affordable option to complete your kitchen. The range of colours and patterns are vast with varying edge profiles and widths.

Granite

Granite articulates style & quality. It is the most common type of stone used for countertops. Granite is quarried worldwide, with colours and patterns that reveal the region and geological conditions where it originates from. Each slab is unique, with random and inconsistent patterns boasting its natural impressive character and distinction. It is highly durable, it doesn't scratch or burn and it retains its colour. Whilst Granite is an expensive material, the finished appearance is often well worth the investment.
Costing Granite : The general rule for granite pricing is that the lighter the colour of the granite – the more expensive it will be per square meter. Rustenburg granite (black) is your most affordable colour.

Solid Wood   

          
Wood gives a great look and character to your kitchen. On the countertop, however, it is highly susceptible to scratching and cutting. Hot pans will burn it or leave marks, and it can be unhygienic if meat or poultry is prepared on it. However, it is one of the only surfaces that will not damage your knives. Oak, maple, cherry, red beech, walnut, teak, and mahogany are all hardwoods favored for countertop applications.

Quartz (Caesar stone, Quarella, Silestone)

Made from Quartz, it delivers a great natural look to any kitchen. It is highly durable being resistant to scratches, stains and heat. However Quartz is more costly than Granite. Quartz surfaces are hygienic because the material is non-porous which makes it resistant to bacteria and mildew. It is available in approximately 26 colours and has a warranty. Most quartz products are of Italian and Spanish origin.

Stainless Steel           

Often associated with professional kitchens, stainless steel is practical and contemporary. Steel is highly durable and can be shaped in many ways to fit your kitchen. The backsplash and the sink can be made out of the same segment of steel, ensuring that there are no awkward corners or gaps for food to get lost in. Stainless steel is hygienic and is the only surface that can be safely bleached.

Corian® 

   
Corian countertops are known as a solid surface countertop (as opposed to those built up in layers i.e. laminate). Corian is hardwearing, resistant to scratches, scorching and heat. Damage to the countertop can be easily repaired, but would however incur additional expenses. This is the most expensive countertop option. A wide range of colors and styles are available and most suppliers provide a substantial guarantee. Corian is a famous brand, has been established for 30 years and is the market leader in colour variety.   

Glass, stainless steel and aluminium as an addition  

Glass is an ideal material for brightening rooms or kitchens comprising of wood or dark cabinets. Glass is often used on door panels, usually in conjunction with other materials, such as aluminium frames, to break up the uniformity, reflects light and adds creative flair.

Clear glass is an appropriate choice for displaying ornamental pieces, but can highlight dust and fingerprints. An alternative solution would be to select frosted glass which will reduce cleaning and hide the contents of the unit.