When it comes to kitchen cabinets, there are a lot of different materials that you can choose from. We usually see kitchen cabinets made out of wood, but there are also cabinets made out of steel. Steel kitchen cabinets have been around for a long time, and they are starting to become more popular again, especially in commercial kitchens because of their many benefits. However, there are also a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before making your decision.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of steel kitchen cabinets. We will also help you decide if it is a good idea to make your kitchen cabinets out of steel.
So now let’s answer the question,
Is It A Good Idea To Make Kitchen Cabinets With Steel?
It is very common to see steel as a backsplash or countertop but not so much for cabinets. When it comes to cabinets, wood is still the most popular choice for most homeowners. Steel cabinets are slowly becoming more popular because of the many benefits they offer. So to answer the question, it is not a bad idea to make kitchen cabinets with steel. Metal cabinets are usually made with stainless steel and are commonly found in professional kitchens. We don’t really see them installed in many residential kitchen designs. That notwithstanding, they have many advantages to offer and like any other material, making kitchen cabinets with steel also have its downsides that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of steel kitchen cabinets:
Pros Of Steel Kitchen Cabinets
1. They Are Very Durable
Unlike wood cabinets that will need repainting or refacing because of damages such as chipping or water damage, stainless steel has a long service life and will take you all the way through. They are extremely durable because they are made out of steel. Steel is a very strong material, and it is not going to warp or crack like wood can over time. You definitely don’t need to worry about your kitchen cabinet doors sagging or becoming misshapen when they are made out of steel. You will not also have problems with wood-eating insects either. Having a stainless steel kitchen cabinet also means that cabinet chipping will be a thing of the past.
2. They Are Easy To Clean
Steel kitchen cabinets are very easy to clean because they don’t absorb stains as wood does. Food preparation involves a lot of oil spillage, water, and food splatters. If these stains are not cleaned up immediately, they will become permanent and be very difficult to remove. With steel cabinets, you don’t have to worry about spills and stains making your cabinets look dirty. All you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth, and they will look as good as new.
Some kitchen cabinet materials require polishing to bring out their shine but not steel. All you need to do is give them a quick wipe, and they will retain their original luster.
3. They Are Very Stylish
Steel kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a very modern and sleek look. If you want your kitchen to have that “wow” factor, then you should definitely consider stainless steel cabinets. They will definitely make your kitchen stand out from the rest.
Steel kitchen cabinets also come in different finishes. You can choose to have them in a high-gloss finish if you want your kitchen to look more sophisticated. Or you can choose to have them in a matte finish if you want a more understated look.
Its appearance can be combined with various elements in the kitchen to create a range of looks. For instance, you can pair them with glass for a more minimalist look or with wood for a more traditional look.
4. They Are Resistant To Temperature Changes
Another great thing about steel kitchen cabinets is that they are resistant to temperature changes. This means that your cabinet doors will not warp or crack when exposed to extreme heat or cold.
This is a huge advantage, especially if you live in an area with a very hot or cold climate. Wood cabinets are more likely to warp and crack in these conditions, so steel is definitely the better option.
This is a great benefit because it means that your cabinets will always look new, no matter what the conditions are like.
5. They Are Hygienic:
Steel is a very hygienic material, and it doesn’t harbor bacteria as wood does. It is this reason that schools and hospitals prefer using stainless steel in their kitchens. If you are someone who is very particular about cleanliness, then steel cabinets should be on your list of kitchen cabinet options.
6. They Do Not Absorb Smells
Unlike wood, steel does not absorb smells. This is great if you like to cook with strong-smelling herbs and spices.
Cons Of Steel Kitchen Cabinets
1. They Are Pricey
One of the main disadvantages of steel kitchen cabinets is that they are quite pricey. Stainless steel cabinets are usually more expensive than wood and other material styles.
If you want to have a steel cabinet but still cut down on cost, you can combine wood and metal. For example, you can have the lower cabinet made of steel and the uppers out of wood. You don’t really need to have the entire cabinet including the countertop made out of steel to get the benefits.
2. They Can Be Noisy
If you are looking for kitchen cabinets that will not make any noise, then steel cabinets would not be a good option for you. Stainless steel is a very hard material, and it can create a lot of noise when things are being placed in or taken out of the cabinets. This is because they are not as soundproof as wood cabinets.
You will also need special cabinet liners to muffle the sound of dishes and pots being placed in the cabinets. Otherwise, you will be left with a lot of clanging noises every time you open and close your cabinets.
3. They Show Scratches Easily
Another downside of steel cabinets is that they show scratches quite easily. If you are not careful, you might end up with a lot of scratches on your cabinets.
4. They Are Susceptible To Dents
Another disadvantage of steel cabinets is that they are susceptible to dents. This is because steel is a very hard material. If something heavy falls on your cabinets, then it is likely that they will get dented. This is mostly a concern if you plan to use it as a countertop material. Wood is a much softer material and is less likely to get dented.
5. Cold Tone To Some People
Not everyone finds the cool aesthetics of steel kitchen cabinets appealing. Some people find that steel cabinets give off a very cold tone rather than the warm tone set by wooden kitchen cabinets. This is because of the material itself. If you are looking for kitchen cabinets that will give off a warm and inviting feeling, then steel cabinets would not be a good option for you.
6. They May Rust Over Time
If steel kitchen cabinets are not properly cared for, they may start to rust over time. This is because steel is susceptible to corrosion.
You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your cabinets and making sure that they are properly sealed. However, if you live in an area with high humidity, then it is possible that your cabinets will start to rust over time.
So there you have it, the pros and cons of steel kitchen cabinets. As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to making your cabinets out of steel. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what is most important to you in a kitchen cabinet.