Are you confused between different types of wooden cabinets in Pakistan and can’t seem to figure out which one might be the best option for you? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you want to install them in your kitchen or any of the other rooms for storage in your home, choosing the right type of wood for cabinets can be quite a difficult task. If you’re building your house or remodelling it, you would know that the quality and design of cabinets and wardrobes can have a huge impact on the overall décor and aesthetics of the space. While good cabinetry can make your place look expensive and luxurious, poorly designed cupboards and shelves can bring down the value of your entire home.
While you can use different materials to construct cabinets, such as aluminium and glass, wood continues to be the most commonly used resource. In fact, wooden cabinets in Pakistan appear to be more popular than any other type. This is because they make for the most durable cabinets while also adding a hint of elegance to your home décor.
Regardless of whether you are buying ready-to-install cabinets or getting them custom-made, you must ensure the material you’ve selected is durable and resistant to rot. You also need to make sure the type of wood you’ve chosen for your home actually fits your budget.
To make things a bit easier, we have compiled a list of popular materials used to make wooden cabinets in Pakistan. However, before we delve further into the topic, it’s important to mention that kitchen cabinets and wardrobes are not entirely made out of one single type of wooden material. For instance, a plywood cabinet may have hardwood trims and a chipboard or modern-density fibreboard (MDF) door.
Most Common Materials for Wooden Cabinets in Pakistan
These are the most popular types of wood used for kitchen cabinets and wardrobes.
- Plywood
- Lasani wood
- Chipboard
Let’s take a look at the characteristics and rates of the most popular types of wood used to build cabinets and cupboards in Pakistan.
Plywood
Plywood is easily the most popular type of wood used for kitchen cabinets and wardrobes in Pakistan. It is a sturdy material that is made from compressed wood sheets covered with a veneer. Plywood is also highly durable and resistant to moisture, heat and pressure. It is also termite resistant and can stand up well to general wear and tear. Wooden cabinets made of this material are used in both kitchen and rooms.
If you would like to maintain your cabinets and other storage units in your home for a longer period of time, using plywood is perhaps your best option. Moreover, it is also used to make furniture.
However, depending on the type of hardwood or softwood used in its making, there are different plywood grades available in the market. People generally use high-grade plywood for cabinets and shelving.
Pros and Cons of Plywood Cabinets
Pro: Wooden cabinets in Pakistan made of plywood are durable and sturdy.
Cons: Although plywood is generally moisture-resistant, constant exposure to water can affect its structural stability in the long run. Therefore, depending on how much your cabinets are exposed to moisture, you can also opt for a plywood body with a chipboard door for your bathroom cabinetry.
Pro: Plywood is a higher-quality material and has a polished look.
Cons: Plywood is a high-end construction material and generally costs more than other material used for wardrobes and cabinets.
Pro: Plywood hold nails, screws, glue and other fasteners better than most other wooden materials used for the construction of cabinets and closets.
Plywood Rates in Pakistan
Depending on your budget, plywood is an ideal option for cabinets and wardrobes in a home. It comes in a variety of price levels, but its starting price is around PKR 5,800 for an 8×4 feet sheet.
Lasani Wood
Lasani is also popular and relatively affordable choice for wooden cabinets in Pakistan. Though technically, it’s not wood but a medium-density fibreboard widely used to build wardrobes and kitchen cabinets. There are several categories of Lasani wood available in the market, including laminated Lasani boards that don’t need a coat of paint or polish.
Lasani wood, or MDF in general, is an engineered wood composite that is made by breaking down pieces of solid wood into fibres. Both softwood and hardwood can be used for this purpose. The wood fibres are then glued together using high temperature and immense pressure. Lasani wood is generally denser than plywood and has no visible knots or rings. Generally, a veneer sealant is used to protect it from moisture.
Furthermore, MDF is generally preferred for shelving and cabinetry because of its smooth texture and a splinter-free surface.
Pros and Cons of Lasani Wood Cabinet
Pro: Lasani wood is highly durable, dense and strong.
Con: This material used for wooden cabinets in Pakistan is dense, making it relatively heavier.
Pro: Lasani wood is easy to cut and trim.
Con: It can get easily scratched and cannot be repaired.
Pro: MDF boards have a very smooth, grain-free surface with no splinters.
Lasani Wood Rates in Pakistan
These are several varieties of Lasani wood available in the market, with their rate varying by thickness, type of wood, density and moisture content among other factors. Not to mention, thicker and denser MDF sheets are costlier.
The price of Lasani wood in Pakistan is between PKR 2800 and PKR 9000 for an 8×4 feet sheet. However, the price of 3D Lasani sheets is approximately PKR 14,000 for the same size.
Chipboard
Chipboard is one of the cheapest wood for cabinets. Also known as particleboard, it is an engineered wood product comprising small pieces of wood, such as wood chips and sawdust shavings, pressed together in the form of a board using glue, resin, wax, dyes and different chemical agents. It is also used for making furniture and doors. This material comes in varying densities and sizes.
However, since the process to make chipboard is quite easy compared to that of making plywood and the material is basically made of wood-waste, it is rather affordable. Most of the ready-to-install cabinets and economical wardrobe options available in the market are made of chipboard or particleboard.
Although chipboard is not as durable and sturdy as other materials on the list, it is a good option for wooden cabinets in Pakistan for short-term use. It also has a smooth surface, making it perfect for the inner shelves of plywood or MDF cabinets.
Pros and Cons of Chipboard Cabinets
Pro: Chipboard is essentially a tightly-pressed composite of wood. Therefore, it has a smooth texture and does not warp than plywood.
Con: This material is prone to denting and getting scratched. Though the costlier variety of chipboards is more durable.
Pro: Particleboard is quite affordable, which makes it a great option for low-cost cabinetry and wardrobe installations.
Con: This type of wooden material doesn’t hold nails and glue very well, thus the joints start to come loose after some time. It also cannot support heavyweight.
Pro: It is also easy to install.
Con: Chipboard cabinets are not moisture resistant. If exposed to water on a regular basis, the material can swell and lose its colouration.
Chipboard Rates in Pakistan
There are quite a few types of chipboards available in the market.
You can buy an 8×4 feet chipboard sheet for around PKR 1,200 on average, though the price may vary depending on its quality and density. On the other hand, chipboard sheets with latex lamination are available for about PKR 1,800.
So, that was our analysis of the types and costs of wooden cabinets in Pakistan. Meanwhile, if you are confused between buying furniture available in the market and opting for a customized alternative, take a look at our guide on custom-made vs ready-made furniture to make the right choice for your home. You can also check out our in-depth analysis of rates and types of wooden flooring in Pakistan to decide which one might work out the best for you.
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