Select Materials for a Bathroom Cabinet

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A bathroom is subject to moisture, humidity and drastic temperature changes on a daily basis. It is for this reason that bathroom cabinetry must be designed and built using sturdy materials that are resistant to heat and moisture. The following information will help you select and locate materials for your bathroom cabinet that will stand up to many years of use.

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Choosing Cabinet Materials

Look at cabinetmaker displays to see the various materials used for bathroom cabinet construction.;

Pick up free pamphlets and brochures complete with photos and descriptions.;

Consider the various types of wood available by viewing samples in stores.;

Look for wood alternatives that are solid, waterproof and easy to clean.;

Before you select materials for a bathroom cabinet, do your homework and read all you can about the durability of various types of wood, composites and countertop material.;

Plywood holds up better than solid wood in high-moisture and high-heat areas such as bathrooms. It won’t warp and shift like solid wood.;

If you want the look of solid wood without the expense, opt for wood veneer. It’s just as stable as plywood in hot, moist and humid locations.;

Consider medium density fiberboard (MDF) for bathroom cabinet doors. It can be painted any color of the rainbow, and the paint will protect it from moisture and humidity.;

Laminate materials are waterproof, very easy to clean and exceptionally durable. Plastic laminate is available in a wide range of styles and colors.;

Thermafoil doors are an excellent choice for bathroom cabinetry. Thermafoil is made from medium density fiberboard and coated with solid plastic. It holds up exceptionally well to bathroom moisture, and it’s easy to clean and disinfect.;

High-glass lacquer can be applied to any type of wood to protect it from humidity and temperature changes.;

Don’t insist on solid wood for the bathroom. Overtime it’s more likely to warp and split due to temperature changes and humidity.;

Finding Materials

Have a pencil and paper ready before beginning your search, and get ready to take notes in an effort to find and compare prices and options.;

Look in the yellow pages of your phone book under building materials. You’ll find local listings of stores that sell home improvement supplies and lumber.;

Search online for building material retailers in your area. The listings online are more extensive than listings in local phone books.;

Scan newspaper circulars and ads.;

Consider all options to obtain the items you need at the lowest possible prices.;

Check with cabinetmakers and builders for usable scrap pieces of wood and other supplies. You might be able to select top-grade materials and build your cabinet for much less than anticipated.;

Search salvage yards for supplies. You’d be amazed by the quality and prices of materials available at salvage centers.;

Flea markets, auctions and yard sales are great places to search. Quite often, you can find new items for very little cost.;

Don’t buy particleboard that might contain urea-formaldehyde. It has been linked to a number of health problems. Insist on building materials that are formaldehyde-free.;

http://www.wantsandoffers.com;

http://www.lowes.com;

http://www.homedecorhardware.com;