Laminate Cabinets Vs Wood? Prices, Installation Cost, Best Brands, Pros and Cons

When renovating your kitchen or bathroom, choosing between laminate and wood cabinets is a significant decision that impacts both aesthetics and budget. Laminate cabinets offer affordability and low maintenance, while wood cabinets provide timeless beauty and longevity. This comparison examines the price differences, installation costs, leading brands, advantages, and disadvantages of both options. Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly renovation or a high-end custom kitchen, understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice that balances appearance, functionality, and cost-effectiveness for your specific needs.

Laminate cabinets consist of a manufactured material made by fusing multiple layers of paper with resin under high pressure. The outermost layer is printed with patterns that mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood, stone, or solid colors. The core typically consists of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard with laminate sheets bonded to the surface.

Modern laminate cabinets have come a long way in terms of quality and appearance. High-definition printing technology now creates remarkably realistic wood grain patterns and textures that can be difficult to distinguish from real wood at first glance. Manufacturers also offer various finishes including matte, glossy, and textured options to suit different design preferences.

What Are Wood Cabinets?

Wood cabinets are crafted from natural solid wood or engineered wood products like plywood with real wood veneers. Popular wood species for cabinetry include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, birch, and hickory, each offering distinct grain patterns, colors, and characteristics. Solid wood cabinets feature doors, drawer fronts, and frames made entirely from natural wood, while engineered options may use plywood for cabinet boxes with solid wood doors.

Wood cabinets can be finished in numerous ways, including staining to enhance natural grain, painting for a smooth colored finish, or glazing for an antique appearance. The versatility of wood allows for various construction styles from traditional framed cabinets with visible hinges to modern frameless designs with concealed hardware.

Price Comparison: Laminate vs Wood Cabinets

Laminate cabinets typically cost between $75 to $150 per linear foot, while wood cabinets range from $150 to $500+ per linear foot, depending on wood species and construction quality. For an average kitchen requiring 30 linear feet of cabinetry, expect to pay $2,250-$4,500 for laminate compared to $4,500-$15,000+ for wood.

Budget laminate options start around $1,500 for a small kitchen, while premium thermofoil or high-definition laminates might reach $6,000. For wood cabinets, economy options using oak or birch begin around $4,000, mid-range maple or cherry cabinets cost $7,000-$12,000, and premium custom cabinets in exotic woods can exceed $20,000.

Cabinet Type	Average Cost Per Linear Foot	Total Cost (30 linear ft kitchen)
Basic Laminate	$75-$100	$2,250-$3,000
Premium Laminate	$100-$150	$3,000-$4,500
Economy Wood	$150-$250	$4,500-$7,500
Mid-Range Wood	$250-$350	$7,500-$10,500
Custom Wood	$350-$500+	$10,500-$15,000+

Installation Costs

Professional installation costs vary based on complexity, location, and cabinet type. For laminate cabinets, installation typically ranges from $50-$100 per cabinet box, while wood cabinets cost $70-$150 per cabinet to install due to their heavier weight and sometimes more complex assembly requirements.

Additional factors affecting installation costs include removing existing cabinets ($300-$500), modifications to accommodate appliances or special features ($200-$350), and custom trim work ($10-$30 per linear foot). For a typical kitchen with 15-20 cabinet boxes, expect installation costs of $750-$2,000 for laminate and $1,050-$3,000 for wood cabinets.

DIY installation can save on labor costs but requires specialized tools and skills. While laminate cabinets are typically lighter and easier for DIY installation, wood cabinets often require more experience due to their weight and the precision needed for a quality finish.

Best Brands for Laminate Cabinets

IKEA

IKEA offers some of the most affordable laminate cabinet solutions with their SEKTION line, featuring a 25-year limited warranty. Their modular system provides flexibility with numerous door styles and finishes, though assembly is required. Prices typically range from $80-$120 per linear foot installed.

Formica

Formica is renowned for high-quality laminate products with exceptional durability. Their cabinets feature innovative designs and realistic wood-like textures. While slightly more expensive than budget options, they offer better longevity and resistance to scratches and stains.

KraftMaid

KraftMaid offers both wood and laminate options with their Thermofoil line providing durable, seamless cabinet finishes. Available through home improvement stores, these semi-custom cabinets balance quality and affordability with prices ranging from $100-$150 per linear foot.

Hampton Bay

Home Depot’s exclusive Hampton Bay brand provides ready-to-assemble laminate cabinets in various styles. Their designs offer good value with prices around $90-$130 per linear foot and relatively quick delivery times for renovation projects.

Best Brands for Wood Cabinets

Kraftmaid

KraftMaid stands out for its semi-custom wood cabinets offering excellent quality-to-price ratio, with options in oak, maple, cherry, and birch. Available through major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, they provide a good balance of craftsmanship and accessibility with prices ranging from $200-$350 per linear foot.

Merillat

Merillat offers both Merillat Classic (mid-range) and Merillat Masterpiece (premium) lines with solid construction and various wood species. Their cabinets feature soft-close hinges, dovetail drawers, and numerous customization options, typically priced between $175-$400 per linear foot.

Thomasville

Available at Home Depot, Thomasville cabinets feature all-wood construction with dovetail drawers and quality hardware. They offer numerous door styles and finish options with prices ranging from $200-$400 per linear foot, depending on wood species and features.

Woodmode and Brookhaven

For premium wood cabinetry, Woodmode (custom) and Brookhaven (semi-custom) represent high-end options with exceptional craftsmanship and materials. These cabinets feature furniture-grade finishes and construction details, with prices starting around $400 per linear foot.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Cabinets

Pros

• Affordability: Significantly lower upfront cost than wood cabinets
• Low maintenance: Easy to clean with just soap and water
• Moisture resistance: Less susceptible to warping in humid environments
• Color consistency: Uniform appearance without the natural variations of wood
• Design variety: Available in countless colors, patterns, and textures
• Lightweight: Easier to handle during installation

Cons

• Difficult to repair: Chips and scratches cannot be easily refinished
• Shorter lifespan: Typically last 10-15 years compared to 20+ for wood
• Lower resale value: Generally less appealing to potential homebuyers
• Heat sensitivity: Can delaminate if exposed to excessive heat
• Less authentic feel: May look artificial compared to natural wood

Pros and Cons of Wood Cabinets

Pros

• Timeless appeal: Classic appearance that rarely goes out of style
• Durability: Can last for decades with proper care
• Repairability: Can be sanded and refinished to remove damage
• Higher home value: Often increases property value and buyer interest
• Unique character: Natural grain patterns provide distinctive appearance
• Customization: Easily modified, stained, or painted for different looks

Cons

• Higher cost: Substantially more expensive than laminate alternatives
• Maintenance requirements: Needs periodic cleaning with wood-specific products
• Susceptibility to damage: Can scratch, dent, and show water damage
• Environmental sensitivity: May warp or crack with humidity changes
• Heavier weight: More challenging to install and may require additional support
• Potential for color changes: Some woods darken or change tone with age and sun exposure

Which Is Better for Different Kitchen Styles?

For contemporary and modern kitchens, high-gloss laminate cabinets often complement sleek, minimalist designs with their uniform appearance and vibrant color options. The clean lines and consistent finish work well with stainless steel appliances and geometric layouts, offering a futuristic aesthetic at a more accessible price point.

Traditional, farmhouse, and craftsman-style kitchens typically benefit from wood cabinets. The natural grain and warmth of oak, cherry, or maple enhance classic design elements like raised panel doors, crown molding, and decorative hardware. Wood’s authenticity contributes significantly to these styles’ character and historical accuracy.

For transitional kitchens blending contemporary and traditional elements, both materials can work effectively. Wood cabinets with simple door styles provide warmth while maintaining clean lines, while textured laminates with realistic wood patterns offer a similar aesthetic with better moisture resistance and lower maintenance needs.

Maintenance and Durability Comparison

Laminate cabinets require minimal maintenance—typically just wiping with a damp cloth and mild detergent. They resist staining and don’t require polishing or special treatments. However, they’re vulnerable to chipping at edges and cannot be sanded or refinished if damaged, often necessitating complete replacement of the affected components.

Wood cabinets need more attentive care, including regular dusting and occasional cleaning with wood-specific products. They benefit from periodic polishing or conditioning to maintain their appearance and prevent drying. The significant advantage is that wood can be refinished—scratches can be sanded out and the surface restained or repainted, extending the cabinets’ lifespan significantly.

In terms of longevity, quality laminate cabinets typically last 10-15 years under normal use, while wood cabinets commonly remain serviceable for 20-30+ years. This difference in lifespan should be factored into budget considerations, as the higher initial investment in wood often translates to lower long-term costs when amortized over the cabinets’ useful life.