Modern Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Metal kitchen cabinets have made a comeback, both in their original retro-look incarnations, and in the form of brand new stainless steel or powder-coated metal cabinets which can give you an ultra-modern kitchen look.

Many people think that metal cabinets are a relic of the 1950′s, but in fact they are still made, in several forms.  You can buy them finished in stainless steel, often built by companies who made them originally for scientific lab or industrial use; and powder coated in the color of your choice.

Both powder coating and stainless steel are extremely solid and durable finishes for cabinets. However, you should investigate what underlies the metal, if anything: are the cabinets all-metal, or are they built of a metal skin over a particleboard or MDF core? Both ways have their pros and cons but in general if you’re looking for metal cabinets in order to get immunity to humidity and temperature swings, you’ll want all-metal construction. If you simply want the “look” in your regular kitchen, other materials under the metal will be fine, as they are the same materials often used in building regular wood veneer or melamine coated cabinets.

Some vendors of metal cabinets, like St Charles, have been building these cabinets for decades. Their new lines include ultra-modern looks as well as retro looks. The steel for the cabinets is 70% recycled and 98% recyclable, so it’s eco-friendly. All the modern interior fittings are available, from pull-out pantries and large, deep drawers to fluorescent lighting. You can even get glass doors and glass shelves (with stainless steel edging!)

Even laminate cabinets are getting in on the metal look. There are laminate finishes which mimic different metals, such as brushed aluminum (which doesn’t pick up the surrounding colors like stainless steel does) and copper. Other cabinet companies give you the option of metal doors and drawer fronts on standard wood-product cabinet boxes. Metal finishes available include brushed, textured and polished. The metal can also be powder-coated with extremely hard-wearing paint (like that used on cars) in a range of vibrant or subtle colors.