Traditionally, cabinets were completed using unfinished wood in the interiors. In stock cabinetry options, this typically meant lower-quality plywood or even particle board on the bottoms. The wood was a little rough, unattractive and it was a catch-all for dirt and debris. So, back in the "old days" there was a right-of-passage performed by homemakers when they moved into a new kitchen; they lined cabinet shelves and drawers with shelf liners.

There were many colors and patterns to choose from and something about the process - especially if you moved into a rental or already-built home - made the kitchen officially "yours". The problem was that colors and patterns became outdated, shelf paper eventually ripped or peeled away from the edges and, as it began to curl up, dirt, bugs and "gunk" accumulated at the edges. Melamine interiors have changed all of that.

Advantages of Melamine Interiors for Your Chicago Custom Cabinets

When it comes to finishing the interiors of your cabinets, you typically have two options - melamine or wood veneer. Melamine is a thin sheet of resin-saturated paper that is thermally fused (bonded using a high heat application) to particle board. The result is a completely smooth surface that is resistant to scratching, chipping, staining or peeling and can be easily wiped down. It can be made in a range of colors, including faux-wood patterns to better match the wood cabinet frames.

Some of the advantages of melamine include:

• Affordability. Melamine is an affordable option for cabinets and with proper care and maintenance, it will last as long as your cabinets do. Choosing custom cabinetry with melamine interiors can help to bring the cost down a little bit as it is cheaper than wood veneer options and is definitely cheaper than finishing the interior of the cabinets.
  
  
• Durability. As we mentioned above, it is pretty scratch resistant and doesn't stain easily, making it very easy to clean.
  
  
• Longevity. Well-maintained melamine interiors will last for the lifetime of your cabinets so you shouldn't have to replace it.

If you are planning on having a section of cabinets with glass door inserts, we recommend opting for wood veneers or a fully finished cabinet interior because the melamine will be visible from the outside and any lack of continuity between the exterior cabinet and the interior of the cabinet will create a disjointed aesthetic.

Of course, no product is perfect, so melamine has its downfalls as well.

It is not eco-friendly. If you are trying to design an eco-friendly kitchen, melamine won't be on your list due to the chemicals involved in its production.

Potential moisture damage. While melamine itself repels water, particle board is highly susceptible to water damage, so the edges of your shelves can be a weak point. Your builder can help you resolve this issue using thicker PVC edges or solid wood edging on shelves that would be prone to spills or liquid exposure.

Contact Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to learn more about cabinet interior options for your Chicago custom cabinets.