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The choice of kitchen fronts: lacquer, wood or plastic - what really lasts and what it costs
Kitchen fronts largely determine the appearance and character of a kitchen. At the same time, they are exposed to permanent mechanical and chemical stresses. Therefore, the choice of material should be a decision based on a factual consideration of aesthetics, durability, maintenance effort, and costs. This guide provides a technical overview of the common materials for kitchen fronts.
1. Material overview and technical properties of kitchen fronts
| Category | Front type | Manufacturing / Description | Advantages | Disadvantages / Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic-based | Foil front (thermoformed) | A plastic film is seamlessly drawn around an MDF carrier board under heat and vacuum. | • Low price • Wide variety of colors and decors |
• Adhesive can loosen due to heat/steam • Low scratch and abrasion resistance |
| Laminate front (HPL) | A high-pressure laminated board (High Pressure Laminate) is glued to a carrier board. | • Very durable (scratches, impacts) • Hygienic and easy to clean • Resistant to chemicals |
• Edges must be applied separately, a fine gap remains visible | |
| Lacquer laminate front | A multi-layer, pre-painted PET film is applied to a carrier board. | • Similar appearance to real lacquer • Cheaper and often more durable than real lacquer |
• Limited color selection • Does not achieve the depth effect of real lacquer |
|
| Painted | Real lacquer front | An MDF carrier board is painted in several coats and sanded in between. | • Homogeneous, seamless surface • High color depth and quality • Almost unlimited color variety (RAL/NCS) |
• High price • Sensitive to micro-scratches (especially high gloss) • Repairs are labor-intensive |
| Natural materials | Wood front (real wood veneer) | A thin layer of real wood (veneer) is applied to a carrier board. | • Each front is unique (individual grain) • Warm, natural appearance |
• Maintenance effort (especially for oiled surfaces) • Color can change under light exposure |
| Ceramic front | A thin ceramic plate is applied to a stable carrier structure (e.g., aluminum frame). | • Extremely hard and scratch-resistant • Resistant to heat, stains, and acids |
• Belongs to the highest price category • Risk of breakage from strong, localized impacts on the edges |
|
| Special materials | Glass front | A safety glass (ESG) panel, usually painted on the back, is mounted on a carrier frame. | • Elegant, modern look • Extremely easy to clean and hygienic • Color and lightfast |
• High susceptibility to fingerprints • Glass edges are impact sensitive |
| Nanotech material (e.g. Fenix) | Innovative surface made of acrylic resins and a special curing process. | • Extremely matte, low-reflection appearance • Anti-fingerprint property • Micro-scratches are thermally repairable |
• Priced in the premium segment |
2. Materials in direct comparison
| Material | Durability (scratch/impact) | Maintenance effort | Price level | Characteristic |
| Laminate (HPL) | Very high | Low | Affordable to mid-range | Functional all-rounder, very durable |
| Real lacquer (matte) | Medium | Medium | High | High color variety, valuable, homogeneous appearance |
| Wood veneer | Low to medium | High (with oil) | Medium to high | Natural, individual, cozy atmosphere |
| Ceramics | Extremely high | Very low | Very high | Purist, extremely durable |
3. Conclusion: A decision based on priorities
The choice of kitchen front should be based on personal requirements.
- For heavily used kitchens and families: The laminate front offers the highest everyday practicality with a good price-performance ratio.
- For high aesthetic demands: Real lacquer allows maximum design freedom in color and finish. Lacquer laminate is a more robust and cost-effective alternative with a very similar look.
- For a natural and cozy atmosphere: Wood veneer gives the kitchen a unique character but requires a certain willingness to maintain.
- For purist design with minimal maintenance: Ceramics, glass, or nanotech materials offer outstanding technical properties but are positioned in the higher price segment.
It is essential not to rely solely on illustrations. The visual and tactile effect of materials can only be assessed on the actual product. Request samples to check their appearance under the lighting conditions of your own rooms.
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