Finish options
| Finish | Look | Durability | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate (standard) | Solid colours, woodgrains, matt textures | Tough and easy to clean | Lower |
| Laminate (premium, thicker edges) | Closer to painted or real timber | Very good | Moderate |
| Two-pack polyurethane | Seamless, any colour, satin or gloss | Good; edges can chip | Higher |
| Timber veneer | Real timber grain | Good with care | Higher |
| Thermolaminate / vinyl wrap | Shaker and profiled doors | Can lift near heat | Lower to moderate |
For busy family kitchens, a good-quality laminate or two-pack with sensible edge profiles is usually the practical sweet spot.
Hardware matters more than you think
- Soft-close drawer runners rated for heavy pots and pans.
- Full-extension drawers so the back is as usable as the front.
- Quality hinges that stay aligned after years of slamming.
- Handles or finger pulls chosen for little hands and elbows walking past.
- Stainless or coated hardware that resists corrosion in salty air.
Storage ideas that work for families
- A deep pot drawer under the cooktop.
- A pull-out bin centre with compartments for recycling.
- A tall pantry with internal drawers, or a walk-in pantry.
- A lunchbox and snacks drawer at kid height.
- A tray and chopping board divider near the oven.
- An appliance cupboard with power inside and a roller or lift-up door.
- Corner solutions — pull-out mechanisms or a drawer arrangement so blind corners are not wasted.
- Overhead cupboards to the ceiling, or open shelves if you prefer fewer doors.
Built for coastal homes
Moisture and salt air are the enemies of cabinetry near the water. The areas around the sink and dishwasher take the most punishment. Boards rated for moisture, fully sealed edges, silicone at bench junctions and a rangehood ducted outside all help your cabinets last.
Beyond the kitchen
The same cabinetry approach extends into the butler's pantry, a laundry run, a bar or coffee nook, or a study desk in the family room so the style stays consistent.
Keeping old carcasses
If your existing cabinet boxes are sound and square, a kitchen makeover with new doors, panels and benchtops can be a smart option. If they are swollen or sagging, replacement is the better value.
Costs
Cabinetry is typically the largest single cost in a kitchen. See the cost guide for complete kitchen ranges, and kitchen design for planning storage around how you use the room.
Call 02 4307 6053 or send your kitchen details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
What is the difference between laminate and two-pack?
Laminate is a durable decorative surface bonded to board, available in solid colours, woodgrains and textures, and it is generally the more affordable option. Two-pack is a sprayed polyurethane paint finish that gives a smooth, seamless look in any colour, but it can chip on edges and costs more.
Are moisture-resistant boards worth it near the beach?
Yes, particularly for the sink cabinet, dishwasher surrounds and anything near the kettle or cooktop. Coastal humidity and everyday spills are hard on standard particleboard, and swelling at edges is the most common reason cabinets fail.
Drawers or cupboards under the bench?
Drawers, in most cases. You can see and reach everything without kneeling, and deep pot drawers hold far more than a cupboard with a single shelf. Cupboards still make sense under the sink and for some tall items.
How long does custom cabinetry take to make?
It varies with the workshop's schedule and the finish, but several weeks from final sign-off is common. Two-pack takes longer than laminate because of spraying and curing.