A superb kitchen design is much more than exciting plans and drawings. Selecting the appropriate building materials is essential. To help you make the best choice for your kitchen, we explore some of the pros and cons associated with common building materials. Check back often, we'll have more comparisons for you soon!

Warp Resistant Nice Grain Configuration Easy to Change Stain

May peel with time You cannot sand substrate to refinish if painted

Paint or stain any colour Smooth clean look Easy to sand Easy to repair

May show cracks on small frame joints Paint can be expensive

Hard durable finish Numerous colours and finishes

May peel with time Flat door style limitation

Resembles painted 5 piece door Numerous colours and realistic finishes

Scrathes can't be repaired Lighter colours can yellow in time

No visible joints Easy to clean Virtually stain resistant Under mount sink can be seamless Numerous colours and finishes Light colours can be very affordable

Light colours are prone to coffe and tea stains Darker colours can be expensive

Easy to clean Stain resistant Unique effects

Noisy when used Prone to scratches Expensive

Can be molded into any shape and colour Contemporary look

Porous if not sealed Place stress on the base cabinets

Best cutting board or counter Appealing look

Require frequent maintenance (if used for cutting) May warp in time

Maintenance free Scratch resistant Resembles natural stone

Can be expensive Repetitive patterns

Scratch resistant Large selection of colours and natural patterns Heat resistant

Need to be resealed regularly Can't be repaired or polished

Solid cream and white colours Easy to work with

Prone to scratching Need to be resealed regularly Ages quickly

Ads warmth and charm Large selection of textures and colours Beneficial for your back and posture Finishes with aluminium oxides and titanium are difficult to scratch and are durable

Wears quickly Certain types of woods may wear faster than others

Soft for walking and standing Easy to repair

Extra protection is required if the floor is cross cut Heavy furniture can leave marks

Easy to clean Unlimited selection of colours sizes and finishes Scratch resistant

Low backed tiles are prone to chipping Sub floor can be costly

Unique texture Wears nicely Large selection of colours and textures (brushed, tumbled, chiseled, polished and honed)

Needs to be resealed regularly Expensive

Unique textures for indoors and outdoors Available in a variety of sizes and finishes

Needs to be resealed regularly Expensive

Veneer (Wood) Door
Painted Solid Wood Door
Laminate Door
Thermo Plastic Door

Acrylic & Polyester
Stainless Steel
Cement
Butcher Block
Quartz Based
Granite
Marble

Hardwood
Cork
Ceramic & Porcelain
Lime Stone
Slate