Should PVC Material Cabinets be a Choice for Modular Kitchens?

Should PVC Material Cabinets be a Choice for Modular Kitchens?

Modular kitchens are in trend, and cabinets are the main part of them. They make the kitchen look beautiful and more accessible. They help to store many things and acquire very little space. 

But what material should be used used for these cabinets so that they last long?

PVC could be a great option, and this blog will tell you why you should consider it for your kitchen.

What is PVC?

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is a polymer that is produced in a large quantity by following the process of polymerization of vinyl chloride. PVC is made up of plastic composites that are very durable, and therefore, PVC is widely used in pipes and plumbing materials.

PVC is also used for making floors, cabinets, countertops, and many other useful things.

Advantages of PVC Material Cabinets

Given below are the advantages of PVC material:

• Economical: PVC material is budget-friendly and is quite cheaper compared to wooden cabinets. Hollow boards are cheaper and foam boards are strong. One can select any of two based on budget and duration of stay.
• Ease of installation: PVC material for kitchen cabinets does not require any additional fixing as they come in ready-to-fit boards. They are lightweight and easy to install in kitchens. They don't even require additional laminations or any designs to get fit.
• Zero maintenance: PVC material cabinets are easy to clean and take care of. No stains are left on them and therefore they do not require any extra care.
• Termite-resistant: If you have PVC material cabinets installed at your place, you don't have to worry about termites, wood borers, or any other damage done by insects. PVC material is termite-free, oil-proof, and waterproof.
• Easy to replace: PVC material is easily available in the market and therefore it is easy to replace PVC boards and sheets in case of any damage.
• Durability: Undoubtedly, PVC boards are more durable than any other material available. They last longer without causing any trouble.

Disadvantages of PVC Material Cabinets

Given below are the disadvantages of PVC material.

• Low hardware compatibility: PVC material is easy to install and take care of. But their hardware compatibility is not as good as other materials like iron or wood. Their joints loose often and make them saggy over time.
• Low fire resistance: Cleaning PVC material cabinets is not a problem but placing them in the kitchen is. PVC material is not fire-resistant and the kitchen is the place where there's a lot of heat often. One needs to be careful while using them in the kitchen.
• Prone to scratches: PVC material is strong but plastic. Over time, plastic get scratches and cuts that cannot be covered. However, they last longer but might require a bit of care for a good look.

Cost of PVC

The cost of a complete modular kitchen is between Rs.20000-50000, and PVC kitchen cabinets cost around Rs.200-350. Foam boards cost Rs.30 /sq. feet and hollow boards cost Rs.25/sq. feet. Cost may vary based on thickness, color, weight, and size.

Types of PVC Boards

There are two types of PVC boards available in the market. Description of them is given below:

1. Foam Boards: Foam boards are less shiny and comparatively expensive than hollow boards. Foam boards are strong, non-toxic, termite-resistant, more durable, and more hygienic. 
2. Hollow Boards: Hollow boards are quite economical and shiny as compared to foam boards. They are lightweight and easy to install. Hollow boards are not fire-resistant and less durable.

Pros and Cons of PVC Material Cabinets

Given below are the Pros and Cons of PVC Cabinets. They will help you to understand whether you should install them in your home or not.

Pros

• Easy to install.
• PVC is budget-friendly.
• PVC is moisture resistant.
• Termites cannot infect PVC cabinets.
• PVC cabinets do not require expensive finishes.
• PVC can hold quite a lot of weight.

Cons

• PVC plastic materials sag when they are used for a long time.
• Insects usually occupy hollow areas, and therefore, they are a bit unhygienic to use.
• They deform while fixing dents.
• It's hard to damage PVC, but they are prone to damage.
• Scratches cannot be removed from PVC materials.
• PVC is not available in many colors.
• PVC is not fire-resistant.