See pictures of aluminum kitchen cabinets with what they are, their advantages and disadvantages, costs, types of aluminum doors & frames, brushed aluminum cabinets, designs, and buying tips.
Aluminum is one of the most outstanding materials which has revolutionized kitchen cabinetry design. Aluminum kitchen cabinets have had a growing demand for the past years because of the benefits they offer.
With their sleek finish and outstanding performance these cabinets prove that they are worth the try. Let’s take a deep dive into its characteristics to know if they are the right fit into your home.
What Are Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets?
Nowadays, aluminum is one of the newest materials being used to manufacture kitchen cabinets. As its name suggests, aluminum cabinets are solely made of aluminum and do not use any other material like wood or fiber density boards for its components.
A full aluminum cabinet does not only have aluminum cabinet doors and front panels but also has carcasses, back panels, drawers and shelves all made of the same material.
• Carcass or frame – the framework is made of aluminum square tubes that are joined together
• Face panel or cabinet door, rear panels and end panels – the cabinet doors and panels makes use of aluminum sheets rather than plywood and laminates
• Shelves and drawers – made from rectangular aluminum tubes and aluminum sheets
During construction, the aluminum tubes are joined together to make the framework of the aluminum cabinet. Aluminum sheets are then attached to the frame to make the front, side and end panels. Shelves, drawers and doors are constructed separately and added to the finished cabinet carcass.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets
Advantages of Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets
• Heat resistant – Since moisture and heat are common in the kitchen, it is important to choose a material which can endure both factors and aluminum is the only material which can withstand these well without being damaged. Aluminum is a very stable metal and won’t get affected by varying temperatures.
• Waterproof – Moisture is another big consideration when it comes to kitchen cabinets. High humidity proves to be one of the worst enemies of wood and wood derivative kitchen cabinets because it can cause warping and swelling.
With aluminum you do not have to worry about moisture damage because it is totally waterproof. It has a non porous surface and does not have pores where water can seep into.
• Hygienic and odorless- Another common problem with kitchen cabinets is that if the material is non waterproof, molds and mildews can form and this will eventually lead to musty unpleasant odor.
Aluminum cabinets will never have the same problems because it is completely odorless and more hygienic. This is due to its non porous surface which prevents it from harboring the growth of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.
Needless to say, you can be sure that there will be no molds and mildews in aluminum kitchen cabinets.
Aluminum kitchen cabinets are your best bet for such type of climate because it can withstand different elements without its performance being affected.
• Chemical resistant – The surface of aluminum has a thin oxide layer which protects it from chemicals. These cabinets will not react nor get damaged from mild acidic liquids and cleaning agents.
• Anti rust – As mentioned, aluminum is a very stable metal and its oxidized finish prevents it from rusting and corroding.
• Easy to clean – One of the best benefits aluminum cabinets have to offer is ease of cleaning and maintenance. They do not require much upkeep and only need simple wiping with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust and grease.
It can be easily cleaned without any cleansing agent or detergent and is suitable for busy households.
• Fire resistant – These cabinets provide extra safety by being fire resistant. Unlike wood, aluminum can withstand high heat without getting burned easily.
• Customizable design and color – All the components of an aluminum kitchen cabinet — from the cabinet doors, to the frames can be customized into any color.
Customers have the freedom to modify the design and arrangement in any way they want. While in terms of looks, it offers a cast range of colors which can fit a variety of interior design color schemes.
Another breakthrough in aluminum kitchen cabinet design allows manufacturers to include textures and special finishes like traditional classic wood grain and sleek crystal white finish. Mirrors and clear, textured or frosted glass can also be incorporated in cabinet doors.
• Environmental Friendly – Aluminum is 100% recyclable, sustainable and zero waste.
• Long lasting – Quality aluminum cabinets can last for a lifetime. The thicker the frame and carcass is of your aluminum cabinets, the longer it will last because it has better support and won’t bend easily.
Aluminum cabinets can stay in excellent condition for up to 20 years. An added bonus is that most manufacturers offer it with a 10 year warranty.
• Offers a sleek look and finish – Aluminum kitchen cabinets come with a sleek finish that is perfect for modern and contemporary kitchen designs.
Disadvantages of Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets
• Can be quite expensive – Aluminum is more expensive than wood, but proves to be a worthy investment because its advantages outweigh its drawbacks. It would be worth investing in.
• Design Limitations – Most people perceive that the metallic look of aluminum cabinets are limited to only modern and contemporary interior styles. But nowadays, you can find some manufacturers offering them in more diverse designs.
Aluminum Kitchen Cabinet Doors
The beauty of aluminum cabinet doors is that manufacturers can customize the design based on the customer’s specifications. The versatility lies in the malleability of aluminum.
Even though it is a metal, aluminum can be pressed or hammered into different shapes without breaking, allowing for full design customizability when it comes to kitchen cabinet designs.
Aluminum Frame Kitchen Cabinets
The most common door material for aluminum frame kitchen cabinets are glass inserts. Glass inserts for aluminum frame cabinets are typically 4 millimeters thick.
For the colors, manufacturers offer them in a broad range of options but the most popular variant is frosted and clear glass.
Painted glass is the option used by those who want colored doors with aluminum frame kitchen cabinets. This is a type of glass that is opaque with one side coated with color.
It is available in neutrals like black, taupe , white and gray but also comes in bright hues of red, oranges, blue and green, to name a few.
Safety options for glass inserts usually include tempered glass and safety film. The safety film is used for painted glass and is added to make it shatterproof.
Aluminum frame kitchen cabinets are also very durable and can go through a lot of wear and tear. The smooth, reflective finish of the glass can help make a space look brighter and more open.
In addition, the sleek design and clean look of aluminum frame kitchen cabinets make it an ideal option for contemporary and modern kitchen styles.
Brushed Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets
Unlike polished metal, brushed aluminum has a bit of metallic luster, less glossy and has matte finish. This is the perfect choice if you want something sleek and subtle for your kitchen.
Aluminum Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Aluminum is a perfect choice for outdoor kitchen countertops and cabinets. Contrary to popular belief that all metals rust when exposed to high moisture and heat, aluminum is non corrosive and weather resistant.
It survives well outdoors and won’t get damaged even when exposed to varying climates. This is because aluminum has an oxide coating that is highly resistant. When damaged, it renews itself, making the metal safe from corrosion.
Aluminum outdoor kitchen cabinets are also lightweight and perfect for rooftop and patio. Aluminum is also the metal of choice for outdoor applications because it is easier to work with. In addition to it’s impressive durability, aluminum outdoor kitchen cabinets have a sleek appearance which can help bring a modern touch to an outdoor space.
Aluminum Kitchen Cabinet Price
This is significantly higher compared to other materials for kitchen cabinets like wood, particle board, MDF and HDF. Check out our guide on MDF kitchen cabinets for more related information.
The final price of aluminum kitchen cabinets can increase depending on the thickness of the aluminum panels used and the frames. The type of finish and special textures like wood grains and colors can also raise the cost.
For an average sized kitchen, expect to pay anywhere between $1500 to $6000 for the project. This is whether you want to resurface your old kitchen cabinets with aluminum or construct new ones.
Aluminum Kitchen Cabinet Vs Wood Cost
Also, aluminum kitchen cabinets are more often used in professional kitchens and are considered a less common material than wood and wood derivatives like MDF and HDF.
Typically, an average sized kitchen will cost around $2750 or more when fitted with aluminum cabinets — around 25% to 35% more than its wood counterpart.
However, you get to maximize your investment in the long run because the cost per year is very much lesser in terms of maintenance. Aluminum cabinets also have a longer life span, in fact, five times more than wooden kitchen cabinet’s average, so you get more than your money’s worth.
Several factors give aluminum a higher price point than wood. This includes durability, long lifespan, resale value, maintenance and resistance to different elements.
Although each kitchen cabinet material has their own pros and cons, aluminum kitchen cabinets make it to the top of the list because it is a more durable material, hence, it performs better in wear and tear even in long periods of time.
What to Look For When Buying Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets
Some aluminum kitchen cabinets have thin frames and are substandard, so make sure that only high quality aluminum panels and tubes are used in the construction process. Also, invest in good fittings and cabinet hardware like hinges, drawer systems and hydraulic lifts.
Kitchen cabinets are closed and opened very frequently so even the smallest component needs to be able to withstand constant use.
The second consideration is professional installation. Kitchen cabinets can function to their fullest when manufactured and installed by a professional, so make sure to choose a trusted supplier.
Is Aluminum Good For Kitchen Cabinets?
Aluminum kitchen cabinets are not only super durable but are also non corrosive, odorless, non flammable, anti rust and very hygienic.
It does not have the weaknesses that wood possesses and won’t get damaged from kitchen elements like moisture and heat. To top it all off, aluminum will not rot, decay or get infested by termites.
Overall, aluminum is considered to be the top choice for kitchen cabinets if you are looking for stability, durability and reliability. Visit our guide to aluminum kitchen countertops for more related content.