Modular is the default option in most cases where new woodwork is required in the Kitchen. The advantages Modular Kitchens have over carpenter-made kitchens far outweigh the disadvantages if any. They are practical with an infinite array of materials, colours, textures and finishes to suit every budget and style, blending aesthetics with a modern flourish. But the downside of so many options is that it is very hard to make and take the right decisions that not only offer value for money but also ensure peace of mind in the long run. The choice of the primary materials used will decide the durability and budget of your kitchen. Following is a quick look at the most commonly used materials to help you make the right choice. Modular Kitchen cabinets are basically made up of two material layers- the inner structural boxing or carcass, and the exterior finish or outer ‘skin’. Let’s look at them in detail. 1. The Boxing or Carcass Material In order of their popularity, Plywood, MDF or HDF, Particleboard or Wood are the most common choices for the cabinet carcass material. Let’s analyse their pros and cons one by one. Plywood Plywood is a durable and stable engineered material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with resin. It is readily available in many standard sizes and thicknesses. By virtue of its construction where adjacent layers have their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another, Plywood has a high degree of strength. Most commonly used grades of plywood in order of durability are Marine or BWP (boiling waterproof), BWR(boiling water resistant) and MR(moisture resistant) plywood. The first two are the preferred options for their moisture resistance and are better suited for kitchen and bathroom cabinets where a lot of water spills and moisture. Commercial ply is less expensive and the go to option for overhead units if budget is a constraint. Fibreboard High Density and Medium Density Fibreboards (HDF and MDF) are engineered wood products made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, combined with wax and resin binders under high temperature and pressure. Though these boards are [...]