There are numerous alternatives available when it comes to kitchen cabinets. It goes without saying that having a choice is a wonderful thing. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Whatever your personal preferences, there is a kitchen cabinet design to fit you. Here, we’ve combined two popular kitchen cabinet styles: solid wood and high gloss. In many ways, these two styles are diametrically opposed. For any homeowner looking to build a contemporary and ultra-modern kitchen design, high gloss has fast become the logical choice. Solid wood, on the other hand, brings up memories of rustic farmhouse kitchens, as well as conventional and classic styles. When it comes to solid wood vs. High gloss, there’s a lot more to consider. Many people are unaware of how flexible both styles are. Here’s everything you need to know about kitchen units made of solid wood and high gloss.
Solid wood vs. High Gloss – You can’t go wrong with either.
It’s all about the finish with high gloss kitchen cabinets. These units have a sleek and glossy finish, which is unsurprising considering the name. High gloss cabinets reflect the light of the area from all angles, making any kitchen appear larger than it is.
Solid wood kitchen units are definitely a thing of beauty for a whole distinct appearance. Any environment can benefit from the natural beauty and warmth of solid wood. Beautiful and natural grain patterns can be found in solid wood cabinets. Each wood species has its own strength and durability characteristics. Each sort of solid wood also has a distinct appearance. Choose oak or maple for your kitchen, for example, if you want a beautiful grain.
Solid wood vs. High Gloss: Both are really fashionable in any situation
Although solid wood and high gloss have quite different tastes, no one can deny that both have a lot of style and personality in their own right.
There are a number of elements that influence how much light is reflected by high-gloss units. The type of gloss, colour chosen, underlying material, and type of light in the area are all factors to consider. Especially well-suited to modern kitchens with flat cabinet fronts. The high-gloss look first gained popularity in the 1970s, but times have changed since then. When it came to high gloss kitchen units back in the day, a clinical white was practically your only option. That had some appeal, and brilliant white cabinets are still a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. However, there are now a plethora of high-gloss alternatives available. Grey, beige, cream, and Champagne are among the most popular neutral colours. They have the same flowing lines as older high-gloss units, but they now have a lot more character and warmth.
The benefits of a high-gloss kitchen
The capacity to give the perception of space is high gloss’s main advantage over the competition in the kitchen cabinet market. This is one of the reasons why it is so popular with homeowners. It gives the illusion of a larger space in a tiny space. Most of us yearn for more space in our homes, and a high-gloss kitchen does just that. As a result, high gloss is an excellent finish for compact kitchens.
You have a lot of options with solid wood. With so many wood species currently available, you should be able to select one that fits your style as well as your budget. It’s common to be able to personalise sold wood. With solid wood kitchen units, you can truly create a one-of-a-kind style for your kitchen, from the shape to the finish.
Cabinet makers consider solid wood to be a superior material, and it’s easy to see why. Solid wood is not only beautiful, but it is also highly sturdy and long-lasting. Solid wood is, in fact, unsurpassed in terms of strength. The most expensive solid wood is of the best grade. Solid wood cabinets, on the other hand, come with the assurance that they will last for decades. Of course, because wood species differ in terms of strength and durability, you need conduct research to ensure that you are selecting the best option for your home and needs.
Solid wood kitchen cabinets may be more expensive up front than other kitchen cabinet materials, but they provide excellent value for money due to their durability. They won’t need to be replaced as frequently as other materials, and with careful maintenance, solid wood units can last a lifetime. With solid wood, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
What is the pricing difference between the two?
Solid wood kitchen cabinets cost a little more than other kitchen cabinets. The Kitchen Warehouse solid wood choices are still inexpensive, with a 350mm single door base unit for £164.04. Remember that, while there are cheaper kitchen unit models available, when it comes to quality and longevity, nothing beats solid wood.
High-gloss kitchen cabinets are a very cost-effective solution. For £112.68, you can get a 350mm base unit with a single door in seven different colours.
Cleaning and maintenance
High-gloss kitchen cabinets are extremely low-maintenance and simple to clean. All you need is a non-abrasive microfiber cloth to stay on top of things. Any dust or markings that have accumulated on the surface will be picked up by the microfibres. Warm water, a moderate dishwashing soap, and a non-abrasive sponge will remove more tenacious stains.
The only disadvantage is that blemishes, scratches, and fingerprints are more noticeable due to all of the reflected light on the devices’ surfaces. However, because the units are so simple to clean, this shouldn’t be an issue.
If you’re worried about mucky fingers and kids, one alternative is to only use a high gloss finish on the upper cabinets. For the bottom units, a semi-gloss or even a matt finish could be chosen. It’s also worth noting that on darker-colored finishes, marks and defects on the surface of high-gloss units are more visible.
The upkeep of your solid wood kitchen cabinets is not difficult or time-consuming, but it is critical. Wood is not waterproof in its unfinished state. Specific wood species can survive a certain quantity of moisture better than others. However, because wood is susceptible to moisture damage, it is critical to apply a waterproof coating.
Solid wood can develop warping, cracking, and insect infestation with time. However, with proper care and routine protection and maintenance, these issues are unlikely to resurface. Despite the need of solid wood kitchen unit upkeep, you should not let this deter you from getting solid wood.
Units made of solid wood and those with a high gloss finish are examples.
All of the wood used in Kitchen Warehouse’s solid wood kitchen units comes from sustainable European forests. Our kitchen doors are made from only the finest Grade A+ solid wood. The basic five-piece design may be found on all of them. Mortise and tenon joints are standard on all models, as are top-of-the-line mechanisms like Hettich soft closing hinges.
If you like natural oak, we have three beautiful types to choose from: Maddison, Wakefield, and Jefferson. Solid wood variants that have been painted are also available.
If you like a high-gloss finish, we have lots of options for you. Our high-gloss kitchen unit collection comes in a variety of gorgeous colours. You can go with basic white or the softer tones of Porcelain, Cashmere, or Cream. We have two terrific grey tones, including the incredibly popular Dust Grey, if you want to gloss up your kitchen in on-trend grey. The series is completed by the beautiful Anthracite.
Which style comes out on top?
Overall, it’s tough to pick a winner between these two kitchen design behemoths. Of course, they provide extremely different services. Trying to declare one is better than the other, on the other hand, is futile. High gloss kitchen units are, in fact, an excellent alternative for creating a cutting-edge aesthetic for your contemporary kitchen space. Furthermore, if you have a tiny space, high shine is the best option. High-gloss pieces can make the room appear much bigger than it is.
Solid wood kitchen units, on the other hand, are one of the best (if not the best) options for a classic and timeless design in your new kitchen. Remember that if you choose solid wood, you are truly investing in the future of your home. Solid wood is a long-lasting material. Please contact the Kitchen Warehouse staff if you require any additional assistance or information in selecting your dream kitchen.