What are the requirements for kitchen furniture?

Buying kitchen furniture in Kyiv is not difficult, but choosing the right option can require significant time and effort. The more thoughtfully you study the options, the more difficult it is to make the right choice from a variety of offers.

Many modern models custom kitchen furniture in Kyiv will amaze you with a variety of amazing designs, beautiful facades, exquisite fittings and materials for countertops that you want to touch with your hand.

For those who are passionate about cooking and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it is important to have the right, convenient and comfortable furniture. In Kyiv, a wide selection of ready-made kitchen furniture is available, presented in showrooms. However, sometimes standard options are not suitable due to the characteristics of the room or due to the individual preferences of the client regarding design, materials and colors. In such cases, you can contact the craftsmen specializing in the manufacture of custom-made kitchen furniture in Kyiv.

Let us offer you some tips on choosing kitchen furniture

1. Comfort in the kitchen is the most important thing

When choosing kitchen furniture, comfort is the most important aspect. Not all models and elements provide ease of use; many of them are designed to decorate the space aesthetically rather than be functional. These details may be justified if you have a lot of free space, but for owners of compact kitchens they may be excessive.

There are several basic kitchen layout options, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most common:

Pay attention to the features of different materials. As a rule, a kitchen set includes several components: upper and lower modules (cabinets and drawers),

A work surface consisting of a tabletop and decorative elements (skirting boards, cornices).

Requirements for kitchen furniture

Each of the components listed has its own requirements for materials, which are determined by three main factors: resistance to external factors (steam, grease, temperature changes), aesthetic appeal and quality of the material. All these aspects affect the cost of the set.

Materials used to create kitchen furniture

In modern conditions, for the production of cases of most custom-made kitchens in Kyiv of the middle price segment, laminated chipboard (LDSP) with a thickness of 16-18 mm is widely used, while for products of a higher price level, preference is given to MDF or solid natural wood. It should be noted that even an insignificant, at first glance, difference of 2 mm is important, since it gives the structure additional strength and reliability.

The back panels and drawer bottoms are also made of chipboard (fiberboard). Although they are hidden elements, they become visible when the doors are opened, so it is recommended to use similar decorative finishes for both external and internal surfaces.

Kitchen facades

The fronts are the calling card of the kitchen space, so it is important to carefully consider not only their design, but also their practical qualities. Cabinet doors are subject to significant loads: they are opened and closed many times, they can be splashed, and they are not always touched with clean hands. Therefore, when choosing fronts, you should consider their durability, resistance to damage and the level of care required to keep them in good condition.

Contact a custom furniture designer or an Azbuka Mebel manager to get information about the features of each material. For example, textured surfaces with frames may be more difficult to care for than smooth, frameless facades.

Environmental aspects of chipboard

It is important to pay attention to the environmental safety of chipboard, which can be harmful to health. 

It is preferable to choose class E1 material to minimize formaldehyde emissions.

If you value your health and the health of your loved ones, do not skimp on finishing all edges, regardless of whether they will be visible or hidden from view.

Here are some of the advantages of chipboard:

1. Wide range of designs: Chipboard is available in a wide range of finishes, from woodgrain to a variety of textures and colours.
2. Cost: It is usually more affordable compared to natural wood materials.
3. Moisture and Environmental Resistance: Well suited for use in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture may be an issue.
4. Ease of processing: Easy to cut, drill and shape compared to natural wood materials.
5. Abrasion resistance: Chipboard generally has a high degree of wear resistance and durability.
6. Uniformity: The surface of chipboard is generally smoother and more uniform than some natural wood materials, making it easier to work with.

Disadvantages of chipboard include:

1. One of the disadvantages of chipboard is its dense structure, which does not allow it to be used to create curved or bent facades.
2. Not eco-friendly: Some types of particleboard may contain formaldehyde or other harmful substances that can be released over time and have negative health effects.
3. Not as heat resistant as natural wood: When exposed to high temperatures, chipboard may become deformed or damaged.
4. Difficult to repair: If damaged or defective, chipboard is more difficult to repair than natural wood.
5. More prone to scratches and damage: The surface of chipboard can easily be scratched or damaged, especially if not used or cared for properly.

MDF (medium density fiberboard). 

It allows you to create curved and relief facades.

Here are some of the advantages of MDF:

1. Moisture Resistance: MDF is generally more resistant to moisture than natural wood, making it suitable for use in damp environments such as a bathroom or kitchen.
2. Ease of processing: MDF is easy to cut, drill and shape, making it easy to process and create various shapes and designs.
3. Uniformity: The surface of MDF is usually smoother and more uniform than natural wood, making it easier to process and paint.
4. Eco-friendly: With proper processing and use of safe materials, MDF can be environmentally friendly and safe for health.
5. Wide range of finishes: MDF is available in a variety of finishes, allowing you to create a variety of interior designs and styles.
6. Warp Resistance: It is generally less susceptible to warping due to moisture or temperature changes than natural wood.
7. Cost-effective: MDF is often more affordable than real wood, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of consumers.

The outer surface of the facade made of MDF can be varnished, painted, film-coated or veneered.

The disadvantage of MDF is its higher cost compared to chipboard, and also the fact that the inner side of the board usually remains white, which does not always match the overall design of the kitchen. However, for an additional fee, you can order boards with double-sided tinting.

Natural wood

No artificial material can replicate the natural beauty and texture of natural wood. Wood can be easily processed into any shape and combines beautifully with other materials. As it ages, wooden furniture usually acquires additional charm, unlike products made of chipboard or MDF. However, despite the obvious advantages, solid wood is exposed to direct sunlight, humidity and temperature fluctuations. Wooden furniture is often significantly more expensive than its counterparts made of chipboard and MDF.

3. The kitchen should be easy to use.

The kitchen should be easy to use. There is a concept of a "work triangle" that includes a sink, a refrigerator and a stove. The main center of activity in the kitchen is considered to be the sink, around which we spend approximately 50-60% of our time in the kitchen. Therefore, it is recommended to place it in the corner. It is advisable to install the refrigerator within 1.2-2.1 m from the sink, and the hob - 1.2-1.8 m from it. 

4. A person feels the most fatigue when working standing. Therefore, it is important to consider the height of the work surfaces, which depends on the height of the person cooking. For example, for an average height (164-168 cm), the recommended height of the work surface is 85-90 cm. Although the most common kitchen is one with surfaces of the same height, it is considered that the most convenient is a work area with sections of different heights. For example, the section with the sink should be the highest (about 100 cm).
5. When choosing kitchen furniture, you should pay attention to the fact that the doors do not irritate you with their slamming sound, and the drawers do not make a knock when closing. It is recommended to choose systems with smooth closing (damper) so that using the kitchen is more comfortable.
6. To illuminate the work surface, it is recommended to use light with a warm white spectrum, which is as close as possible to natural sunlight.

Kitchen countertop  

Types of kitchen countertops:

Chipboard tabletop

Stone countertop

Wooden table top

Take the choice of your kitchen countertop seriously, as it is the object of the main impact, be it a hot frying pan, spilled liquids, dropped pots or an accidentally slipped knife from a cutting board. Therefore, it is recommended to study the properties and capabilities of the selected material in advance to avoid future problems and disappointments.

• Tabletops made of laminated chipboard

Kitchen countertops made of laminated chipboard (chipboard) are the most affordable. The work surface made of this material is highly wear-resistant, impact-resistant, and is not affected by water, acids, or sunlight.

However, it should be remembered that the listed properties do not make the tabletop eternal. Any material requires careful handling: if you start cutting meat directly on the tabletop, microcracks and chips may appear, which will allow water to penetrate to the unprotected layers of chipboard, which will ultimately lead to swelling of the tabletop and negative emotions.

• Ceramic tiles on the countertop

The trendy Mediterranean interior design style offers budget-friendly solutions, including ceramic tile worktops. Ceramic tiles are known for their durability and longevity, making them indispensable in the kitchen. The main focus should be on choosing a quality grout to provide additional protection from external influences. Although using shaped ceramic elements can increase the cost of the project, they add unique charm and personality to the countertop.

• Countertops made of artificial stone

Artificial stone has become an affordable material that is no longer associated exclusively with luxury. It has an attractive appearance, resistance to moisture and negative microorganisms. However, its surface is easily scratched and chipped, and at high temperatures (above 180 degrees) it can soften. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid placing hot dishes on the unprotected surface of the artificial stone countertop.

• Natural stone for countertops

A countertop made of natural stone is often associated with the high status and well-being of the owner. However, among buyers of custom-made kitchen furniture, there is a widespread opinion that natural stone is more difficult to care for and use than artificial analogues. However, it is important to note that no material is free of potential problems during operation. It is enough to learn about the simple rules for caring for a specific type of natural stone, and you can avoid disappointment. Each type of stone has its own care recommendations, and the correct use of special products will ensure the durability and beauty of your countertop.

• Stainless steel table top

Stainless steel countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years. These countertops stand out for their resistance to strong temperature changes, relative resistance to scratches and other mechanical damage, and high hygienic characteristics. In addition, they are not affected by moisture.

• Tabletops made of natural wood 

Wooden countertops are attractive due to their natural beauty, variety of textures and shades, which adds coziness and naturalness to the kitchen interior. In addition, wood is durable and long-lasting, and its environmental friendliness makes it a popular choice among lovers of natural materials. The possibility of restoration and recycling also adds to the appeal of wooden countertops.

In conclusion, it should be noted that each countertop material can improve your interior and serve you for a long time. Just take a little time to study the advantages and disadvantages of the countertop option you have chosen, and then follow the operating rules.